Skim coat spray

Types of Skim Coat Spray

Skim coat spray is required to fill in any gaps or defects on a surface, so it is also called joint compound or plaster repair spray. There are several types available that depend on the materials used, their set times, and where they can be used. The following are some of the most common types:

• Gypsum-based sprays

  Gypsum-based sprays are the most common type of spray skim coat used for interior walls. Gypsum is a soft mineral that is used widely due to its easy workability. Gypsum-based sprays are also appreciated for their smooth finish. They are used mainly on drywall surfaces and are easy to sand. Other benefits include they have a relatively low cost and they can be quite easy to apply. Their main disadvantage is that they should not be used in areas with high moisture because they can lead to the growth of mold.

• Cement-based sprays

  The skim coat spray is cement-based and the best option for exterior walls or areas with high humidity. Being cement, this variant is very strong and durable and will definitely not support the growth of mold. We also recommend it for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens because it is durable enough to withstand the moisture. However, it cannot be easy to apply compared to other variants and tends to be more expensive.

• Polymer-based sprays

  Polymer-based sprays are versatile and can be applied both on interior and exterior walls. They provide good adhesion and are flexible enough to adapt to the different surfaces. In addition, they are resistant to moisture and can easily be applied to surfaces that require little priming. They are, however, more expensive and require more skill to apply.

• Pre-mixed vs. powdered sprays

  Skim coat sprays can either come in a pre-mixed form where the spray is already mixed with the material that will be used or in powdered form where it will require mixing before usage. Pre-mixed sprays are easier to apply and save time, which is useful for beginners and those who want to do a quick job. On the other hand, powdered sprays are cheaper and can be customized to achieve the desired consistency. This is convenient for professionals who have experience in this field.

Features of Skim Coat Spray

The tools are essential for the repair and renovation of any building since they allow the repair of surfaces and even an improvement in their aesthetic value. Spray plaster comes with several features that enhance its applicability.

• Smooth finish

  The skim coat spray is quite a smooth finish than other methods of joint compound application. This is because, unlike other methods of plastering, the joint compound is applied using a trowel, which leaves lines and marks on the surface. The spray fills in all the small imperfections on a wall to leave smooth drywall or plaster. This is better for paint application or adding other finishes to a wall.

• Time-saving application

  Using spray skim coats to apply the plaster is much faster than doing it by hand. This is because the spray can be applied in large areas in a few minutes. This makes it lucrative when refurbishing homes where time is of the essence.

• Easy to use

  Spray plaster coats can be used by professionals and DIY enthusiasts to achieve a smooth finish. It does not require any special tools or skills to be used. This makes it highly usable.

• Versatility

  Spray skim coats can be used on drywall, concrete, and stucco, among other surfaces. This makes it versatile for different finishes and textures. This makes it highly useful for contractors who are dealing with different kinds of clients who require different kinds of finishes.

• Texture control

  With the spray skim coat, it is very easy to control the texture, unlike when working with a trowel. This is because it comes with different nozzles that allow the user to determine how coarse or fine the texture will be. This will, therefore, allow users to get a texture that will meet and surpass their expectations.

How to Use Skim Coat Spray

The following are the steps to be followed to apply a skim coat spray:

• Prepare the surface

  The first step in actual spraying is preparing the surface that will be sprayed. This involves cleaning it to remove all the dust and old paint that is on it. Next, repair any damage that is on the wall, such as holes or cracks. Finally, ensure the surface is level and even.

• Set up the sprayer

  The kind of sprayer to set up will depend on the type of spray skim coat to be used. For pre-mixed spray, no special preparation is needed. But with powdered spray, the mixture needs to be mixed with water as recommended by the manufacturer. After that, the sprayer should be filled with a skim coat mixture. Next, ensure the sprayer is working properly and the nozzle is set in the desired way.

• Apply the spray

  Stand at least 12 inches from the wall when applying the spray. Hold the sprayer parallel to the wall to achieve an even application. Start from the top of the wall and work your way down. Overlap each pass by around 50% so that there is proper merging between the sprays. This will eliminate bare spots.

• Feather edges

  It is important to feather the edges of the coat so that there will be a smooth transition between the coated and uncoated area. This is just to lightly cover the previously sprayed area with a thin layer of the skim coat spray. This blends it with the rest of the wall and makes it smooth and level.

• Allow drying

  After finishing the application, it is left to dry. The time taken for it to dry depends on the humidity and temperature conditions of the surrounding area. Normally, it takes a few hours to dry completely. It is also advised to constantly check on it to see whether it is dry.

• Sanding and finishing

  Once the coat has dried, it is lightly sanded to achieve a smooth finish. Use fine-grit sandpaper that will not leave scratches on the coat. After that, wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove all the dust that is generated from sanding. Finally, apply paint or any other finish that is desired to the wall.

How to Choose Skim Coat Spray

Here are some key factors when selecting the right spray for skim coating:

• Surface type

  Primarily, the kind of surface that will be coated determines the kind of spray that should be used. Gypsum-based spray should be used for drywall. But for concrete or stucco, cement-based spray is the most appropriate. Also, polymer-based sprays are more versatile and can be used on almost any surface.

• Interior vs. exterior

  For interior applications, any spray can be used provided it is easy to use. It is, therefore, easy to use gypsum-based polymer or spray. A cement-based spray is more appropriate for exterior surfaces because it has a higher durability than the others.

• Drying time

  The drying time of the sprays for the skim coat varies from one product to another. Some will dry almost instantly, while others can take several hours to dry. Users must choose a product that will fit into their schedule concerning its drying time. Pre-mixed sprays usually take a longer time to dry compared to powdered ones. Those that dry too fast also come with the risk of cracks appearing on them, so they are advised to use longer drying sprays if they will be applying a thicker coat.

• Texture preferences

  Some homeowners may prefer finer textures on their walls, while others prefer coarse ones. Most sprays for skim coating come with how fine or coarse their texture is when drying. Before selecting a product, users must pay attention to this so that they will get the kind of texture that they prefer on their walls.

• Budget

  Users should also set a budget before buying the spray skim coat. They should also know that, generally, polymer-based sprays are more expensive than gypsum and cement-based sprays. Pre-mixed sprays are more expensive than powdered sprays because they require a lot of work to prepare.

Q&A

Can the skim coat spray be used outside?

Yes, there is a specific spray plaster that can be used outside, such as cement-based and polymer-based sprays. A cement-based spray is the best choice for exterior applications because it has been specially designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Polymer-based sprays are also suitable because of their flexibility and superior adhesion properties.

Can I paint over the skim coat spray immediately after applying it?

It is advisable to wait until the skim coat spray has completely dried and cured before painting over it. However, the time taken for it to completely dry depends on the product that was used and environmental conditions. It is always advisable always to follow the instructions of the manufacturer concerning this issue.

How does a spray skim coat differ from a traditional joint compound?

A spray skim coat is a type of joint compound that is applied with a sprayer rather than by hand using a trowel. The main benefit of this technique is that it saves time and is easier. However, the joint compound also has some quality differences. The more spray skim coats are based on gypsum or polymers; they are smoother and easier to use, and cement-based ones are thicker and are suited for better texture finishes.

Can I use spray skim coat for texture finishing?

Yes, a spray skim coat can be used to finish the surface texture. It is the best and most effective way of achieving a uniform texture across the entire surface area. Depending on how the sprayer is set up and the type of spray that is used, users can achieve different textures ranging from smooth to coarse.