Cadillac Plastering Technique in Wet Areas

Overview

• Mastery requires practice and understanding.
• Series of tutorial videos provide a broad overview.
• Practice all steps and techniques before starting a project.

Materials Required

• Limestrong base plaster.
• 8 litres of water per bag (approx. 2 gallons).
• Masking tape (1-inch) and drop cloth.
• High-speed drill and mixing paddle.
• Hawk and trowel.
• Sponge float.
• Neoprene float.
• Scraper.

Mixing the Plaster

1. Initial Mixing: Start with less water, then adjust consistency.
2. Step-by-Step:
   • Add ⅓ of the bag and mix well.
   • Scrape dry plaster into the mix.
   • Continue until the bag is empty.
   • Adjust with small amounts of water if needed.
3. Final Mixing: Mix at high speed for 3 minutes.

Application of the Base Coat

1. Masking
   • Use a strip of 1-inch tape at the plaster interface.
   • Re-mask between coats.
2. First Coat
   • Remove high spots/ridges with a broad scraping knife when key coat is cured and dry.
   • Use coarse sandpaper for corner details.
   • Apply generous coat to cover key coat texture.
   • Smooth with a damp sponge float when semi-dry.
   • Allow to dry overnight.
   • Scrape high spots; sand corners if needed.
3. Second Coat
   • Apply evenly at about 1/8 inch thick.
   • Ensure an efficient workflow to maintain a wet edge.
   • Use corner tools for crisp corners.
   • Smooth with a damp sponge float when semi-dry.
   • Flatten with a neoprene float when ~70% dry.
   • Smooth with a trowel before fully dry.
   • Ensure to compress and knock down sand grains.
   • Allow to dry completely before Tadillac finish.

Key Techniques

• Consistency Check: Adjust water as you mix.
• Edge Details: Re-mask to avoid redoing entire job.
• Smooth Finish: Use floats progressively (sponge, then neoprene).
• Timing: Monitor drying stages for optimal smoothing and flattening.