British Gypsum’s ThistlePro DuraFinish skimming plaster is helping to protect the walls from accidental damage at a new sensory room facility for charity organisation set up to prevent isolation for families affected by autistic spectrum condition, Autism Isolation No More.
Its original base was a converted unit in a shopping centre in Fareham, but the centre was too busy for children to comfortably access, so a new centre was found in a more homely, rural location. “Plasterer and charity volunteer, Aaron Pearson, from Titanium Plastering (pictured), knew from experience that ThistlePro DuraFinish would be the ideal skim finish plaster for the project,” explained British Gypsum.
ThistlePro DuraFinish delivers a plaster skim finish said to provide ‘up to 60% tougher resistance to accidental damage’ than regular plasters’. Useable on plasterboard or undercoat plasters, or for re-plastering and repair work, it is reportedly ideal for high-traffic areas, or those prone to scrapes and knocks’.
Aaron Pearson, who spent two months working weekends and evenings to execute the job, completed all the walls and ceilings with ThistlePro DuraFinish. He said: “It is the ideal testing environment for the plaster’s durability, because the children are constantly running around, and throwing toys and other items against the walls. We installed two coats across all the walls and ceilings. With the first you just flatten it and leave it for 20 minutes, before applying the second. After only 90 minutes it is ready for the first trial, followed by a second after 115 minutes, and the final trial at 135 minutes. I just had to run my trowel along it to give it that smooth finish.”
Rachael Pearson, director at Autism Isolation No More, commented: “The new sensory room is an excellent resource for autistic children in the region. The entire project was completed from fundraising, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. After two months in operation, the walls and ceilings have already had their fair share of knocks and scrapes, yet are still like new. I would definitely recommend a similar finish for other educational or healthcare environments.”