Quick Question About Plastering

[Tozzy]

Hi,

Just about to start plastering the side of my window which is currently bare brick. Should be a pretty straightforward job as it's literally about 6 inches wide and so many feet tall. I've got a few techniques to use too, but the problem is, I've bought a 5kg bag of portland cement for the render coat (1st coat) and finishing plaster for the skim coat. Is it possible to use cement and sand for the render coat or do I really need to use plaster? I will be papering ontop when all dry.

P.S. How long do you reckon I have to wait for the sand and cement (if I can use this of course) to dry before applying the skim coat?

Been a while since DIYing so I feel I have lost some previous knowledge .

Cheers .

 

[brist]

Forget the cement. Use carlite backing plaster then skim with 2 coat plaster

 

[noseall]

Use carlite backing plaster

i still call it carlite but i think it's under the name 'thistle' bonding and browning these days.

 

[Tozzy]

Thanks guys.

Oh? so cement and sand will not work for such a small job? I was rather hoping it would . I mean it's only going to have a bit of wallpaper over it afterwards .

 

[noseall]

yes, sand & cement render will work.

 

[keyplayer]

Thanks guys.

Oh? so cement and sand will not work for such a small job? I was rather hoping it would . I mean it's only going to have a bit of wallpaper over it afterwards .

I don't see why you can't use a render mix if you've already bought it all.

EDIT - noseall got there first....

 

[Tozzy]

yes, sand & cement render will work.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear . Just a lot easier because I can combine with another job I'm doing and mix the whole batch in my Belle cement mixer.

Cheers!

 

[brist]

u can use cement . Carlite is quicker and about £5 a bag.

 

[Tozzy]

u can use cement . Carlite is quicker and about £5 a bag.

Well it's only a teeny weeny job so cement will be perfect and I can combine this job for when i set my tiles (another job) in the cement I will be using. Portland cement was a little cheaper than the carlite. Ah ok it was only 5kg lol, but ah well.

The thing with plaster is I've never used it before whereas with cement I'm really confident in mixing it and using. I know exactly what to expect when I use it and how much to use. That's the thing with me I guess, I don't like change .

Ok, lets carry on DIYing!