I am finally getting around to patching the many holes left in my basement ceiling by electricians and heating guys, but — Can anyone tell me what the mortar-like substance is? There is an obvious, sheetrock-like substrate, over which this mortar stuff was applied and while I’m not going to lose a ton of sleep attempting to match it perfectly, I would like to give it a shot. When I was at the Depot today buying some corner bead, I noticed a bag of cement-like stuff very near the joint compound — it said to just add water and start spreading — is this what I’m looking for? What am I looking for??
As always, any help is greatly appreciated.
Stephen
Replies
You need to give more info. How old is the house? Mortor like? I kinda have the same thing in my garage I think. Is it a finished basement? How big? If its not huge then why not do the repairs and skim coat with spackle on the whole area to make it even, unless its a huge area. There are sevearl products such as structolite on the first coat and spackle on the last.....or plaster (add a bit of milk or vinegar to retard the drying time). You need to post more info but good luck
Be well,
Namaste'
Andy
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Andy -- the space is big enough that re-skimming the whole enchilada isn't really feasible. (By the by, the house dates from the late 1910's, early 1920s.) I appreciate the milk and vinegar hints, which, of course, puts another question in my head: could I just use standard joint compound with some plaster added? Is structolite effectively the same thing?
A propos of nothing ... when I read in another post that you live on LI, I checked out your site. Just my luck that someone with (seemingly) similar tastes and standards doesn't live near me in Jersey (or, rather, congratulations). Oh, well ...
thanks,
stephen
durabond
or
EasySand 90
are both mixable, setting type compounds for patching or skimming SR but will work over plaster. If plaster is what you have, seal it first with a bonding agent.
The setting type compounds don't shrink and will set in a certain amy of time. premixed joint compound will dry instead of setting and will shrink or alligator in the proceses, esp when applied thickly, but it is easyest to use.
Only mix plaster with these others if you want a gumbo headache.
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