Time between laying on first coat and applying the second?

[FReaK]

Newbie poster here :RpS_thumbup:

I've been browsing the forum for a couple of days now and have noticed different methods with regards to laying on.

I've always let my first coat to pick up a little then flatten before applying my second coat, however it would appear that a lot of people put the second coat on pretty much straight away.

Is there a correct method for this? Because I could be saving myself a good 30 minute a set here if I just lashed a second coat on straight away.

 

[bubbles65]

I've always put the second coat on right away, smooth me first coat as it goes on. I'd never even heard of waiting for first coat to take up before I joined the forum, so I'm guessing it depends who taught you and whereabouts you are in the country.

Of course, my way is the right way!:RpS_biggrin:

 

[beddy]

if youve been browsing the forum for a few days you will also see that people have different methods to EVERY aspect of plastering. try it, if it works do it, if not do what you originally do

 

[Nisus]

And if it all goes pear shaped at least you can spongefloat it:RpS_laugh:

 

[bubbles65]

Yep, a means to an end - a flat surface:RpS_thumbup:

 

[henry]

Yes I tend to let the skim sit a bit before giving it a second coat .

 

[Nisus]

Could do with Dominos advice on this one:RpS_wink:

 

[Danny]

I let mine pick up a bit but depends on how much I am putting on in one go....

 

[murplastering]

prices are thaat shhite put it on till its all gone pink and no more

 

[potatoe]

varies job to job ans time of year. these days on site it goes straight on if they are lucky to get one. breaks your heart to do it and is harder graft (forearms like popeye) but time is money. i try to stay off site

 

[church]

depends on back ground suction really and every wall /ceiling is different most jobs are different, new work to re-sprays all vary ,also key is important weather its over glue or bonding agents or straight on p-board , there is no perfect system just go with what is hapenning at the time, the only advice i would give is make the best job you can your only as ever good as your last job regardless

 

[DominoRemoved]

lay on first coat flaten in clean bucket
get water and go for it what danny said it go's on what your puting on as too how long you can get away with it

 

[S a plastering]

just put first coat on as flat as you can when youve put all that on just lay it down with new mix

 

[nelly]

See.................................................... 80 different answers to the same question

 

[lucius]

For instance i got pulled into a rush job Thursday, 15 by 12 artex ceiling normaly use bonding agent these days but no time two coats of unibond and whent for it and it pulled in big time, loads of sweat and the sponge float had to come out but all done in an hour and half so as has been said every job is different i think the reasons i had problems was that it was a bungalow and the mass of air space above in the loft was causing it, see you learn something every day.

 

[bubbles65]

Or loads of insulation was trapping warm air at the ceiling:RpS_thumbup:

 

[superspread]

depends on the size of the area and suction.

 

[Fasty]

You do it the same as me. But my old man used to wack it on straight away. I reckon it's gonna be flatter the first way

 

[kebab king]

When did all this 2nd coat stuff start.

 

[zombie]

As most peps tried lots of different ways i find im happy to put a first coat on nice and tidy on board and apply a second on top without flatening when first as picked up a tad but not so much that any slight lines cant be pressed down with second.

However as most of my work is re-skims on sh**e walls that are all over or artex etc that i tend to put 2 realy thick coats on give first a flatten by crossing it and 2nd vertical problem is im that used to working like that now that i do it when i could get away with putting much less on as i know where i am with it etc.

Zombie

 

[Iplaster]

Pesonally I find when laying down the second coat as soon as you like ,on board near straight away nice and tight by the time ive flatend it out its time to lay down the 2nd I used to go on without flatening each to thier own a nicer finish or also gives you time to leave laying down the second coat to the last minute if throwing on a few areas at the one time, in time with experience it all comes Im far from the finished product but the best thing to do is work with other plasterers where you will be out of Your comfort zone

 

[spreadylonglegs]

Ive always found if I one coat,I end up putting on thicker than if I 2 coat so I stick to 2 coats,always get straight over with a flatten and straight on with the second.The m2 pay is too bad to F*ck about! I wish I could get the hang of one coating cos I hate going over it twice for these prices! And with the way newbuilds are nowadays,slopes,spleys and curves and cupboards everywhere,any way to get out quicker is a must.