How to Plaster With GIB

Use a drill with mixing paddles to simplify mixing your GIB plaster compounds.

GIB makes a variety of joint compounds suitable for use in plastering. Each GIB product has slightly different working times, sanding resistances and coverage amounts. Creating a quality plastering product with GIB compounds is achieved by choosing the proper product and using it in the proper order. Knowing what products to use for each plaster coat will save you time, money and frustration while leaving you with a professional looking plaster wall.

Things You'll Need

• GIB Tradeset
• GIB Maxset
• GIB X-Block
• Drill
• Mixer paddles
• Notched trowel
• GIB Lite Blue
• GIB ProMix Lite
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Choose the appropriate GIB product for your base coat of plaster. Suitable GIB base coats include Tradeset, Maxset and X-Block.

2. Mix the GIB product of your choice according to the directions on the packaging. Use a drill and mixer paddles to mix the plaster.

3. Apply the plaster to the wall and spread it with a trowel.

4. Notch the base coat of GIB plaster with the notched edge of a trowel. Score the surface lightly, creating shallow scratches in the plaster. This scoring, called keying the plaster, creates ridges for the next coat of plaster to bond with. Let the base coat dry according to the directions on the product you've chosen.

5. Choose your GIB second coat product. Choose from Tradeset, Maxset, X-Block or Lite Blue.

6. Mix the GIB plaster according to the directions on the product you selected. Use a drill and mixing paddles to mix the plaster.

7. Apply the plaster to the wall with a trowel, filling the scratches in the base coat. Make this base coat as smooth and even as possible. Allow this base coat to dry according to the directions.

8. Mix up ProMix Lite for your finishing coat. Follow the directions on the package and mix with a drill and mixer paddles. Apply a light skim coat of GIB plaster to finish your wall. Apply designs to this plaster coat if desired. Trowel in a circular motion for a stucco appearance or dab the plaster with a damp sponge to create a textured finish coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use clean tools and water when changing coats.

• Never mix old plaster compound with new compound.

• Use only clean water when mixing your compound.

References

• GIB: Limitations and Recommendations
• GIB: GIB Compounds