USG RED TOP Gauging Plaster User Manual

Mixing Mix double-hydrate limes in a clean container or mechanical mixer.Add one bag of lime to 5-1/2 to 6 gal. of

water (21-23 liters) and mix until the putty is smooth. Mix with a portable drill mixer 2-1/2 to 3 min. at 450-600
rpm or with a paddle mixer for 12-20 min. at 50-75 rpm.

Mix single-hydrate limes in a clean container, using approximately 6 gal. (23 L) of water to each 50-lb. (22.7 kg)
bag of lime. For a smooth, plastic putty, machine-mix to a soupy consistency, then pour it into a soaking box and
hoe briskly. Let the mix soak for 16 hours and then screen the putty through 8-mesh hardware cloth before using.

To prepare finish plaster, mix R

ED TOP Brand Gauging Plaster in proper proportion by dry weight with lime. Over

lightweight aggregate basecoat, add 1/2 cu. ft. of perlite fines or 50 lbs. (22.7 kg) of No. 1 white silica sand per
100 lbs. of gauging plaster.

Product Finish Texture Physical Gauging to Lime, Approx. Coverage

Properties to sand (dry wt.) per Ton (sq. yds.)

(1)

RED TOP Smooth trowel Standard 50 lbs. gauging 390
Gauging Plaster 100 lbs. lime
and Lime Finish

RED TOP Float finish Standard 50 lbs. gauging 280
Gauging Plaster 100 lbs. lime
Lime and 400 lbs. sand
Sand Finish

1. 1/16 thick.

Application Apply a tight scratch coat over the entire working area of the of the partially dry basecoat. Immediately double

back with material from the same batch and fill out to a true and even surface nominally 1/16 in. thick (no more
than 1/8 in. thick). Allow the surface to become firm, then trowel well with water. Do final troweling after the
finish has begun to set. Surface should be free from cat faces and other blemishes or irregularities.

R

ED TOP Brand Gauging Plaster and lime with sand may be used to produce a float finish; however, best results

are achieved by using R

ED TOP Brand Keenes Cement with lime and sand. For float finish coats, scratch plaster

in thoroughly and immediately double back to a true, even surface. Float using a sponge, cork, wood, carpet or
rubber float to bring the aggregate to the surface to produce a finish of uniform texture free of slick spots, cat
faces and other blemishes. Use water sparingly to prevent variations in texture and finished color.

RED

TOP

®

Brand

Gauging Plaster

Application Tips

Manufactured by
United States Gypsum Company
125 South Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60606

800 USG.4YOU (874-4968)
www.usg.com

P842/2-04
©2004, United States Gypsum Company
Printed in U.S.A.

Trademarks

The following trademarks
used herein are owned by
United States Gypsum or a
related company: R

ED TOP.

Note

Products described here
may not be available in all
geographic markets. Consult
your U.S. Gypsum Company
sales office or representative
for information.

Notice

We shall not be liable for inci­dental or consequential dam­ages, directly or indirectly sus­tained, nor for any loss caused
by application of these goods
not in accordance with current
printed instructions or for other
than their intended use. Our
liability is expressly limited to
replacement of defective goods.
Any claim shall be deemed
waived unless made in writing
to us within thirty (30) days from
the date it was or reasonably
should have been discovered.

SAFETY FIRST!

Follow good safety practices.
Read material safety data
sheets and related literature on
products before specification
and/or installation.