Storing powder, like cement, plaster etc for those small jobs tip.

[camerart]

Hi,
I keep powders like grout, cement and plaster in one of those blue tubs with the clip that seals the top.

I used some cement that is many months old the other day to lay a small number of bricks, and the job went ok.

Perhaps a useful tip?
C.

 

[jj4091]

As long as it's completely full and there is no air gap it should keep for ages. If your tub is only partially full put a piece of polythene over the surface to stop any condensation, that forms inside, getting to the material or put it in a large sealed plastic bag inside a a tub.

 

[camerart]

As long as it's completely full and there is no air gap it should keep for ages. If your tub is only partially full put a piece of polythene over the surface to stop any condensation, that forms inside, getting to the material or put it in a large sealed plastic bag inside a a tub.

Hi JJ,
I leave it in the sun, and every time the lid bulges, I 'burp' it and reseal each time.
C.

 

[^woody^]

TBH, for cement I just leave it in a polythene bag (that the sand or gravel came in) with a brick on it to keep it closed.

If any lumps develop just pick them out. As long as its powder, it's OK to use.

Cement does not go off unless its mixed with water, and the dates on the bags are just for H&S reasons relating to the chromium content and skin dermatitis.

The only thing that does not keep however much you try is plaster and other gypsum related powders. They stay as powder and look OK, but go off almost instantly when you try to use them a few weeks after opening.

 

[noseall]

The only thing that does not keep however much you try is plaster and other gypsum related powders. They stay as powder and look OK, but go off almost instantly when you try to use them a few weeks after opening.

I’m old enough to remember old Carlite wall finish, setting in seconds and heating up. Really hard to mix that stuff was especially with a stick and no bodger.

 

[^woody^]

old Carlite

Nah, never heard of it.

 

[noseall]

Nah, never heard of it.

Because it was designed for skimming high suction (browning) background, if you made the mistake of using it on boards, you’d be waiting all day for it to go off. When it did decide to go, it’d go in seconds.

 

[JohnD]

The cement association used to say "if it is free of lumps that cannot easily be broken in the fingers, it is safe to use"

Export cement used to be packed in barrels or drums to protect it from humidity.

Old plastic 5 litre tubs from paint or grout seal well.

 

[foxhole]

I pack in plastic containers and place paper kitchen towel on top , absorbs any moisture , used cement a year old and been fine .