Find out how to make plaster set quicker with our expert guide. Read on for the best methods to speed up the process and stay efficient with your projects.
Plastering is an essential process in construction, used to coat walls and ceilings for a smooth, finished look. While plaster offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface, one of the common frustrations in working with it is the setting time.
In many projects, speeding up the plaster setting process can save time, reduce labour costs, and allow for quicker progression to the next stages. Whether you are working on a construction site or a DIY project at home, knowing how to make plaster set quicker can be beneficial.
In this article, we will cover several fast-setting plaster methods without compromising on the quality of the finished product.
1. Use Warm Water in Your Plaster Mix
One of the easiest ways to speed up the setting time of plaster is to use warm water when mixing it. Gypsum plaster reacts more quickly when mixed with warm water because it accelerates the hydration process. Simply using water that is warmer than room temperature can shave several minutes off the setting time. Unfortunately the use of warm water can be very unpredictable as it is difficult to measure the exact temperature on site and should therefore be used with caution. Water that is too hot will affect the properties of the plaster, while water that is not hot enough will not reduce the setting time.
Tip:Â Avoid using boiling water, as this can cause the plaster to set too quickly, making it difficult to work with, affecting the strength of the finished wall and leading to a subpar finish.
2. Increase the Room Temperature
Ambient temperature plays a significant role in how quickly plaster sets. Working in a warm environment speeds up the chemical reaction in the plaster, helping it to set and harden faster. If possible, raise the temperature of the room or space where you are plastering by using heaters or fans to promote quicker drying.
Tip: Ensure that the room is not too hot, as excessively high temperatures can cause the plaster to crack or become brittle once it dries.
3. Reduce the Amount of Water in the Mix
While water is a crucial component of plaster, using too much can significantly slow down the setting time. Plaster that is too wet takes longer to set because the water needs more time to evaporate. By slightly reducing the amount of water in your plaster mix, you can create a thicker consistency that will set faster.
Tip: Be careful not to use too little water, as this can make the plaster difficult to apply and result in a rough finish. Aim for a balance between ease of application and quicker setting time.
4. Use a Plaster Setting Accelerator
There are several commercial products available that are designed to speed up the setting time of plaster. These are often referred to as plaster accelerators or setting agents, and they can be mixed directly into the gauging water to shorten the setting process. Setting accelerators are especially useful in colder environments where natural drying times are slower.
Popular setting accelerators include:
Halftime Plaster Accelerator by Eazymix
Halftime 4Bonding Plaster Accelerator by Eazymix
Tip: Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a plaster accelerator, as overuse can cause the plaster to set too quickly, reducing your working time and potentially affecting the final finish.
5. Increase Surface Absorption
The surface you are applying plaster to can influence how quickly it sets. Highly absorbent surfaces, such as bare brick or unfinished drywall, draw moisture out of the plaster, causing it to set faster. To take advantage of this, you can prepare the surface in ways that enhance its absorbency.
Here are some tips to increase surface absorption:
Pre-wet the surface: Lightly wetting the surface before applying plaster can help control absorption and create a more even set
Use a bonding agent: Apply a plaster bonding agent to increase the adherence and absorbency of non-porous surfaces like painted walls or smooth concrete
6. Use a Heater
In situations where time is critical, you can use a heater to manually speed up the setting process. After applying plaster to a small area, aim the heat at the surface to accelerate the setting time. Be careful not to overheat the plaster, as this can lead to uneven drying or cracking.
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7. Thin Layers Set Faster
When applying multiple coats of plaster, using thinner layers can significantly reduce the overall setting time. Thicker layers take longer to dry because the moisture has to evaporate from a greater depth. By applying thinner coats, you increase the surface area exposed to air, which helps the plaster set quicker.
Tip: If your project requires several layers of plaster, ensure each coat is fully set before applying the next one to avoid moisture build up between layers.
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8. Choose Quick-Setting Plaster
There are specialised plasters available on the market that are designed to set faster than traditional plaster. These quick-setting plasters are ideal for projects with tight deadlines or when working in challenging conditions. However they are not readily available and can be more expensive than regular finishing plasters.
Here are some common quick-setting plasters:
Thistlepro FastSet Finish Plaster by British Gypsum
Thistle Bonding 60 by British Gypsum
9. Work in Well-Ventilated Areas
Proper ventilation can significantly speed up plaster setting by promoting faster evaporation of water. When working indoors, make sure to open windows and doors to allow airflow. Fans can also help circulate air and reduce humidity, which speeds up the drying process.
Tip:Â Be cautious in overly windy conditions, as this can dry the surface too quickly, leading to cracks or an uneven finish.
Here's How to Make Plaster Set Quicker
You now have some tips on how to speed up plaster drying so you can get your renovation work or DIY project finished faster. If you need further help on how to make plaster set quicker, then consider plastic accelerators from Eazymix.
Eazymix was established by a trade plasterer who wanted to make plastering jobs easier for everyone, as well as more cost-effective and efficient.Â
Ready to try it out for yourself? Check out our catalog here.Â