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The first step in applying polish to your new plaster is to double-mask the surface. After this step, you should begin applying the second coat. Work from left to right and top to bottom. This way, the plaster will be evenly distributed and will have enough time to dry.
Next, you should apply the third coat and polish it to a high gloss. To finish the process, you should give the plaster at least one hour to set.
Double-masking plaster
Creating a smooth, high-quality finish begins with double-masking the surface of a plastered ceiling. The layers of the plaster are filled with sand and aggregate, which makes the plaster mixture formable. It can be poured, stacked, tooled, or carved once it dries. It is recommended to use Hydrocal White, which is easy to tool. This product can also be drilled and polished, and it ages well without cracking.
The first layer of plaster must be flat and free of air pockets. You can add two to four layers of plaster to one piece of plasterboard or one layer to a brick wall. The second layer should be a thin layer of plaster, since the resulting finish will be warped as the plaster sets. In the UK, finer layers of plaster are added after the first layer has dried, giving the finished product a smooth, polished appearance.
The next step involves mixing the plaster with water and mixing it with a sifter. This ensures a uniform consistency and reduces air bubbles. A sifter is often used to ensure that the plaster is completely saturated. Never stir the plaster while it is wet. Make sure to cover all of the mold, including all of the nooks and crannies. Then, double-mask the surface again.
A perfect separation agent for plaster is mold soap. This material, also called potter’s soap, is easily obtained from ceramic suppliers. This soap is not toxic or will transfer to the cast part. Moreover, it will not affect the plaster’s ability to absorb water. A 16 gallon Rubbermaid container can hold a full bag of plaster. This method ensures a smooth, flawless finish. Once finished, double-masking is an excellent method to create a terrazo-like finish.
After the plaster has dried, you must make the casing using layers of pure and non-woven materials. A face coat of pure plaster is applied first, followed by a reinforcement layer of sisal. A final layer is made of sisal or another layer of plaster. Never mix two separate mixes of plaster, as it will create a mold that warps and is unstable. Alternatively, use one mix for all layers and fractionate it.
Cleaning plaster before polishing
Before applying polish to a finished plaster surface, it’s essential to clean it. There are a number of ways to do this. The first method is to wipe the surface with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Using a wet cloth, rub the plaster surface with the other side until the surface is free of dust. Once the plaster is dry, apply a topcoat. Once the topcoat is dry, burnish the surface to restore its smooth appearance.
Another method involves adding water to the dry mix to create a “preliminary coat.” This prevents the substrate from absorbing moisture from the plaster, which will cause it to crumble and fall apart. The water should be at least five or seven gallons in size. Then, mix the plaster by shaking the bag until it forms a mound above the water level. If dry plaster particles remain, use a stirring rod or plunger to incorporate them into the mix.
A wet cloth should be used for this step, because water can soften the plaster. Then, it’s time to sand the surface. This should be done slowly, in small sections. Using a dry, stiff-bristled brush helps sand the surface without affecting the plaster. Always use gloves while doing this step. During this process, you should pay special attention to the corners and edges of the plaster. Using a finger while wearing gloves is an excellent way to ensure a professional line when unmasking the plaster.
To burnish the plaster surface, use a steel spatula. Make sure the spatula does not nick the plaster. If you accidentally do, repair it immediately. If the wall has any dust or other crumbs, use a clean, lint-free shop cloth to remove them. These cloths are most effective on walls with textured surfaces. In addition, they do not leave fibers behind. During the process, it’s important to remember to use a primer to protect the plaster surface.
Plaster is soft and porous. Some artists seal the surfaces they work on to reduce the possibility of porosity. However, this means that abrasives and household cleaning products can damage it. Also, the armature provides support for the structure. And with high relative humidity, plaster can become vulnerable to oxidation and decay. Consequently, it’s important to keep it away from high humidity and dampness.
Using Kreidezeit Punic Wax
The Kreidezeit brand of “Punic Wax” is a versatile material that can be used to polish plaster and other decorative surfaces. This wax is formulated with a combination of beeswax, olive oil, water, potassium and sodium hydroxide as solvents and provides a high-gloss finish after polishing. The product can be applied to different types of coatings, ranging from matt to shiny. It is applied in one or several wafer-thin layers and is then polished using a trowel.
This product is based on beeswax and is a soft, creamy consistency. It is bleached over active charcoal and Fuller’s earth and is partially water-soluble. It is very easy to spread and apply. Unlike traditional waxes, Punic Wax is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and odorless. This product is the most eco-friendly option for polishing plaster.
It is an excellent thickener for lime based products and is effective on a wide range of other materials with high PH. For best results, the Densifier is mixed with the plaster paste at high speed and poured slowly into the mixer’s vortex. The Densifier starts a densification process when it comes in contact with the plaster, so be careful and make sure to mix it well. Otherwise, it will form lumps. The product should be stored for 36 months after purchase.
If you’re working with a lime plaster, you can try Stucco Fine, which is an easy-to-use lime-based plaster. It is suitable for high-quality natural spatula techniques in interior decorating. It is a versatile product that creates surfaces with a high lustre similar to polished marble. It’s also suitable for lime-based and solid mineral plasters. It also works well on gypsum fibre boards and concrete.
Applying Marmorino plaster
If you want to apply Marmorino plaster to a tiled floor, it’s essential to follow some simple steps. First, make sure the surface is completely dry before applying a second coat of plaster. If there are bubbles in the first coat, you should work slowly and carefully to remove them. Don’t be tempted to reapply too much plaster, because it will give you an uneven surface and lead to shrinkage or cracking.
When applying Marmorino plaster, make sure the surface is clean and free of loose materials. Make sure to cover fixtures and remove any loose material. If the surface is unfinished, it’s important to apply three to four layers of joint compound before applying the plaster. Finally, use a primer to seal the surface and protect it from drying out. This will give your new Marmorino plaster the smooth finish it’s been waiting for!
Before applying the final coat, apply a base coat of plaster to the surface. Apply the plaster in small strokes, starting from a corner. Use latex gloves to prevent plaster from spilling onto other surfaces. Once the plaster has dried, rub it lightly to remove excess plaster. Then, apply a second coat. Repeat this process if needed. Afterward, you can buff or polish the surface to create a new look.
If you want to apply a second coat of Marmorino plaster, it is essential to burnish it after the first one. You should do this with a burnishing tool while it’s still a little wet, but not so much that it lifts off the trowel. Use small tools to burnish the surface, as they can apply more pressure and produce a higher gloss.
Before applying Marmorino, you must apply a thin layer of it. It should be applied in shadow areas, as it can be quite slippery. Before applying the second layer, you must apply a small amount of water. Make sure you don’t apply too much or you’ll leave a dark greasy spot. It’s also important to use a protective wax like bee’s wax, as it prevents Marmorino from becoming stained.