plaster skim coat with sand texture
ahneedhelp
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Hello –
I can’t find a recipe for sand textured plaster skim coat.
I’m about to start patching the walls in a house that has this finish.
Instead of a smooth finish, it is random streaks with sand grains embedded on the surface.
Although this will make patching and blending with existing finish easier, I need to make sure I get the correct sand/plaster mix.
Based on a FH article on plater patching, I’m also considering using joint compound that is fortified with sand.
Any information would be appreciated.
Alan
Replies
Terribly sorry, but I'm replying to my own post to bump the thread up on the listing....
Thanks for any info.
Alan
Depending on the finish, you will probably find that patching sand textured walls is much more difficult than smooth finish. I have done it with EZ Sand 90 and added my own sand with some success. You should either go to a masonry supply yard and get good clean, fine, sieved sand or you can try Play Sand and try to sieve it yourself to get rid of the dirt. If you want a real finish plaster, then you need to buy plastering lime to make your putty, then add gauging plaster for your set, and then add the sand. I know you want an idea about how much sand, but it is purely trial and error. And it's not that hard. Just try to judge the quantity by eye. Make sure you have a sponge float and a bucket of water around to help with the finish. Be patient.
carpenter in transition
The formula that I have been using for 30 years for sand finish plaster is simple
by volume:
1 gypsum plaster, can be GoldBond Two Way Hardwall or USG RedTop :
1 mason sand screened through a screen the size of window screen
Water to taste
Mix the dry ingredients before adding the water.
Apply the finish in a scratch and double coat then float when it is tight enough to give the desired texture. I use a red sponge float.
A mix this rich gets very hard but is sometimes slow to set, it can burn out so you might have to wet it one time to get it to set.
Keep the old work clean. Don't try to lap your new finish onto the old painted plaster. Good luck,
John McElwee
Thank-you very much, John.
Luckily, the walls I'm patching were never painted since the house was built in the 1950s. It's like that throughout the house except in the kitchen and baths where they went with a smooth finish that was painted.
(I will be painting all the walls after patching.)
I do appreciate the mention of materials used.
Time to round up the material.
Alan