How to use our Thistle Convenience Plasters
Our quick guide to applying British Gypsum’s Thistle® Convenience plasters – available through Artex Ltd for a smooth, robust, and high-quality finish.
Equipment list: Bucket, hawk, trowel, sponge float for use with One Coat Plaster only.
No two jobs are the same and when it comes to plastering and ensuring repairs are quick, the Thistle Convenience range – available through Artex Ltd lives up to its name. We look at the three products in the range: Thistle Undercoat Plaster, Thistle Finishing Plaster, Thistle One Coat Plaster.
Thistle Undercoat Plaster
First up, our Thistle Undercoat plaster comes in handy smaller sized bags and is perfect for repairing deep damage to walls, repairs to low suction brickwork, blockwork, and concrete backgrounds.
It makes repairs quick and easy, whether you need to repair impact damage, deep chasing, or to patch small areas. Simply apply the lightweight plaster in layers to build up the area, and then finish using a trowel.
In brief
- Perfect for smaller jobs
- Ideal for plaster repairs
- Easier to handle in smaller sized bags
- Ideal for a range of low suction backgrounds.
Four simple steps to apply Thistle Undercoat Plaster
Add approximately. 7.5 litres of clean water per 12.5kg bag to mixing bucket. Gradually add the plaster whilst mixing but avoid excessive mechanical mixing. Apply layer of 11mm on walls (8mm on plasterboard and ceilings).
Flatten off with an appropriate tool for the size of the job (i.e., trowel or rule)
Key surface by rubbing up with a devil float as the plaster firms up in preparation for finish coat application.
Finish with a Thistle or ThistlePro finishing plaster.
Time: Product sets in around 200 minutes’ dependent on background suction.
Note: This product should not be used on high-suction backgrounds.
Thistle Finishing Plaster
Next in the range is a versatile finishing plaster which provides a smooth finish to most common plaster and plasterboard backgrounds. It’s quick and easy to apply; ideal for finishing walls to create a durable decorative surface on any repair job. It can be applied over Thistle Undercoat plaster, direct to plasterboard and for small repairs.
In brief
- Easy to work and apply by hand
- Excellent workability and a reliable setting time
- Provides a fine, smooth finish for repairs to cracked surfaces
- No sanding required.
Four simple steps to apply Thistle Finishing Plaster
Add approximately 5.75 litres of clean water per 12.5kg bag to the mixing bucket. Gradually add the plaster to water whilst mixing. Complete the first coat (1mm thick).
As soon as the first coat starts to firm up, using a trowel remove the excess plaster ridges to create a smooth surface.
Apply second coat, the total thickness for both coats should be a minimum of 2mm
Once the second coat starts to firm up, remove any ridges using a trowel to create a smooth surface. Allow to firm up slightly, but not completely set.
Using firm pressure go over the surface to leave a super smooth finish. The final trowel completes the job to a matt finish (lubricate the trowel with minimal water).
Time: We estimate this taking up to two hours, but on-site practice may vary. Finishing times are extended by cold weather conditions and reduced by suction.
Thistle One Coat Plaster
Thistle One Coat Plaster is an undercoat and finish rolled into one. What’s not to like?
It's perfect for deep filling repairs up to 25mm on most common backgrounds and is available in smaller bags for easier handling. This single repair product saves time and money and is ideal for patching jobs like filling large holes and chasing in.
In brief
- Quick and easy to apply
- Suitable for most internal backgrounds, including brick, concrete, and plasterboard
- Smaller bags are easier to handle and cost-effective for minor repair areas
- Setting time up to two hours.
Three simple steps to apply Thistle One Coat Plaster
Add approximately 5.75 7.5 litres of clean water per 12.5kg bag to the mixing bucket. Gradually add the plaster to water whilst mixing.
Apply in two layers to make up an approx. a layer of 13mm (10mm on plasterboard and ceilings). Maximum thickness is 25mm, built up in layers of around 8mm.
Flatten off with appropriate tool for the size of the job (i.e., trowel or rule).
Use a sponge float over the area to raise the fines to the surface. Trowel progressively to a smooth matt finish. The sponging can be done two to four times, depending on the finish required.
Time: We estimate this taking two and a half hours, but on-site practice may vary. Finishing times are extended by cold weather conditions and reduced by suction.
Tip: For very high suction backgrounds ensure adequate suction control with water takes place prior to application.
Find the Thistle Convenience Plasters range at your local decorator centres and builders’ merchants.