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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Plaster drying too quick https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1140992498 Message started by new_boy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:21pm

Title: Plaster drying too quick
Post by new_boy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:21pm

Hello there
I am new to the forum, I am plhaving trouble plastering a ceiling. : :( :(
When I apply the plaster it is drying out virtualy as I put it on so I`m unable to smmoth it out. Can anyone give me some advice to help

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by Chaddy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:37pm

is the plaster in date still??

If its not it can set almost instantly ::)

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by scotspark on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:40pm

add more water ;D

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by new_boy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:43pm

Yes its a new bag of multi finish. The cieling does seem very powdery when I am troweling the plaster on

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by new_boy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:45pm

Scott
If I add any more water I wont get it on the trowell ;D ;D

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by Chaddy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:49pm

Dont want to teach you to suck eggs. Have you checked the date on the bag??

If you bought it from a diy shed it could well be out of date or it could have been stored incorrectly.

Just noticed you said the ceiling was powdery....have you sealed it at all??

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by new_boy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:59pm

I will Have to buy another bag to redo anywy so I will check the date.
No I havent sealed it. looks like thats where ive gone wrong :-[ :-[ :-[
Should I use PVA to seal, should it be diluted and do I need to let it dry before skimming

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by Chaddy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 11:11pm

If you use a 5-1 water/pva mix. 'Paint' this liberally onto the ceiling. Allow to go tacky.

Apply the plaster when this is goes sticky. You should be ok. ::) :P

If you have got a builders merchant nearby you'd be better getting your plaster from them they have a much higher turnover of stock and so the plaster should be well within date.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

PS welcome to the forum ;D

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by new_boy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 11:16pm

Thanks Chaddy
Will have another go on Friday

Can I scrape the crap layer of plaster off or just go over the top? ( its not very thick )

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by Chaddy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 11:20pm

You'll be better to scrape it off mate. :(

You'll probably find it hasn't 'stuck' properly anyway due to the powdery surface.

On a positive note it should come off easy!! ;D

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by JerryD on Feb 26^th, 2006, 11:35pm

Make sure you use clean (drinkable) water for mixing the plaster and also make sure the room is NOT heated for at least 24 hours prior to plastering.

Keep all doors into this room closed to stop heat from other parts of the house entering.

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by new_boy on Feb 26^th, 2006, 11:46pm

Thank for the tips Jerry
Should i clean the bucket after every mix

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by Chaddy on Feb 27^th, 2006, 8:07am

yes clean the bucket thoroughly between mixes. ;D

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by woodsmith on Feb 27^th, 2006, 8:16am

When you are mixing the plaster add the powder to the water not the other way round. For some reason I find it sets a lot quicker if you add the water to the powder. It should stay workable for 40 minutes or more.

You may find it easier to skim a thin coat, not worrying too much about the finish, then while the first coat is still wet, lay on another thin coat, which you can trowel off to a good finish.

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by Robbo on Mar 2^nd, 2006, 8:51pm

What surface exactly are you skimming onto?
If it is new plasterboard then DO NOT pva it. If it is an old painted ceiling then do indeed p.v.a. it in fact do it twice!
One trick to retard the setting time is to add a splash of pva into the mix. There are some plasterboards that if fixed ivory side up instead of ivory side down send the plaster off almost instantly....could this be the problem.
As mentioned by woodsmith put on a coat of skim (though not too thinly) this you want to flatten down as best you can after application, then you can add a thin second coat, termed laying in, this coat you will have time to perfect a finish on as it will not take up so quickly. Flatten it down as it begins to set... a splash of water and a trowell, repeat again and finally a dry trowell to polish the finish.

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by new_boy on Mar 4^th, 2006, 2:05am

I am skimming onto what looks like a very old plaster surface so will make sure that PVA`d twice and ALL mixing equipment is clean

Thanks for the advice. I will let you all know how I get on.

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by new_boy on Mar 4^th, 2006, 10:45pm

Hi All
I managed to replaster the ceiling and followed some of your tips. It didnt turn out perfect but its good enough to use a textured paint on :) :)

Thanks again for your help

Title: Re: Plaster drying too quick
Post by Chaddy on Mar 5^th, 2006, 8:11am

Glad you got it sorted mate.

Nice one ;D ;D