Plastering Question
 

Usually, plasterers put on a bonder (pink or blue) over the existing plaster before they put on more plaster (to fix a "bad hand" = ugly surface). I think this is called "thin wall" (??).

I had a guy do some repairs without using any bonder first - they are fairly small in area - about 1/2 ft. wide by 3 ft. tall, and another one about 1 ft x 1 ft. (these are on either side of a new window) - I had to chip some of it away to make my interior trim fit properly and noticed it really came off the wall easily.

---> Do I need to make sure he uses bonder before he puts on the plaster?

I am going to ask him to redo the entire area wall edge to wall edge to make sure he matches the hand (surface swirls), as he didn't match the existing hand before. This is that 1 ft. x 1 ft. area - it is pretty blobby looking.

He has to redo some of the plaster anyway - as he completely forgot to put any plaster above the window (!)

I want to make sure this gets done right... as it will be the 3rd attempt by this company... (but not by him - 2nd attempt by him).

Yes, insist on a bonderizer. ( glue is their slang )


KT

Find someone that actually knows what they are doing. Your guy/company doesn't...

JR

so, was bonder definitely required - even for the small strips (less than a foot across)?


re new company - that makes it a much bigger legal hassle, but we'll see

He needs to use a bonding agent.

Even on new construction it is code down here to use the bonding agent on the smooth concrete such as the lentils and tie beam before the scratch coat.

There are new bonding agents that are clear so they don't stain other areas. You should be able to get it at HD. Just apply with a roller.

ok, this is over an old surface - which I think was plaster also

did it still need bonder?

Well, you can refer to all the posts that tell you to use it.

Or, you can consider that the repaired areas aren't sticking well.

I don't know, may be there's a conclusion that is escaping me.... :rolleyes:

JR

Old plaster that takes up water does not always need bonder and bonder was not always available. The area to be patched has to be firm and roughed up, scored is best. Old plaster sometimes needs to be treated. It can be too alkaline. Just spray some distilled vinegar on it.

thx - I will make sure they use bonder over the large - wall edge to wall edge area - about 5 ft. high by 10 feet across.