Equipment required
Breathaplasta Universal
Clean water and brush or mister
Hawk, trowel and plastering tools
Recommended plaster thickness
Approx. 15-20mm total thickness.
Coverage per 18kg Universal bag
Approx. 5 square metres at 4mm thickness
Setting time per coat
Approx. 45-60 minutes.
Surface preparation
Plaster must be ‘haired’ (fibres added) for the application of the first coat. As a guide, use 2g of animal hair per 1kg of plaster.
Ensure lath is in good condition and well fastened with drywall screws or stainless steel, ring shanked, headed nails. The gap between the laths should be around 1/4 of an inch or approx. 6-7mm. Ceilings should have riven (split) lath for improved key, but walls can use sawn lath.
Mist or wet the wooden laths with water to help control suction.
Recommended plaster application
Mix Universal to approx. 8 litres of cool, clean water per 18kg bag of dry powder used.
Mix the plaster using a paddle mix for at least 2 mins. Leave the mix to stand for 2 mins, then mix again for 1 min.
Apply the scratch coat approx. 8mm from the face of the lath. This should be haired. Force the base coat into the lath, working the plaster into the spaces between the lath to create “keys” that lock the material in place. Use a relatively stiff mix, incorporating long strand, coarse hairs into the plaster for added strength. As a guide, use 2g of animal hair per 1kg of plaster.
Apply second coat at 6-8mm.
Apply skim finish at 2-3mm. Run a clean trowel over the surface of the plaster for a smooth finish. Use a sponge float for more textured finishes.
Bag calculator
Use this calculator to work out how many bags of Universal to order for your job.
Bags required:
