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I have a basement with cement block walls. I would like to give these walls a more finished appearance by skim coating them, to replace the block-and-mortar grid with a uniform but slightly textured surface. I live in a freeze-thaw climate. The block walls have already been painted with oil and/or latex paints. There is currently no moisture or dampness problem, and I am anxious not create one with this project. Should the new coating be able to “beathe” and allow air and moisture to pass normally? Can anyone suggest a product that would give me this result? Are there any special techniques I should use in preparing the old surface or applying the new material in this application? Many thanks in advance for your suggestions.
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John,
I had a problem skim coating over some existing brick. Call US Gypsum - you can get their number at http://www.usg.com I think. They called back and gave recommendations on plaster, finish coat, and bonding agent.
*i have used the topcoat of eifs( dryvit ) type exterior stucco for this application. i goes on easily, is paintable if you decide to change colors later, and is durable.
*I have skimmed block with Durabond. It worked well and was done over painted block. Knocked off any hods/mortar and hit the mortar joints first. Then proceeded with skimming both horizontally then vertically, again with the Reg. Durabond. Final coated with easysand. This gave a smooth wall. Did another and did a knock down texture skipping the last coat. Best of luck.
*Unless you are after a plaster-smooth wall, I have had real good luck using Sure-Bond (a surface-bonding coating).In the past I have also used a top coat of Thoro-Seal thickened with a fine sand.Terry
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I have a basement with cement block walls. I would like to give these walls a more finished appearance by skim coating them, to replace the block-and-mortar grid with a uniform but slightly textured surface. I live in a freeze-thaw climate. The block walls have already been painted with oil and/or latex paints. There is currently no moisture or dampness problem, and I am anxious not create one with this project. Should the new coating be able to "beathe" and allow air and moisture to pass normally? Can anyone suggest a product that would give me this result? Are there any special techniques I should use in preparing the old surface or applying the new material in this application? Many thanks in advance for your suggestions.