Step 1: Step Back

Determine a “plan of attack” and finalize your PlasterStone™ appearance.

 

Step 2: Background Preparation

We recommend for backup plaster the use of Building Lime and sand or Mix&GO BaseCoat and RenderCoat to produce a uniform background.  Using a Portland Drag remove any plaster “burrs” and bring the surface to a uniform plane.

 

Step 3: Brush

Clean background of dust, debris, or deleterious material.

 

Step 4: Absorption Control

Thoroughly dampen your masonry background prior to commencing work to promote better bonding and improved application. Your wall should feel “cool and damp” to the touch and a drop of water should take a few seconds to go from appearing “glistening” to “damp”.

 

Step 5: Mixing

To make a full bag of PlasterStone™ you will need between 1 and 1.5 gallons of water. Start off by pouring 2/3 of that in a pail. Gently add the PlasterStone™ to the water. This will allow the material to soak as you are adding, providing a more homogenous mix that is easier to blend. PlasterStone™ can be mixed in a pail using a drill with a paint paddle attachment. Also, it can be mixed by hand or a conventional “paddle” mortar mixer. Ensure that all application tools (spot boards, trowels, etc) are well cleaned and dampened.  Just prior to application, check the substrate’s rate of absorption and dampen again if necessary.

 

Step 6: Application

Just like plaster or stucco application, apply a tight “lift” approximately 1/8” -3/16” thick to the substrate. These tight lifts will help minimize shrinkage. For subsequent lifts, PlasterStone™ should be applied “green on green”. To gauge when PlasterStone™ is ready to receive its next lift, the material should yield to slight pressure but not leave residue when touched. Do not allow PlasterStone™ to cure to the point it begins to change color or “dry” between coats.

 

Step 7: Subsequent Coats

Repeat Step 6 until required thickness is achieved. Allow PlasterStone™ to cure for at least 1-2 hours before carving and finishing.

 

Step 8: Finishing

To finish PlasterStone™ immediately carve the skim or laitance from the surface to reveal natural finish by using either a miter rod/straight edge or the side of a STEEL trowel. Particularly if finishing does not occur for a few days after application the use of a Portland drag can easily remove laitance for up to 7 days. Be sure that you work away from the corners to prevent chipping or crumbling of PlasterStone™ while curing.  Use a level to ensure your surfaces are plumb.

 

Step 9: Details

For details such as cornerstones, quoins, keystones, and ashlar joints, using a pencil and a straight edge mark your design into the PlasterStone™. Using your Portland drags or other jointing tools and a straight edge or rule, carve joints and details to the work. Remember, when cutting in your joints work away from corners or “into your work”, to help maintain crisp corners.

 

Step 10: Pencilling and Jointing

To really achieve a beautiful finish, use Virginia Lime Works Patriot LimePaint to “paint mortar” within the carved joints. If you have carved your joints back to the substrate (approximately 1/2” or more) you can point the joints with a Building Lime or BL Mix&GO Mortar