British Gypsum’s ThistlePro DuraFinish skimming plaster is helping to protect the walls from accidental damage at a new sensory room facility for a charity organisation set up to prevent isolation for families affected by autistic spectrum condition, Autism Isolation No More.
Its original base –a converted unit in a shopping centre in Fareham –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.
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 said: “This was 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 then just had to run my trowel along it to give it that smooth finish.”