a.b.e. Construction Chemicals’ duralite is proving extremely popular as a combined base coat and finishing plaster for internal surfaces of both upmarket commercial projects as well as home improvements.
a.b.e. is part of the Chryso Southern Africa Group.
Only clean water needs to be added to duralite powder to make the multi-purpose, lightweight, and high strength finishing plaster that produces highly polished smooth, brush or textured finishes. Consisting of formulated calcium sulphate hemihydrate (commonly known as “plaster of paris”), duralite can be applied on brickwork, concrete blocks, dry walling, ceiling boards and as a finishing coat over sand-cement renderings.
Plasterers will find the mixing and application of duralite a simple task. After a short soaking period, the lump-free smooth paste can be applied to clean surfaces on which water has been sprinkled. duralite finishing plaster is then applied with a steel or rubber-faced float during three simple steps culminating in attractive smooth and polished surfaces.
The pot life of the mixed plaster is up to 70 minutes, and the final setting time of the surfaces ranges between 75 to 130 minutes. Typical drying time on board is 2.5 to 3.5 hours. duralite covers 24m2 in 3mm thickness, 13m2 in 6mm thickness, and 8m2 when applied in 10mm thickness.
The product has already enhanced the walls and ceilings of projects that include a college campus in Centurion, luxury hotel in Rosebank, office block in Sandton, luxury Hyde Park town house complex, as well as upmarket residential property in Meyersdal.
“Attractive plaster finishes are often major factors in the appearance of interiors, and can also influence the value of properties, both commercial and residential. The smaller particles used in the duralite formulation assist the applicator to cover more square metres per bag with a smoother final finish than conventionally achieved. The product has also been classified SANS 10177 – 5: A (non-combustible),” Elrene Smuts, Chryso SA Group Communications Manager, states.
