| murray |
|
|
| #1 |
Hello...I've been able to find lots of info on repairing or replacing old plaster but not much on new construction. I don't have road access to my place, and my building materials need to be moved by rowboat and hauled up a steep trail. Drywall is NOT going to be an option.
Cedar lathe is relatively affordable in my area. The cabin is rustic and I'm really not interested in mirror smooth finishes, a bit of texture would be just fine.
I'm interested in trying to do an old-style three coat plaster wall, but today everyone (like the structolite people) seems to insist on metal lathe for the products. Is this excessive caution? What would be a good product for a scratch coat and brown coat? Finish Coat? Or if anyone knows of any good resources on the internet for new plaster lathe construction that they could share??
Thanks so much,
murray
|
| |
| Mike |
|
|
| #2 |
Hi Murray,
For the most part the structolite people are right, only because most people don't know how to work with wood lath. Most put the lath up dry and make a really soupy mix that is really hard to handle, and because the plaster was too loose to begin with it cracks. The most logical place for it to crack is along the spaces where it is supposed to key. The other thing is they either leave too large a gap or too narrow a gap on the lath.
The key to working with wood lath is:
First: soak the lath for at least a day before you use it. Take it out of the water let it dry for an hour or so, that way it won't drip all over everything while you are working with it.
Second: Stagger the joints. No more than five pieces high before moving the joint. Use a piece of the lath on edge to establish the spacing between pieces. Use the same spacing on the vertical joints. Make sure all the spacing between pieces is consistent. Put two nails in each stud. Just use one nail on the ends to keep them from splitting.
Third: After you have the lath put up keep it wet. Use a pump up garden sprayer and just keep going over it. Don't try to do this alone. You need at least one person mixing and keeping things wet and two people applying it. Another person going back and forth between tasks is also a good idea.
Fourth: Mix the structolite according to the instructions on the package. You can also add a bag of very fine sifted play sand or silica per bag (some places carry it in fifty pound bags now instead of the old 80 Lb. bags.) If you have the fifty pound bags mix double batches. Get the newest material. It does have a shelf life. If it is more than 4 or 5 months old it is liable to snap set. Apply the material the same as regular plaster, and follow the instructions on the bag.
Fifth: Let the plaster dry slowly. After it is set lightly mist it with your sprayer. Start out misting it 3-4 times a day to start, then 1-2 times and so on.
If it doesn't come out as smooth as you want it (structolite is not easy to use for the beginner) you can put our base coat over it for a really beautiful finish.
Now you know why they came up with wire lath.
For all the trouble it sounds like once you get into it , it really isn't that bad. Just sounds like a lot of work.
I have done this on 20-30 new houses and countless restorations.
Hope this helps.
Mike
|
| |
| Clarence Bauer |
|
|
| #3 |
Murray
I agree with all things Mike stated as that will work.
One thing I would change is to use Wood Fiber Plaster with sand added and instead of one part sand add two parts.
But before you decide lets talk to Mike about it.
|
| |
| Mike |
|
|
| #4 |
Hi Murray,
Hank is right. Wood fiber plaster with sand added is the better choice. I thought you wanted to use the structolite for ease of handling and mixing.
Wood fiber is certainly historically more accurate, which really doesn't matter since this is new construction.
The wood fiber is a little harder to mix and work with. The question is which one you feel more comfortable with given your experience level.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the input Hank. It's always insightful and appreciated.
Mike
|
| |
| Bob |
|
|
| #5 |
Just happened to notice your question. I would not use cedar for plaster lath as the color will bleed through the plaster. Spruce, fir, pine or something similar would be a safer bet.
|
| |
