Introduction
Applying plaster correctly is important for achieving a smooth, uniform and durable wall finish. While traditional plaster generally requires cement and sand to be proportioned and mixed at the construction site, ready mix plaster is supplied as a pre-formulated dry mix that is prepared by adding the recommended quantity of clean water.
However, getting good results depends on more than simply mixing the powder with water. Proper surface preparation, accurate water measurement, thorough mixing, correct application thickness, finishing and curing all play an important role in the plastering process.
In this guide, we explain how to apply ready mix plaster step by step, using the recommended application procedure and technical specifications of ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster.
What Is Ready Mix Plaster?
Ready mix plaster is a factory-formulated dry plastering material designed to simplify wall plastering and reduce the need for separate on-site proportioning of cement and sand.
ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster is a premium quality polymer modified cement plaster supplied in a 40 kg bag.
According to the product specifications, it is suitable for:
- Internal wall plastering
- External wall plastering
- Brick masonry
- AAC block masonry
- Residential projects
- Commercial projects
The material is supplied as a greyish granular powder with a maximum aggregate size of less than 3 mm.
How to Apply Ready Mix Plaster
The following steps explain the recommended application process for ProCon Ready Mix Plaster.
Step 1: Prepare the Wall Surface
Before applying plaster, the surface should be properly prepared.
Make sure the wall is:
- Clean
- Free from loose particles
- Free from dust
- Free from oil, grease and other contaminants
- Properly constructed and stable
Remove loose material and clean the surface before beginning plastering.
For brick or AAC block masonry, inspect the wall for major gaps, damaged areas or significant irregularities and correct them before plaster application.
Proper surface preparation helps create suitable conditions for plaster application.
Step 2: Prepare Clean Water
Take a clean mixing bucket or suitable container.
For ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster, add approximately:
6.5–7.0 litres of clean water per 40 kg bag
The water quantity should be measured rather than estimated.
Using significantly more or less water than the recommended range can change the consistency of the mix and affect its application characteristics.
Step 3: Add the Ready Mix Plaster
Slowly add the 40 kg bag of ProCon Ready Mix Plaster to the measured water.
While adding the powder, stir continuously.
This helps the dry material combine properly with the water and reduces the possibility of forming lumps.
Step 4: Mix for 4–5 Minutes
Mix the material thoroughly for approximately 4–5 minutes until a smooth, homogeneous and lump-free paste is obtained.
Proper mixing is important to achieve a consistent plaster mixture.
Avoid adding extra cement, sand or other materials unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer.
Step 5: Allow the Mix to Rest
After mixing, allow the prepared plaster mix to stand for approximately 2–3 minutes.
Then remix the material before use.
This step is part of the recommended ProCon application procedure.
Step 6: Apply the Plaster
Apply the prepared plaster to the clean and properly prepared wall surface using a suitable trowel or wooden float.
Spread the material evenly over the surface.
Work systematically across the wall to maintain a consistent application.
ProCon Ready Mix Plaster is suitable for the specified internal and external wall plastering applications, including brick masonry and AAC block masonry.
Step 7: Maintain the Recommended Thickness
The thickness of the plaster coat is an important part of the application process.
For ProCon Ready Mix Plaster:
Maximum application thickness: Up to 12 mm per coat
Avoid applying an unnecessarily thick layer in a single coat.
If the wall requires greater overall thickness, follow the appropriate procedure recommended for the product and application conditions.
Step 8: Level and Smoothen the Surface
After applying the plaster, level and smoothen the surface using suitable plastering tools.
The surface can be finished according to the desired project requirements.
Proper leveling helps create a more uniform wall surface before subsequent finishing work.
Step 9: Use the Prepared Mix Within the Recommended Time
Once prepared, the plaster should be used within the recommended working period.
For ProCon Ready Mix Plaster, the application guidance states:
Use the prepared mixture within 60–90 minutes of preparation.
Avoid unnecessarily adding water to an already prepared mix to extend its working time.
The actual working behaviour can vary with site and weather conditions, so the manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.
Step 10: Cure the Plaster
Curing is an important part of cement-based plaster application.
For ProCon Ready Mix Plaster, the product instructions recommend:
Cure with water for 7 days for best strength and performance.
Follow appropriate curing practices after application and take site conditions into account.
How Much Water Is Required for a 40 kg Bag of Ready Mix Plaster?
One of the most common questions about ready mix plaster is the amount of water required for mixing.
For ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster:
40 kg bag → approximately 6.5–7.0 litres of clean water
The water should be added to a clean mixing container before gradually adding the plaster powder.
Always follow the water requirement printed on the current product packaging or technical documentation.
Avoid adding excessive water
Adding more water than recommended may change the intended consistency of the mix and can affect its application and performance.
Therefore, measuring the water is preferable to adding it based only on appearance.
How Long Should Ready Mix Plaster Be Mixed?
For ProCon Ready Mix Plaster, the recommended mixing time is approximately:
4–5 minutes
Mix until a smooth, homogeneous and lump-free paste is obtained.
After mixing, allow the material to stand for approximately 2–3 minutes, then remix before application.
What Is the Application Thickness of Ready Mix Plaster?
The application thickness depends on the product specification and wall condition.
For ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster, the specified application thickness is:
Up to 12 mm per coat
Applying the material within the recommended thickness helps maintain a controlled plastering process.
Where additional thickness is required, follow the appropriate application procedure recommended for the product.
What Is the Coverage of ProCon Ready Mix Plaster?
According to the ProCon RP1 product specifications:
Coverage: 18–20 sq.ft. per 40 kg bag
Actual coverage can vary depending on factors such as:
- Surface condition
- Wall unevenness
- Application thickness
- Workmanship
- Substrate characteristics
Therefore, the stated coverage should be considered an approximate product specification rather than a guaranteed area for every site.
Ready Mix Plaster Applications
ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster is specified for a range of masonry and wall plastering applications.
Internal Wall Plastering
Suitable for specified internal wall plastering applications where a consistent plastering material is required.
External Wall Plastering
Can be used for specified external wall plastering applications according to the product’s technical requirements.
Brick Masonry
Suitable for plastering applications over brick masonry when the surface has been properly prepared.
AAC Block Masonry
Suitable for specified AAC block masonry plastering applications.
Residential & Commercial Projects
The product is suitable for the listed residential and commercial construction applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Ready Mix Plaster
1. Using an Incorrect Amount of Water
Adding too much or too little water can change the consistency of the plaster mix.
Better practice: Measure approximately 6.5–7.0 litres of clean water for each 40 kg bag as specified for ProCon RP1.
2. Poor Surface Preparation
Applying plaster over dusty, dirty or loose surfaces can affect the application.
Better practice: Clean and properly prepare the wall before plastering.
3. Insufficient Mixing
Poorly mixed material may not have a consistent homogeneous texture.
Better practice: Mix for approximately 4–5 minutes and achieve a smooth, lump-free paste.
4. Skipping the Resting Period
The ProCon application procedure recommends allowing the mix to stand for approximately 2–3 minutes after initial mixing.
Better practice: Allow the mix to rest and remix before application.
5. Applying Excessive Thickness
Applying an unnecessarily thick layer in one coat can create application problems.
Better practice: Keep each coat within the specified 12 mm maximum thickness.
6. Adding Cement or Sand
Ready mix plaster is already formulated for its intended application.
Better practice: Do not add cement, sand or other materials unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Not Following the Recommended Working Time
Prepared plaster should not be kept indefinitely after mixing.
Better practice: Use the prepared ProCon mixture within approximately 60–90 minutes.
8. Ignoring Curing
Curing should be treated as an important part of the plastering process.
Better practice: Follow the recommended curing procedure, including approximately 7 days of water curing for ProCon RP1 according to the current product instructions.
Ready Mix Plaster vs Traditional Cement Plaster
The main difference between ready mix plaster and traditional cement plaster is how the material is prepared.
Ready mix plaster is supplied as a factory-formulated dry mix and requires the addition of the recommended amount of water before application. Traditional cement plaster generally involves separately measuring and mixing cement, sand and water at the construction site.
Ready mix plaster can simplify material preparation because the dry formulation is already supplied in a controlled proportion. Traditional plaster, meanwhile, depends more on site measurement, material handling and mixing practices.
Both systems can be suitable for plastering when properly specified and applied. The appropriate choice depends on the project requirements, substrate, labour, materials, application conditions and technical specifications of the product.
ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster – Technical Specifications
The following specifications are based on the current ProCon RP1 product information:
| Technical Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster |
| Packaging | 40 kg bag |
| Appearance | Greyish granular powder |
| Maximum Aggregate Size | < 3 mm |
| Bulk Density | 1.5–1.6 kg/L |
| Compressive Strength | > 9 N/mm² at 28 days |
| Flexural Strength | Min. 1.8 N/mm² at 28 days |
| Water Retentivity | ≥ 95% |
| Coverage | 18–20 sq.ft. / 40 kg bag |
| Water Requirement | Approx. 6.5–7.0 L / 40 kg bag |
| Pot Life | 1.5–2 hours |
| Application Thickness | Up to 12 mm per coat |
Key Features of ProCon Ready Mix Plaster
ProCon RP1 is presented as a premium quality polymer modified cement plaster.
Key product features include:
- High Strength
- Crack Resistant
- Smooth Surface Finish
- Excellent Water Retention
- Excellent Coverage
- Faster Application
- Economical Solution
- Long Lasting Durability
These features are based on the current ProCon product information and should be considered together with the technical specifications and recommended application procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you apply ready mix plaster?
First prepare and clean the wall surface. Add approximately 6.5–7.0 litres of clean water to a 40 kg bag of ProCon Ready Mix Plaster. Slowly add the plaster while mixing continuously. Mix for 4–5 minutes, allow it to stand for 2–3 minutes, remix and apply using a trowel or wooden float.
2. How much water is required for 40 kg ready mix plaster?
For ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster, approximately 6.5–7.0 litres of clean water are required per 40 kg bag.
3. How long should ready mix plaster be mixed?
ProCon Ready Mix Plaster should be mixed for approximately 4–5 minutes until a smooth, homogeneous and lump-free paste is obtained.
4. How long should ready mix plaster rest after mixing?
The ProCon application instructions recommend allowing the mixture to stand for approximately 2–3 minutes, followed by remixing before use.
5. What is the maximum thickness of ProCon Ready Mix Plaster?
The specified application thickness is up to 12 mm per coat.
6. What is the coverage of a 40 kg bag?
The stated coverage for ProCon RP1 is approximately 18–20 sq.ft. per 40 kg bag. Actual coverage may vary depending on surface condition and application thickness.
7. Can ready mix plaster be used on AAC blocks?
Yes. ProCon RP1 is specified for AAC block masonry applications, subject to proper surface preparation and application according to the product instructions.
8. Can ready mix plaster be used on brick walls?
Yes. ProCon RP1 is specified for brick masonry applications.
9. How long can the prepared plaster mix be used?
The ProCon application instructions recommend using the prepared mixture within approximately 60–90 minutes of preparation.
10. Does ready mix plaster require curing?
Yes. For ProCon RP1, the product instructions recommend water curing for 7 days for best strength and performance.
Conclusion
Applying ready mix plaster correctly involves several important steps, from preparing the wall surface and measuring the correct quantity of water to mixing, resting, application, leveling and curing.
For ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster, the recommended water requirement is approximately 6.5–7.0 litres per 40 kg bag, followed by 4–5 minutes of mixing and a 2–3 minute resting period before remixing. Each coat should be applied up to a maximum thickness of 12 mm, and the prepared mixture should be used within approximately 60–90 minutes.
With proper surface preparation and application practices, ready mix plaster can provide a convenient solution for suitable internal and external wall plastering, brick masonry and AAC block masonry applications.
For construction projects looking for a ready mix plaster solution, ProCon RP1 Ready Mix Plaster is available in a 40 kg bag with specified application and technical guidelines.
For product enquiries and further information, visit Profits Connection.