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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Newbie Plasterer https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1109513358 Message started by ians on Dec 13^th, 2004, 3:09pm

Title: Newbie Plasterer
Post by ians on Dec 13^th, 2004, 3:09pm

Well I've just skimmed by first wall (nothing big - one side of chimney breast).

I''m reasonably happy with the result, but was astonished at the rate the finish went off (Wickes(Knauf) Universal Finish). Didn't think I was that slow.
I'm not sure if this was natural curing or suction from the bonding behind.

As I now need to finish the front of the chimney breast (much wider AND more visible) I'm wondering what to do. If I try to dothe whole thing in one go the surface will be un trowelable
by the time I get back to the start to trowel it smooth.

Can I do a bit at a time without the joints showing?
Would you expect excessive suction problems with bonding/hardwall plaster? and how to manage?

Appreciate any advice!

Title: Re: Newbie Plasterer
Post by dj on Dec 13^th, 2004, 4:19pm

when did you put the bonding on??

Title: Re: Newbie Plasterer
Post by ians on Dec 13^th, 2004, 4:57pm

About a week ago

Title: Re: Newbie Plasterer
Post by JerryD on Dec 13^th, 2004, 5:27pm

That's about 7 days too long! Best to top coat same day if you can, next day at least!

You'll have to wet it, keep it damp, poss pva it to hold back the suction.

Make sure you use very clean water in the finish plaster, dirty water sets it off quicker as does warm ambient.

Title: Re: Newbie Plasterer
Post by dj on Dec 13^th, 2004, 5:29pm

that's your problem, bonding/ browning is designed to be skimmed the same day, best thing to do is mix pva 3/1 with water and apply to the whole area, DO NOT MISS ANY AREAS,leave to set. coat it again and skim whilst still tacky. this method will kill any suction and should give you plenty of time. i would also recommend you use multi finish or board finish (british gypsum)
not that wickes shiyte.

Title: Re: Newbie Plasterer
Post by JerryD on Dec 13^th, 2004, 5:38pm

wrote on Dec 13^th, 2004, 5:29pm:

not that wickes shiyte.

;D ;D

Title: Re: Newbie Plasterer
Post by ians on Dec 15^th, 2004, 3:02pm

Thanks chaps - your advice very much appreciated.

Actually I thought the Wickes s*%^*& would be OK as its made by Knauf which I'd seen recommended elsewhere.

What's your advice on mix consistency? Should it maintain
its form when poured onto the board or gradually seep
out? My second coat was so thin it would hardly stay on
the hawk but I'd made it so to fight the suction. Seemed to work but was a devil to apply.

Cheers,

Ian

Title: Re: Newbie Plasterer
Post by JerryD on Dec 15^th, 2004, 7:59pm

wrote on Dec 15^th, 2004, 3:02pm:

What's your advice on mix consistency? Should it maintain
its form when poured onto the board or gradually seep
out?

Ideally somewhere between the two

Title: Re: Newbie Plasterer
Post by HandyJon on Dec 16^th, 2004, 9:51pm

I don't know if its the right consistency but it seems to work with me. I use about 5 realy heaped gauging trowels of multi-finish to 1 litre of water. When it needs some help to come out of the bucket is when I consider it right.