How to dilute Rotband – the correct proportions and technologies

Plaster finishes that are durable and smooth can only be achieved by using Rotband at the proper consistency. Knowing the proper ratios and mixing techniques can make a huge impact on the quality of your work, whether you’re painting walls or ceilings.

Rotband is renowned for its adaptability and simplicity of use, but if it is mixed incorrectly, it may not work as well. A mixture that is too thin might not adhere properly, while a mixture that is too thick can be challenging to spread. The secret is to know how to achieve the ideal balance.

This post will walk you through the process of correctly diluting Rotband so that your plastering projects come out exactly how you want them to.

Tools and containers

We will first enumerate the instruments and gadgets, and then we will examine the specifics.

• trowel;
• mixer;
• spatulas (2 different widths);
• containers (for mixing, water, washing tools);
• wide brush for washing tools, dishes;
• scales, measuring container.

We will immediately observe a few subtleties related to the container during the mixing process. Dishes of today are composed of plastic. A soft plastic container will last longer when subjected to multiple mixing-production cycles.

The number of plasterers directly involved in applying the plaster, their experience, and the volume of mass needed for repair are taken into consideration when choosing the container’s volume. You can prepare the surface with a plastic paint bucket if you are plastering a small area. A 60-liter sink will be sufficient for a novice plasterer. A 90-liter container can be used up quickly by an expert before it begins to set.

In order to extend the life of a plastic basin, it is advised to lift it instead of dragging it across the floor. If two people lift the basin, the plaster weight will not cause the container to distort.

It is preferable to set a mortar-filled basin on a bag of SS close to the wall before mixing, and the floor beneath the basin should be cleared of any debris and level.

Gypsum is a fickle material that hardens rapidly. For a number of reasons, the solution’s service life may vary. Crystallization centers will form early if a lump of the solution that has started to harden gets into the plaster dough. Dry mix cannot be added to the ready-made solution because of this.

Using a dirty tool, bucket, or other container speeds up the start of the solution’s setting time. Washing and drying tools after work is done is also necessary until the plaster on their surface has solidified.

A drill with an attachment can be used in place of a mixer. It is not advised by practitioners to use a mixer with two whisks. Using a tool like this creates more dust, and replacing a broken whisk can be difficult. The whisk should rotate at a maximum speed of 800 rpm, ideally 600 rpm.

How to dilute Rotband plaster: technology, proportions

Don’t be a coward and read the instructions before starting work. Two indicators are of particular interest to us: the weight of the mixture in the package and the volume of water used for mixing. To make a dough that is medium-thick, this ratio needs to be kept constant. In actual use, the plaster mass’s necessary consistency may vary slightly. This information will work provided we dilute the entire powder volume at once.

In the event that you must mix a small amount of the mixture—5.7 or 12 kg—you will need to know the water-gypsum ratio (WGR, or the proportion of water to gypsum). The WGR is calculated by dividing the manufacturer’s stated water capacity in liters by the total weight of the contents of the package.

For instance, the instructions for a 25 kg Rotband bag state that 15–16 liters of water are required. By dividing 16 by 25, we obtain WGR – 0.64. If 7 kg of the mixture needs to be mixed, then 7 x 0.64 = 4.48 l. We use scales to quantify the amount of SS.

Water should be added to the prepared solution rather than more SS because the powder will cause the setting process to begin sooner.

The following subtlety. A few experts advise adding multiple scoops of dry mixture to the water to begin mixing. From the perspective of the process’s chemistry, this is not necessary, but the initial pouring enables you to establish a liquid solution buffer layer at the container’s bottom. This layer stops the formation of a dry layer at the bottom of the container that would be challenging to mix with a whisk when the contents of the bag are poured into it.

You must pour 7–10 trowels in order to make a large enough "cushion." Distribute the backfill evenly across the water’s surface while adding the powder at the same time. On its own, the gypsum mixture will sink to the bottom.

Occasionally, floating grains of gypsum stay above the surface after it has sank to the bottom. Perlite sand is one of these additives that modifies minerals. It won’t change the final solution’s structure; instead, it will be crushed during cutting or mixing.

1. Fill the container with water, leaving some (1-1.5 l) in reserve.
2. We create a “buffer cushion” by pouring the powder with a trowel.
3. Pour the SS from the bag into the water.
4. Mix the solution by moving the mixer in circles and also moving the whisk of the tool along the height of the mass.
5. Scrape off the dry powder that has stuck to the sides of the container with a spatula, raking the mixture inside. Mix.
6. Control the consistency of the solution with a narrow spatula. If you need to thin the solution, add water from the reserve. Mix.
7. Remove the solution that has stuck to the sides of the container, throwing it toward the center. Leave for 5 minutes to soak the remaining lumps.
8. Finally mix for about 2 minutes. The solution is ready.
9. Wash the whisk of the mixer in a previously prepared container, twisting it in water.

How to dilute Rotband manually without a mixer

One can manually mix a tiny amount of material. Choose a tiny plastic container for this. Using a trowel or spatula, start adding the plaster mixture after adding water to one-third of the volume. Consistency is maintained through continuous mixing. Once the desired level has been reached, give the solution five minutes to "simmer." You can work with the mixture after re-mixing.

Rotband plaster must be diluted according to the recommended ratios and mixing methods in order to maintain the material’s strength and workability. Accurately measuring the powder and water, then thoroughly mixing until smooth, will result in a superior finish that is both long-lasting and simple to apply. The outcome of your plastering project can be significantly improved by following this easy procedure.

How to dilute Rotband in small quantities

When diluting a small amount of solution, keep in mind VGS (see above). Measure out the volume of water that has been determined (based on the proportion). Make sure you have enough SS by weighing it with scales. The method of preparation is comparable to the one that is explained. Another option is to bring a smaller container.

A 2 square meter area must be plastered with a 1.5 centimeter thickness. We can see that the packaging (30 kg) states that the final product yield is 40 l. Rotband SS is consumed at a rate of 8.5 kg per square meter. This is with a 10 mm thick layer. Consequently, you will need 8.5 x 1.5 = 12.75 kg for a coating of 1.5 cm per square, and 25.5 kg for two squares. Considering VGS, 25.5 x 0.64 = 16.32 l of water (keep in mind that you must reserve some water for pouring out).

There is a subtle difference. The amount of solution needed should fit inside the container. The container is chosen so that the poured water takes up no more than half of the internal volume, taking into account that the gypsum mass enlarges during mixing. Ideally, a third.

Alternately, gypsum plaster can be diluted even in half of a rubber ball (in the event of small consumption).

Finding the ideal Rotband mixture is essential to producing a smooth, long-lasting plaster finish. To guarantee that the mixture has the proper consistency and workability, follow the suggested ratios.

Using the proper mixing methods is just as crucial. The outcome can be greatly altered by taking your time to thoroughly mix the mixture and allowing it to rest.

Gaining proficiency in these procedures will help you steer clear of common problems such as uneven surfaces or cracks, resulting in consistently high-quality plastering projects.

Video on the topic

How to mix gypsum plaster

How to work with Knauf Rotband

HOW TO PLASTER WALLS WITH ROTBAND?

Plastering walls with Rotband gypsum mixture

✅ How to mix gypsum plaster! (in detail)