How smooth should newly plastered walls be? Unrealistic expectations?
Laura
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
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Laura
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Unrealistic Reviews....Venting about it.
Comments (31)Well this thread is nothing about what I thought it would be. LOL I was expecting the complaints on how loud something was or how all of the reviews are for bad experiences...because those are the people who are mad enough to complain. I will say...I had an old cheap no frills Frigidaire frontloader w/electrolux drum for slightly over 10 years until the bearings finally went. We made a huge mistake replacing it with a Duet. Not only was it a piece of garbage, but I had never heard a machine so loud!!!! AND it would go off balance which our old one never did. Then it would go bang, bang, bang. And we balanced it many times. The noise was a real issue because the laundry is right next to my husband's office and he works at home and is often is on the phone!! It also ripped through two boots in only a year. Oh...and it was constantly clogged. My dh unclogged it so many times that we could do it in about 15 min and with minimal mess...depending how much the tub had drained. I should have known when the repairman replaced the boot the first time and showed me how to unclog it. I NEVER had a clog in my old machine in the entire 10 years!!! Walking through Lowes on evening, we spied a Samsung...originally $1,000 marked down to $500 because when it was delivered, it had a tiny crack in the front panel. We carefully inspected the crack, paid for it and had it delivered. I loooooooove this machine!! It is HUGE and relatively silent. I could have written those reviews. I barely know it is on. The most noise it makes is when it drains and the end of cycle song. We bought a Samsung on recommendation of a man who noticed us eying them one day and told us how extremely happy he was with the machines. I think all of your reviewers previously owned either old top loaders or Duets!!...See MoreShould I skim coat the old plaster or put on new drywall?
Comments (40)"I don't think you can get a nice finish coat directly on top of the bonding agent. At least I had a difficult time, although perhaps a pro would know how. For me, everything slid around too much while you were trying to work it smooth." Sounds like you are not leaving enough material on the wall, possibly using too much water in the mix, and did not allow the bonding agent to dry enough. The layer is about 1/16 to 1.8 inch thick. The mix for skim coating should be about like peanut butter in consistency. This allows it to be pushed out easily but has enough body to be workable. Bonding agents need to set up to tacky before applying the plaster. The water in the plaster will help it soften again and grab. Use of drywall knives also makes covering large areas even more of a chore than it needs to be. A plasterer's trowel makes short work of covering large areas and produces a smooth finish. It takes some practice to barealy raise the leading edge to obtain a good finish. The trowels with the tiny (3/4 inch diameter) handle are not as good as ones with a decent (~1.5 inch) grip diameter....See MoreAm I obsessing too much over smooth walls?
Comments (13)Thank you so much for all your opinions and help. I'm still in progress, but I'm so happy. I'm doing the Snoopy happy dance! After funcolors said it's up to me how much imperfection (the gist) I can tolerate, I went back over and spackled any pits or indentations that I felt would show or bother me. I sanded with an pieces of paper bag (unprinted side). It's a trick I learned somewhere, the paper bag is basically an ultra super fine grit. Then I vacuumed, cleaned and primed over those spots. I stayed up late to get the first coat of Cabinet Coat on. The instructions said the first coat needed to dry overnight. I got it up and got curious what it would look like with the darker upper wall. I had a quart of Kwal's version of Tobacco Road in flat and put it up on one wall. It's thin, but I was just looking to get an idea. Although this version of Tobacco Road is a bit darker than I wanted, I'm thrilled with the overall results. I'll probably either color match my Sherwin Williams sample or just buy the SW version. I took pictures, one is a long shot the other more of a close up. Yeah, there's imperfections, but they're not noticeable when standing up or seated at the table. The Cabinet Coat leveled out great. Why Cabinet Coat? I had it on-hand and wanted a durable finish, wipable finish. In case anyone asks about the color, the formula mix for the Cabinet Coat is: 5 parts White to 1 part Almond I'll update again when I'm finish (hopefully tonight). : ) Kathe Here is a link that might be useful: Dining room in progress...See MoreWhat I should expect for kitchen designer appointment?
Comments (35)Is it reasonable to have an estimate on the total cabinet cost before committing? I tend to think so :) How each place does it depends. I like to offer "in this brand, this layout, with these options, in the style you selected will be this (I aim just a tad high to cover since it is nicer to finish low) and not less than this. I know that some higher end outfits will just do a ball park and no design without a layout. I am A) a lousy guesser; B) think you should know what you are spending and have some idea of what we do, how we work-IOW what you are buying. New build: So the KD would draw up a preliminary design ... then come in to physically measure /verify details once the house is "enclosed" ... and at that point the design is finalized /order is placed? Depends on the extent of the build and type of construction and the brands lead time. I always measure when the framing is done to at least double check for windows and electric/machanicals. I always check after the rock is in just to be sure. Occasionally something specified has been moved (like lights). Then we order. Typically the "design has been finalized already" final measures are a double check and should only require a tweak at most. For new construction or major additions I like to have input prior to final plans to make sure what you want will work. Often in conjunction with an architect or builder (so long as there is a retainer). Some will do that , some won't. I prefer it for a lot of reasons-aside from fitting what you want, it avoids last minute budget overages requiring dumping design work when the client has spent too much elsewhere. Does the KD also come in the day the cabinets are installed? I kind of don't see the point in that, but maybe I'm missing something. That depends but I usually do to make sure everything is clear. The better I know the installer the less important it is that I am there the first day. (but I do offer to assist with the on site layout if they like) Getting there early in an install prevents problems, sometimes things that I worry about can be checked, if there are any problems we can get replacements faster. My approach is not common. I do it in part as self defense, A) have had bad things happen when not looking B) maintain the relationship with the client. More I do it since I sell kitchens, not boxes. You bought a kitchen, part of my job is to make sure you get it....See MoreLaura
3 years agoLaura
3 years agosprink1es
3 years agoJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
3 years agoLaura
3 years ago
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