Replies

1. 
   brownbagg | Nov 28, 2006 02:44am | #1

   if you use a portland based material, it will bond.

2. 
   WayneL5 | Nov 28, 2006 05:47am | #2

   Do you need it smooth, or just lacking in pits?  Drylock and block filler are two possibilities if you don't need it smooth.

1. 
   user-233676 | Nov 28, 2006 03:04pm | #4

   I would like it to be smooth , like a plaster wall. I am leery of cement based products, they aren't smooth enough . I would have to skim them with something anyway. Thats why I thought Durabond would be a good choice. it seems to stick to everything and is not water soluble once dry.

1. 
   DonCanDo | Nov 28, 2006 03:21pm | #5

   Durabond is not EASILY water-soluble, but it will be dissolved by water, however slowly.  I think it would be a bad choice for basement walls where moisture may be migrating through the walls.  I can imagine that there could be enough moisture to be a problem (it doesn't take much), yet not enough to be obvious.  The fact that you run a dehumidifier is evidence that moisture is coming from somewhere!  Probably through the walls.

   You could glue a layer of 3/8 drywall to get a smooth wall.  typically, you would leave an air space behind it, but if you're sure it will never get damp (unlikely), just glue it directly.  At least if it fails, it will be easier to remove than a layer of Durabond.

   -Don

1. 
   user-233676 | Nov 28, 2006 03:54pm | #6

   Thats a good idea. Maybe even glue some denshield to the foundation since it can be used under tile  in wet areas.

3. 
   Lansdown | Nov 28, 2006 06:26am | #3

   Thoroseal is another option.

4. 
   SamT | Nov 28, 2006 04:01pm | #7

   Xypex Corporation

   SamT
5. 
   Heck | Nov 28, 2006 05:40pm | #8

   Here's some more to look at:

   http://www.ugl.com/DRYLOKFrame.html

   _______________________________________________________________

   Wanted: Meaningful overnight relationship.

6. 
   bigfootnampa | Nov 29, 2006 12:00am | #9

   What you want is smooth stucco, simple situation.  You can buy stucco mix or easily make your own.  You can smooth it till it's nearly as smooth as a slate topped billliard table if you want to.  Durabond is great stuff but not as water resistant as you want when you are applying to concrete basement walls.  If you haven't had much experience with trowels you'll do well to farm this out to a plasterer/stucco man.  They will make it look quite easy... but for a beginner it can be quite a formidable challenge.  Experience is an inestimable advantage in the trowel trades.

1. 
   SamT | Nov 29, 2006 01:30am | #10

   Experience is an inestimable advantage in the trowel trades.

   And one that I've always avoided. With all the concrete I've been professionally involved with, I'll bet that I have less than 8 hours with a trowel in my hand.SamT

2. 
   Jer | Nov 29, 2006 01:35am | #11

   "Experience is an inestimable advantage in the trowel trades."Thank you.

7. 
   Jer | Nov 29, 2006 01:38am | #12

   What Bigfoot said.

8. 
   sungod | Nov 29, 2006 03:51am | #13

   Mike, just skim coat the whole wall with drywall joint compound. You don't have any moisture problems, so it will hold up. Cement products will never come out as smooth cause you can't sand it and it doesn't blend well when you stop and start.
   Thoroseal is horrible if you don't soak the wall first, the Thoroseal reacts with the old cement which produces little bubbles in the finish.
   Get a pool plasters' trowel, its the one with rounded edges. Drywall mud sands to a smooth finish unmatched by others. If moisture does get to it, the paint on it will peel, but its real easy to patch again.

1. 
   DonCanDo | Nov 29, 2006 04:18am | #14

   Mike, just skim coat the whole wall with drywall joint compound. You don't have any moisture problems, so it will hold up.

   Remember, he's running a dehumidifier in the basement.  I don't think it's a safe assumption that he doesn't have any moisture problems.

9. 
   Extreme | May 19, 2020 01:13pm | #15

   I just finished doing this. I have seen all of the warnings about moisture. I did my 2200 sq ft basement. Two thick coats of joint compound. Does it look as good as drywall. No, but very close. The first coat fills all of the holes and covers the popcorn texture paint. The 2nd coat creates a surface that can be sanded and I mean SANDING. Total cost to skim coat $225 including combo primer/paint. Cost savings over framing/drywall. A lot. Painted my ceiling flat black. Still needed to enclosed my utility room with framing and drywall. All of my utilities are open just in case. Epoxied the basement floor with 3D imitation marble. Installed 30 10Watt LED FLOODS on a dimmer. My friend did his basement the traditional method. Cost him 20 times more and his is 1900 Sq Ft.