Replies

1. 
   CloudHidden | Jun 22, 2006 06:28am | #1

   Use it straight.

1. 
   vernissage | Jun 22, 2006 06:34am | #2

   Any particular reason?

1. 
   CloudHidden | Jun 22, 2006 03:27pm | #5

   In our use of it I haven't found a need for the extra hardness that adding portland would achieve. It can be done, but what's the benefit?

1. 
   Yersmay | Jun 22, 2006 04:10pm | #6

   I'm in the middle of a plastering project... I'm learning as I go and I'm definitely not a pro... Structo-lite is great, but it's not the easiest to screed and/or rub to a flat surface if you have a smooth finish in mind. For that reason, for the first time I'm experimenting with a sanded base-coat, rather than a perlite based one like Structo-lite. Whatever your finish coat is, be sure it's compatible with the base coat... Some finish coats are meant to bond with Structo-lite, others work with other kinds of base coats.

2. 
   vernissage | Jun 22, 2006 05:28pm | #7

   thanks for your input. I checked out your work... very cool stuff

2. 
   peteduffy | Jun 22, 2006 06:37am | #3

   My neighbor, a 4th generation plasterer, mixes a little lime putty in the Structolite.

   Also, the trick with this over metal lath is not to use the edge of the trowel too much.  Just float it on with the face.  It takes a special touch (that I do NOT have).

   Pete Duffy, Handyman

3. 
   andybuildz | Jun 22, 2006 06:48am | #4

   Just don't use a metal float...use wood and keep it smooth but porus.

   If Blodgett says, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!

   TipiFest 06~~> Send me your email addy for a Paypal invoice to the greatest show on earth~~>[email protected]

4. 
   BryanSayer | Jun 22, 2006 05:36pm | #8

   I throw a little molding plaster in with mine, which makes it setup faster, and perhaps be a bit harder. Certainly not necessary though.

   Just be sure that you bring the level up just shy of the finish level. You want your finish coat to be around 1/8" thick. If the finish coat is too thick it shrinks and makes spider web cracks, and doesn't adhere all that well either.

   I've come to the conclusion that I can't do the finish coat all that well, and I'm bring the pros back to finish it off.

5. 
   JohnSprung | Jun 22, 2006 09:04pm | #9

   USG says not to use it over metal lath:

   http://www.usg.com/navigate.do?resource=/USG_Marketing_Content/usg.com/web_files/products/prod_details/USG_Structo-Lite_Plaster.htm

    

    

   -- J.S.

    

1. 
   CloudHidden | Jun 22, 2006 11:00pm | #10

   USG says not to use it over metal lath

   Not really, John. "Not recommended over metal lath when a smooth trowel finish is required."

   Also, "Structo-Lite¯ Brand Basecoat weighs half as much as sanded plaster and is perfect for locations where an aggregate is not needed or wanted. Quick and easy to apply by hand or machine over gypsum or metal lath, Structo-Lite Basecoat mixes easily with water at the jobsite and is a good choice in situations where high thermal conductivity is needed. Available in regular or masonry formulation."

2. 
   vernissage | Jun 22, 2006 11:55pm | #11

   Yes, but only for a smooth trowel finish.