An American National Standard

Designation: C 843 – 99 (Reapproved 2006)

Standard Specification for

Application of Gypsum Veneer Plaster1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 843; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope ing Materials and Systems

1.1 This specification covers the minimum requirements for C 423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Ab-
and methods of applying gypsum veneer plaster. sorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
1.2 Where a specific degree of fire resistance is required for C 587 Specification for Gypsum Veneer Plaster
veneer plaster systems, applicable building code regulations C 588/C 588M Specification for Gypsum Base for Veneer
shall be followed. Plasters3
1.2.1 Details of construction for a specific assembly to C 631 Specification for Bonding Compounds for Interior
achieve the required fire resistance shall be obtained from Gypsum Plastering
reports of fire-resistance tests, engineering evaluations, or C 844 Specification for Application of Gypsum Base to
listings from recognized fire testing laboratories. Receive Gypsum Veneer Plaster
1.3 Where a specific degree of sound control is required for C 1047 Specification for Accessories for Gypsum Wall-
veneer plaster assemblies and constructions, details of con- board and Gypsum Veneer Base
struction shall be in compliance with official reports of tests E 90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne
conducted in recognized sound testing laboratories in accor- Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Ele-
dance with the applicable sound tests of Test Methods E 90, ments
C 423, or E 492. E 492 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact
Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies
NOTE 1—To ensure desirable results, coordinate this specification with Using the Tapping Machine
Specification C 844.
NOTE 2—General information regarding matters of a contractual nature 3. Terminology
concerning veneer plaster work is found in Appendix X1. Additional
technical information related to veneer plastering is provided in Appendix 3.1 Definitions:
X2. 3.1.1 See Terminology C 11.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for 3.2.1 base coat, n—veneer plaster trowel or machine ap-
information only. plied as the first coat of a two-component system.
1.5 The text of this specification references notes and 3.2.2 finish coat, n—veneer finish plaster trowel or machine
footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and applied as the second coat over the base coat plaster in a
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be two-component system.
considered as requirements of the specification. 3.2.2.1 smooth-trowel finish, n—a finish resulting from steel
troweling with a minimum of water after the plaster has
2. Referenced Documents become firm. A smooth finish free of trowel marks, blemishes,
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 or other imperfections.
C 11 Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Build- 3.2.2.2 texture finish, n—a finish resulting from (1) trowel
application followed by floating or texturing of the surface with
any of a variety of tools using a minimum of water or (2)
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machine application, left as applied or followed by hand
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C11 on
Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems and is the direct responsibility
texturing.
of Subcommittee C11.03 on Specifications for Application of Gypsum and Other 3.2.3 joint-reinforcing embedment, n—the cementitious ma-
Products in Assemblies. terial used to embed the strip material that is compatible with
Current edition approved May 1, 2006. Published May 2006. Originally the veneer plaster used.
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as C 843 – 99e1.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
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the ASTM website. Withdrawn.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 C 843 – 99 (2006)
3.2.4 one-component system, n—a veneer plaster system 8. Surface Preparation
designed for application directly over approved bases in a 8.1 Examination—Carefully examine all surfaces, including
single plaster mix applied in a single coat or double-back but not limited to, unit masonry, monolithic concrete, gypsum
operation with the same material. bases of all types, and accessories to receive veneer plaster,
3.2.5 reinforced joint, n—a joint between gypsum base that before the veneer plaster is applied. Notify the proper authori-
is reinforced with strip material embedded in a cementitious ties promptly of all unsatisfactory conditions. The examination
material. shall determine whether the gypsum base has been exposed to
3.2.6 reinforcing, n—joint reinforcing tape or mesh (strip excessive sunlight. Do not apply veneer plaster until after such
material) that is applied over flat joints and interior angles. unsatisfactory conditions are rectified to the satisfaction of the
3.2.7 two-component system, n—a veneer plaster system plastering contractor.
involving two separate materials mixed and applied separately
for base coat and finish coat. NOTE 4—The bond of alkaline veneer plaster to gypsum base may be
impaired if the base is exposed to direct light or sunlight for extended
3.2.8 veneer plaster system, n—gypsum veneer plaster ap- periods.
plied to (1) a gypsum base in accordance with 10.1 or (2)
properly prepared masonry or monolithic concrete surfaces, 8.1.1 Do not apply veneer plaster over any surfaces of unit
neither side of which is exposed to moisture. The plaster shall masonry or concrete that have been coated with any bitumi-
be applied with one or more components not exceeding 1⁄4 in. nous compound or other waterproofing or damproofing or form
(6.4 mm) in total thickness. release agent.
8.2 Conditioning of Surfaces:
4. Delivery of Materials 8.2.1 Immediately before the plaster is applied, wet down
the masonry surfaces on which suction shall be reduced.
4.1 All manufactured materials shall be delivered in the
Visible water shall not remain on the surface.
original packages, containers, or cartons bearing the brand
8.2.2 Carefully examine accessories, such as corner beads,
name and manufacturer identification.
control joints, casing beads, etc., to ensure that they are
straight, curved, plumb, level, square, or true to the required
5. Protection of Materials
angles and have been applied in a manner to ensure full
5.1 Plasters and other cementitious materials shall be kept coverage of flanges before the plaster is applied.
dry until ready to be used; they shall be kept off the ground, 8.3 Monolithic Concrete Surfaces—Clean monolithic con-
under cover, and away from damp walls and surfaces. crete surfaces of all dust, loose particles, and other foreign
matter. Completely remove all grease, oil, noncompatible
6. Environmental Conditions curing compounds, and form releasing agents. Remove all
6.1 Temperature—When the ambient outside temperature at ridges and protrusions greater that 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) and fill all
the building site is less than 55 °F (13 °C), maintain a depressions greater than 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) level with portland
temperature in the building of not less than 55 °F (13 °C) or not cement mortar and allow to set and dry. Any further prepara-
more than 80 °F (27 °C) for not less than 24 h prior to the tion shall be as recommended by the veneer plaster manufac-
application of veneer plaster and for one week after the veneer turer.
plaster has set or until the veneer plaster has dried. Distribute 8.4 Gypsum Base Joint Reinforcement—Reinforce all inte-
heat evenly in all work areas, and use deflection or protective rior angles and flat joints prior to application of the veneer
screens to prevent concentrated or uneven heat or cold on the plaster over the base.
veneer plaster. 8.4.1 Interior Angles—Position and secure reinforcement
with staples (on 12-in. (305-mm) centers, one side only),
NOTE 3—The requirements in 6.1 will minimize the cracking of veneer
plaster due to structural movements caused by thermal changes from
veneer plaster, or other cementitious material compatible with
temperature extremes; and dry-outs due to hot spots caused by concen- the veneer plaster or by using self-adhering strip reinforce-
trated heat. ment. When stapling, staple along the ceiling edge only for
wall-to-ceiling angles and along one edge for wall-to-wall
6.2 Ventilation—Ventilation shall be provided to remove angles. When securing reinforcement with veneer plaster,
excess water given off through the drying process. reinforcement shall be thoroughly embedded so that embed-
ment material is both under and covering reinforcement.
7. Materials 8.4.2 Flat Joints—Center reinforcement over the joint line
7.1 Gypsum Base for Veneer Plasters (hereinafter referred of the gypsum base and secure with staples or veneer plaster if
to as “gypsum base”) Specification C 588/C 588M. not using self-adhering reinforcement. Keep reinforcement
7.2 Veneer Plasters—Specification C 587. tight and flat against the gypsum base, and when stapling,
7.3 Reinforcing—Noncorrosive strip providing the joint position the staples no farther than 24 in. (610 mm) apart,
strength requirements of Specification C 587. staggered along each edge. Embed reinforcement and continue
7.4 Liquid Bonding Compounds—Specification C 631 (see application of the veneer plaster over the field of the base.
X2.3). (Warning—This method provides minimum reinforcement of
7.5 Water—Water shall be clean, fresh, and of potable water the joints. To minimize incidence and severity of joint ridging
quality. and cracking, use one of the following methods (8.4.2.1,
7.6 Accessories—Specification C 1047. 8.4.2.2, or 8.4.2.3) in the absence of any specific method

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 C 843 – 99 (2006)
recommended by the veneer plaster manufacturer. Where paper 9.2.1 Do not use gauging, molding, or casting plasters, lime,
tape and setting-type joint compounds are used, use 8.4.2.3.) gypsum, Keene’s cement, portland cement, etc. to adjust the
8.4.2.1 Reinforcement over Set Veneer Plaster—Tightly veneer plaster setting time.
trowel veneer plaster over the joint line leaving the plaster 9.3 Occasionally, special textures are desired that require
feathered out to a width of about 6 in. (152 mm) flush with the additional sand. Approval of the veneer plaster manufacturer
face of the gypsum base. Allow the plaster to set; then secure shall be obtained prior to any such additions.
reinforcement over the joint line as described in 8.4.2.
8.4.2.2 Reinforcement Secured and Embedded with Veneer 10. Application
Plaster—Apply reinforcement over the joint line as described 10.1 General—Veneer plasters have widely differing work-
in 8.4.2. Tightly trowel the plaster over the reinforcement along ing properties, physical characteristics, and limitations regard-
the joint line to provide thorough embedment of the reinforce- ing their compatibility with one another and with various
ment. Allow the joint embedment to set before proceeding with bases. Follow the particular methods, techniques, limitations,
general plastering. and procedures set forth by individual manufacturers for their
8.4.2.3 Reinforcement Embedded (no staples)—Tightly product. In the absence of manufacturers’ directions, follow the
trowel the embedment material to a depth of about 1⁄32 in. (0.8 recommendations in X2.2.
mm), working the trowel in both directions along the joint line. 10.2 Plaster Thickness—Measure the plaster thickness from
Center the reinforcement over the joint line. Firmly and evenly the face of the base to which it is applied, exclusive of joint
press the reinforcement into the soft embedment material using treatment. The minimum thickness shall be as recommended
a little soft material on the trowel to bury it completely, and by the manufacturer of the plaster used but in no case less than
leave the embedment material feathered out to a width of about shown as follows:
6 in. (152 mm) flush with the face of the gypsum base. Allow Base coats (trowel applied) ⁄ in. (1.6
1 16 mm) min
the embedment material to set before proceeding with general Base coats (spray applied) ⁄ in. (1.6
1 16 mm) min
plastering. Finishes (two-component 1⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) to 1⁄16 in. (1.6
systems) mm) min
One-component systems 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) min
9. Mixing
9.1 Do not use frozen, caked, or lumpy material. Do not 10.3 Barriers shall be provided to prevent the free circula-
retemper or use material that has partially set. Mix each batch tion of hot, dry winds over the face of freshly applied plaster.
separately. Clean mixers thoroughly after each batch so as not
11. Electric Radiant Heat Cable
to accelerate the following batches. This can be done by spray
hosing the mixer paddle and containers immediately after each 11.1 Veneer plaster shall be applied to electric heat cable
batch. Water ratios and other techniques used for mixing shall systems in accordance with the veneer plaster manufacturer’s
conform to the manufacturer’s recommendation for specific directions. In the absence of manufacturer’s directions follow
veneer plaster products. In the absence of explicit directions, the recommendations in X2.5.
follow the recommendations in X2.1. 11.2 Veneer plaster shall not be applied over heating sys-
9.2 Setting Time—Setting times are carefully controlled by tems in which the wire temperature will, at any time, be in
the manufacturer. Do not make adjustments to the setting time excess of 125 °F (52 °C).
on the job. If problems with setting develop under unusual job
conditions, consult the manufacturer of the veneer plaster for 12. Keywords
recommendations. 12.1 electric heat cable; gypsum; plaster; veneer plaster

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. GENERAL INFORMATION

X1.1 Construct and maintain scaffolding in strict confor- X1.2 Coordinate the work with the work of other trades.
mity with applicable laws and ordinances so as not to interfere
with or obstruct the work of others.

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 C 843 – 99 (2006)

X2. TECHNICAL INFORMATION

X2.1 Mixing: double back over the same area, sweeping the nozzle in the
X2.1.1 Equipment—A paddle-type agitator fitted to a 1⁄2-hp opposite direction to obtain a level coat that requires no further
(373-W) heavy-duty, electric drill, rated from 900 to 1000 rpm working, and that is suitable to receive the finish component
(no load), and a clean drum of convenient size are recom- coat on setting.
mended for rapid, efficient mixing of veneer plasters. X2.2.5 Smooth-Trowel Finish—Apply the plaster by trow-
X2.1.2 Procedure: eling with firm pressure, then doubling back and filling out to
X2.1.2.1 Put all but 1 or 2 qt (0.94 or 1.89 L) of the proper a true, even surface. After the plaster has become firm, trowel
amount of water in the mixer for each bag of veneer plaster to it well with a minimum amount of water to a smooth finish,
be mixed. free of catfaces, blisters, trowel marks, blemishes, or other
X2.1.2.2 Add the veneer plaster to the water and immedi- imperfections.
ately mix until uniformly wetted. Veneer plaster may be added X2.2.6 Texture Finishes—Apply the plaster over the base
while the agitator is turning. coat by troweling thoroughly, building up to an even surface,
X2.1.2.3 Continue mixing, adding water to obtain the de- and then floating with a variety of tools using a minimum of
sired lump-free mortar consistency. water. It may also be sprayed (depending on the type of texture
X2.1.2.4 When mixing plaster for spray application, mix to desired) to a true, even surface free of slick spots or other
a consistency so that 75 to 90 % of the batched mortar will pass blemishes.
a No. 8 (2.36-mm) sieve without shaking. Make sure the
plaster is specifically designed for spray application to avoid X2.3 Bonding Compounds—Bonding compounds meeting
quick set problems. Specification C 631 may be used to bond plaster to portland
X2.1.2.5 Do not overmix. Three to four minutes is usually cement concrete and other sound surfaces. Such bonding
sufficient to attain fluidity. agents may be used at the discretion of the specifier who may
require performance records from the bonding agent manufac-
X2.2 Application: turer. Apply the bonding agent according to the bonding agent
manufacturer’s directions.
X2.2.1 One-Component Plasters—Apply the plaster with
sufficient material and pressure to provide a good bond on the
X2.4 Heating and Ventilation—A portion of the water used
gypsum bases or other bases as approved by the veneer plaster
in mixing veneer plaster is necessary for the chemical reaction
manufacturer. Double back immediately with the same mixer
that rehydrates and hardens the plaster. The excess amount
batch of plaster to the desired thickness. Straighten to a true
required for mixing and application must be removed from the
surface without application of water (water will cause blister-
plaster after set has taken place. Minimum circulation of air is
ing when applied at this time). Allow the material to “take-up”
desirable to prevent dry outs.
and texture with a float or sponge as desired. If a smooth finish
is required, allow the plaster to become firm (so that water can X2.4.1 Adequate ventilation of attics or similar unheated
be used without blistering) and trowel, using a minimum of spaces above gypsum plaster systems is essential to the
water, to achieve a smooth finish, free of catfaces, trowel performance of these systems and shall be designed and
marks, blemishes, or other imperfections. Complete finishing provided by others per ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook or
before the veneer plaster sets. applicable building code.
X2.2.2 Two-Component Plasters—The finish component
coat may be applied over set but still “green,” partially dry, or X2.5 Electric Radiant Heat Cable—Apply veneer plaster
dry base coat. Avoid application of a second component over a over electric radiant heat cable according to this specification
base coat that is damp on joints but dry in the field. It may except as follows:
result in photographing of the joints. X2.5.1 Treat flat joints according to 8.4.2 before the electric
X2.2.3 Base Coat-Hand Application—Apply the base coat heating cable is installed,
with sufficient material and pressure to provide a good bond on X2.5.2 Inspect and test the heating system before applying
the gypsum bases or other bases as approved by the veneer the veneer plaster,
plaster manufacturer and straighten to a true surface without X2.5.3 Apply veneer plaster in a tight scratch coat flush
application of water. Leave the surface sufficiently rough to with the cable, working the trowel parallel to the heating cable.
provide a mechanical key for the finish coat. Immediately double back before the scratch has set and build
X2.2.4 Base Coat-Machine Application—First spray flat up a thickness of veneer plaster over the cable to a minimum
joints, beads, and interior angles, and work the material with of 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) or a maximum of 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm),
hand tools to cover the reinforcement, fill the beads, straighten X2.5.4 Do not turn the heating system on until the veneer
the angles, and feather out the plaster over the joints. Proceed plaster has dried completely. Deactivate the heating system and
with full areas by spraying with a broad sweeping motion, provide supplemental heat as required while paint is being
holding the nozzle close enough to the surface to avoid applied. Activating the electric heating cable while the veneer
excessive overspray and buildup in the angles. First apply a plaster is wet or while paint is being applied may produce
light coating while moving in one direction; then immediately photographing of the cables. If the room temperature is more

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 C 843 – 99 (2006)
than 15 °F (8 °C) below the desired temperature after decora-
tion is complete, turn up the heat in 5 °F (3 °C) increments per
24 h period.

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