Marmorino Application

The most widely used and versatile plaster - Page 4 of 6

Time yourself:
100 square feet takes about 45 minute to an hour to plaster. If you're new at this, it might take a little longer. You should start leveling/floating the stuff after about 20 minutes and burnishing after 45 minutes. Since you want to keep it wet on wet when applying, based on the drying time, it would seem impossible to do an area of more than 100-200 square feet by yourself. To solve this problem; spray water on the seams/edge of the plaster. This will give more open time. You might want to wet the whole area before application, too. We have done this successfully with 500 square foot ceilings. This method is easier if the color of plaster is lighter. If the area is too tall or difficult and slow to work around, you might want to reconsider or hire someone to help you. If you are adding Lime Paint (or similar dramatic effect) afterwards, then don't worry too much. You can hide most imperfections with it.

1st coat:
Apply about 1/16th of an inch thick keeping your trowel at a 5 degree angle or less from the wall. Come back and level or float out high spots after about 30 minutes. Try not to make too much chatter with the trowel. Chatter is patterned lines that the trowel can make if held at too great an angle. If this happens, float out the chatter or just re-trowel or re-layer the spot when still wet or damp. Depending on the look you're going for, you might want chatter. Allow 24 hours to dry.

2nd coat:
The second coat must be applied wet on wet to avoid any patches. The second coat dries faster than the first so time it a little faster. Before you start, if you want a razor sharp edge between the wall and trim, put some plaster on your finger and run it thinly between the tape and wall. Apply just enough so you can still easily remove the tape. Right afterward start to apply the plaster in a similar fashion as the first coat at about 1/16th of an inch thickness or greater. Again hold the trowel at a 5 degree angle or less. Remember to make it look natural. After doing a section, go back and add slight skim coats of the same color or a different color. When slight amounts of plaster are skimmed over as mentioned, it can give it a more textured and natural look. After about 20 minutes, you should go back and level or float out some highs. This is also a good time to fix any odd trowel marks. Check out the creative techniques section.

MARMORINO APPLICATION CONTINUED
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6