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Setting compounds require water to set hard. This chemical setting occurs after the specified time for a compound (i.e. a 90 minute set product, actually starts to set after 90 minutes). If the water content in the compound is lost or greatly reduced before the setting process starts, e.g. the compound has dried before it sets, then the chemical setting process can not occur and cure the compound to achieve its required strength and adhesion. The symptoms of this are the compound will be soft, have little or no mechanical strength and adhesion, and the tape may bubble, crack or even fall out. Setting compounds must not dry out before their specified set time. Learn More
Water, wet compound, air and surface temperature above 10°C should be maintained until the compound is completely dry. Structures may require heating to achieve this temperature. During winter months or under cold damp conditions, drying rates can be improved using more but thinner coats of compound. Setting compounds dry quicker and are better suited in colder conditions as a first and second coat
Setting compounds usually shrink back to a degree to ensure the joint tape is pulled back into the joint as it sets. Once set, the joint will continue to shrink at a much reduced rate as the compound dries, and stop shrinking when dry. Painting a joint with coats that have not dried properly can delay shrinkage by several weeks or even months.
When bedding in paper lined metal trims such as the GIB® GoldlineTM products or metal trims such as the GIB® Rondo® angles or the GIB Slimline angles, setting compound should be used. Stronger and more reliable adhesion will be achieved when using a setting compound.
Back-blocking plasterboard joints eliminate movement in the joint and thus greatly reducing the possibility of cracking, and popping and peaking in the joint area, if done correctly. Refer to the GIB® Site Guide where back-blocking is required. The back block must cover most of the joint, and must be stuck down properly. Use GIB Tradeset® , GIB MaxSet® or GIB-Cove® Bond as the bonding agent, and ensure it has been put on at least 3 mm thick. Compounds must not be applied if they have started to set, or are thickening up. |
GIB Plus 4® is the recommended compound for skim coating. Use Victor® Multi Plus for skim coating or screeding/rendering a solid plastering over a masonry surface, (i.e. brick, block and tilt slab and in an interior environment). Victor® Multi Plus can be mixed with sand and applied up to 10 mm thick in one application. An unblended coat is usually applied as the finishing coat. This plaster compound differs from jointing compounds in that water can be applied during the setting stage to allow polishing of the compound to a very smooth "glass" finish. Trade level skills are required to achieve a flat polished surface with this product. For application details refer GIB® Site Guide. Victor® Multi Plus is available in a 90 minute set time and 20 kg bags.