Diamond/Imperial Veneer Plaster

[MDFAUX]

Hello,
I recently got a job opportunity to retouch a retail store with a product that the store designers know of as "Diamond or Imperial" plaster. I've done some research on the internet about these products but I'm a little fuzzy on what they are and where I can find a distributor.
Also, I have a million questions about how to use this product and then how to specialize in doing touch ups.
If anyone has any information on these products or can point me in the best direction to acquire more information~ It would be great.
Thanks in advance!

[Eli Lucero]

I will find the cell # to my Diamond rep and post it. He can answer any questions. It is used a lot in so part of the country, some of the "pros" consider it a "low" grade veneer product. I have done a few small jobs with it. The product performed well and looked perfect when done.

[Marlow]

Its a lime plaster....bagged for veneer. Goes on like doing lathe & plaster but the lathe is usually blue board. The veneer is 2 quick coats. A lot of homes in my area have walls and ceilings in veneer instead of drywall. Its quick. If your a plasterer.

[The Plasterers Arms]

its a gypsum plaster ..and is used extensively on the east coast more so then the west coast

any drywall and or stucco supply house in your area will have access to these.
it is a 2 part system...both have there own "base coats" as well as finish coats

[MDFAUX]

Thank you!
I just got off the phone with USG and they are sending me some samples. As I understand it there are two different base coats-
1. Imperial Base coat
2. Diamond Veneer Base coat
and then there is a
1. Imperial Finish plaster and a
2. Diamond Finish Plaster

Can anyone tell me what their experience working with either of these has been like- ie. drying time, touching up, and...tinting?
Oh yeah-tinting...
USG said they recommend the Colorfast Ambiance tints- I have a call into them but wondered if anyone has used them. Are they dry or wet? Could I just use "Mixol" colorants??
Thank you~ Thank you for taking the time to respond! Really appreciate it!!

[Marlow]

whoops, yea, sorry, .....gypsum.

[The Plasterers Arms]

"set time" is approx 1 1/2 hours gypsum's dont dry ....they set or crystallize....if you get old material this time will shorten drastically, if you get "hot" bags which is unlikely the time will also shorten but only slightly

if you need more time with the material you would add a retarder to the water before mixing...

tinting would be a series of trial and error ...mixing small batches weighing them and letting them set and then dry and reformulating to taste

I ve used universal's in the past it works but the color isnt as vibrant as say a lime can be ...and neither is the polish ....with some fooling around you could use these in place of "italian" plasters ...most people wouldnt know the difference at first look

if you havent used a gypsum I highly recommend you order some retarder if you end up doing this job

[Eli Lucero]

oh yeah, oops the retarder! Good thing "arms" knows his stuff. Or you would not have had a chance.

[MDFAUX]

When referring to the colorants- what did you mean by saying that it would be more vibrant if I tinted with lime?
Do you mean that the colors will be more vibrant with dry pigments?
Thanks!

[MDFAUX]

oh wait, sorry. I think I understand what you were saying....