Golden Rules for Surface Preparation for Textured Finish
According to the technical data for high-quality coatings, the ideal surface has several key characteristics. Before you begin, you must ensure your wall meets these standards.
Rule 1: The Surface Must Be Sound and Clean A “sound” surface is stable, with no crumbling or loose parts. “Clean” means it is completely free of dirt, grime, and other residues that could compromise the bond.
Rule 2: It Must Be Completely Dry Moisture is the primary enemy of a good finish. The surface must be thoroughly dry before you begin. It’s also crucial to ensure there is no ongoing seepage or moisture getting into the wall from behind.
Rule 3: Eradicate All Contaminants A successful bond requires a pure, uncontaminated surface. You must ensure that the wall is 100% free from:
Dust
Oil
Grease
Laitance (a weak, dusty layer on new concrete)
Any traces of release agents, which are often used in concrete formwork.
Troubleshooting Common Surface Problems
Even if your wall isn’t perfect to start with, you can get it ready with these professional troubleshooting steps. Proper surface preparation for textured finish involves fixing existing issues first.
Problem: Chalky or Dusty Surfaces
Over time, old paint can degrade and leave behind a powdery, chalk-like residue. Applying a new coat over this will lead to peeling.
The Solution: All loose material must be thoroughly removed from the surface by brushing it with a stiff bristle brush.
Problem: Existing Cracks or Damage
While Rustic Texture is designed to be crack-resistant, it cannot fix pre-existing structural flaws. Applying it over cracks will only lead to them showing through later.
The Solution: You must repair all cracks and patches with a suitable product like Luxture Cemplast before priming or painting.