FLOAT AND SET ?????

Could someone please explain what float and set is and (in simple terms) explain how it is done ?

It is to be done on internal walls

Any help much appreciated

All float and set is carried out on internal walls, or even ceilings. It is mostly done on brick or block walls. It is the process of turning, say a brick wall into a finished plastered wall. FLOATING is the application of undercoat plaster over a whole brick wall to the depth of around a half inch thick,or depending on the thickness required. Undercoat plaster can be Bonding Coat, Browning, Hardwall. Cement render also can be used to float a wall.The plaster float coat is put on with a plastering trowel,usually stainless steel as they will not rust. Levels for plumb and straight are put on the wall first. These are crucial as you will work from these as you go. They are mostly wooden, and will help to form a screed across the wall from which you will work the straight-edge,and are removed after they are finished with. Once the whole wall has been coated out to the required thickness, ruled off with the straight edge, and all low spots have been filled in, the floating coat is then darbied,( a long 3-4ft wooden/aluminium float with two handles on), rubbed up with a devil float (a float with a couple of nails in the corners) to scratch it and give it a key. The wall has now been FLOATED and must be left to go hard. It is now ready for the SET, which is the application of the smooth finishing coats of plaster(2 coats) e.g Multi-Finish (again applied with a s/s plastering trowel) This plaster gives the wall it's finish. This is a very basic explanation of FLOAT and SET, but there is a lot more to it as you will understand. Hope this at least explains some of it.


Roughcaster.