Products

Surface Preparation

Remove the dust, loose particles, oil and grease from the surface to be plastered. Spray sufficient amount of clean potable water to neutralize the suction of the background. Allow free water to evaporate completely before the application of the cement plaster. Fixing of all attachments such as pipe, conduits, corner beads etc must be carried out before the plastering is begun. The gap of conduits must be tightly packed with cement, sand mortar. In order to maintain the straightness of the plastered surface, the surface condition of the block wall must be examined before the plastering and accordingly the dabs of the plaster mortar must be fixed to maintain plumb and minimum thickness level of the final plaster/render.

For plastering the ceilings and other concrete surface : In order to avoid the damage of concrete due to hacking process for plastering, apply Bonding Key Coat by Tyrolean Box or spray gun to a thickness of 2-3 mm as a texture in order to achieve the mechanical key for plastering on smooth surface of concrete. Key coat must be cured with potable water 3-4 times a day for at least two days before the application of plaster on it. On such prepared surface of concrete, premixed plaster- Dicofix 150 can be applied in thickness of 10-20 mm in single coat.

In the event of dissimilar backgrounds of masonry and concrete, fix a steel wire mesh or Plaster Reinforcing fabric firmly across the joint to prevent the formation of cracks due to differential movement of the backgrounds.

Mixing

Mix one bag of 50 kg premixed mortar with approximately 7-8 liter of clean potable water. The mixing must be done with a suitable electrical stirrer or mechanical mixer. Water can be adjusted according to the requirement. Material, which has begun to hardening, should not be used.

Application of Plaster

It is recommended that the plaster must be applied in single coat of 15-20 mm on internal surface and 20-25 mm on external surfaces of concrete block or clay brick wall.

Apply the mixed plaster, which is in the paste form on prewet masonry wall by steel trowel and press the material into the cavities and joints of the bricks/blocks. Level the applied plaster with the help of featheredge and leave it for approximately 15-20 minutes until it becomes thumb press hard. After Final finishing of the render must always be done with wooden float or steel trowel when it becomes thumb press hard. Smooth finishing, excessive troweling; use of steel trowel and splashing of water during final finish must be avoided.

Movement Joints

A straight vertical joint should be formed in the plaster/render at every 4-meter length. Any anticipated movement should be accommodated by forming a straight joint right through the rendering inline with the change of background. The resulting gap after drying should be filled with suitable joint sealant.

Where the thickness of the plaster/render is expected to exceed 25 mm it must be applied in multiple coats with receding thickness. Each layer of plaster/render must be fully cured, sufficiently hard and dry before going for the next layer of plaster on it. The base coat must also be sufficiently roughened to get the mechanical key for the next coat of plaster on it.

Curing

The plaster/render must be kept moist by curing for at least three to four days with a gentle spray of potable water.

Precautions

Application of Dicofix cement plaster/render may be affected by the combined action of wind, sun and rain, hence all possible protective and preventive measures should be adopted during the application. Dicofix should not be held responsible for any claim arising out of non performance of the product due to wrong application or usage of product for non recommended purpose. The application of primer, paint/texture finish should be carried out only when the plaster is at least two weeks old and free from excess moisture.

Health & Safety

Dry mix plaster Dicofix- 150 contains Portland cement, which after mixing with water becomes strongly alkaline and may cause skin irritation if exposed to such conditions for a long time. Avoid inhalation of dust and in case of contact with eyes and skin, wash with plenty of clean water and take medical help if required. Work in well – ventilated condition and use protective kits such as mask, gloves and spectacles. Keep the materials out of the reach of children.