Preswitt's Sturdy Basecoat Compound when mixed with cement satisfies a wide range of construction functions. As the Basecoat lamina it provides essential strength and weathering properties to Preswitt's Sturdy 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 masonry or concrete.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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 5ºC/40ºF during shipping and storage.

Site Conditions

Ambient temperature must be not less than 5ºC/40ºF 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 and until they are dry.

Inspection

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

The substrate shall be a type approved by Preswitt Manufacturing Ltd. Apply the material only over areas that are sound, clean, dry, even and devoid of surface irregularities. Substrates must be free of ice & 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. Add 50 grams (handful) of glass fibre strands.

Add 10 kg of fresh Portland cement, in small increments, drill 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 the quantity of material mixed to the size of the 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 one of Preswitt's EIF Systems as the Basecoat lamina:

Trowel apply the polymer-modified, cementitious, glass fibre reinforced Basecoat over the Reinforcing Mesh to a 3-5mm (1/8" to 3/16") thickness. No mesh shall be visible on the finished surface which shall be left flat and even in all directions with no high points to receive the Finish Coat.

Precautions

Take precautions when work must proceed during adverse environmental conditions:

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

Freezing - Enclose the area and maintain the temperature above 5ºC/40ºF 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

5m² (48 sq. feet) per pail when applied 5mm thick in the Preswitt Exterior Sturdy System.