When mixed with cement, Preswitt's Adhesive and Basecoat Compound satisfies a wide range of construction functions. As the basecoat lamina it provides essential strength and weathering properties to the Preswitt EIF System. Using a 100% acrylic polymer resin in its formulation the Basecoat performs well in the areas of bond strength, crack resistance, UV stability and impact resistance. It can be used as a leveling or parging coat over stucco or concrete and as an adhesive for polystyrene or tile.

Product delivery and handling

Store packaged materials in original containers with manufacturer's seals and labels intact. Production lots, identified by batch number, should be kept together.

During shipping, handling and storage protect materials from damage.

Store products in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and protected from the elements.

Maintain temperatures above 5°C (40°F) during shipping and storage.

Site Conditions

Ambient temperature must be not less than 5°C (40°F) during installation and until the adhesive and coatings are dry.

Construct proper free standing scaffolds 460mm (18") from the wall surface to allow continuous uninterrupted application.

Protection

Protect adjacent areas from damage during application of this material. Protect all finished work at the end of the day or completion of a section. Wind, rain, humidity, extremes in cold and heat, all affect proper installation. Provide protection from adverse weather during application of the adhesive and coatings until they are dry.

Inspection

Before starting ensure that environmental and site conditions are suitable for the application.

The substrate shall be of an approved type. Apply the material only over areas that are sound, clean, dry, even and devoid of surface irregularities. Substrates must be free of ice and frost.

Ensure that all surfaces are free from loose particles, foreign materials, form oil and traces of any other releasing agents.

Report all discrepancies to the architect or general contractor and have them rectified before applying the coating.

Application

Remove the lid from the pail and drill stir the material to evenly disperse solids that may have separated during shipping and storage.

Pour half the contents into a clean empty pail. Add an equal weight of fresh Portland cement, in small increments, stirring constantly. The mortar should then be remixed after a five minute slaking period. After mixing a small quantity of potable water (1 cup) may be added to improve workability. Do not use any other additives.

The working time of the mixture is two to three hours and will vary depending on the temperature and humidity. Gauge quantity of material mixed to size of crew and site conditions. Do not mix more than can be handled at any one time.

The most common use of this material is in an EIF Systems as:

Insulation Adhesive: Refer to instructions for the applicable method required by the EIF System specified.

Basecoat Lamina: Apply 2mm (1/12") of the Adhesive compound to the surface of the substrate. The size of a convenient section to be prepared at one time depends on ambient temperatures and available manpower.

Precut the mesh into workable pieces and apply with the concave side to the wall. Trowel the mesh into the wet Basecoat, stroking from the center of the fabric towards the edges to work out the wrinkles. Lap mesh a minimum of 64mm (2½").

The mesh must be completely enclosed with no pattern remaining visible. Apply a skim coat of the compound, when required, to ensure complete encapsulation of the mesh.

Air Barrier Lamina: Applied in the same manner as the Basecoat, this layer functions as an air barrier.

Precautions

Take precautions when work must proceed during adverse environmental conditions:

Rain - Protect the surface until the applied finish is dry.

Freezing - Enclose the area and maintain the temperature above 5°C (40°F) during application and until cured.

Heat - Work the cool side of the building. Cool the surface by applying a fog coat of fresh water. Shade the area from direct sunlight. Use the early morning hours to apply material to those walls that will become hot later in the day.

Wind - Hot winds can have the effect of drying out the material too quickly creating application difficulties. Shield the area during these periods.

Coverage

Use one pail of product mixed with an equal weight of cement for the following areas when used as: