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Cover

GYPSUM PLASTERING

Document Compiled & Prepared By

Solomon Yirga
September 2021
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Table of Contents

1. Preamble..................................................................................................................................... 2

2. MG Gypsum Prime Coat Properties, Advantages, & Applications ......................................... 4

2.1 What Is Gypsum? .................................................................................................................... 4

2.2 What Is Gypsum Plaster?........................................................................................................ 4

2.3 Technical Specifications of Gypsum Plaster ......................................................................... 5

2.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Gypsum Plaster ............................................................. 6

3. MG Gypsum Prime Coat versus Cement Sand Mortar .......................................................... 11

4. Standard Technical Specification for Building Works Division 9 ......................................... 15

5. Gypsum Binders and Gypsum Plasters Definition and requirements ................................. 16

6. Code of Practice for Internal Plastering ................................................................................. 17

7. supporting Letters from Government Regulatory Bodies..................................................... 19

7.1 FDRE Ministry of Urban Development & Construction .................................................. 19

7.2 Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise ............................................................... 20

7.3 FDRE Chemical and Construction Inputs Industry Development Institute................... 21

7.4 FDRE Construction Works Regulatory Authority ........................................................... 22

7.5 Ethiopian Construction Project Management Institute .................................................. 23

8. License to use Ethiopian Standard (ES) Mark from ECAE .................................................... 24

9. Publications ............................................................................................................................. 25

10. Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 31

11. Annexes ................................................................................................................................ 32

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 1. Preamble

Yonatan BT Private Limited Company, has been producing standard and luxury home and
office furniture and construction material supply for the last three decades. It has now
expanded its scope and started producing MG Gypsum prime coat plaster material, which is a
major input for the construction industry, conforming international and local standards.

Following the launch of MG Gypsum in the country for the first time and conforming the quality
standards of FDRE, we have introduced it to the various stakeholders and the construction
industry.

The product has the potential to alleviate the shortage of inputs associated with the growing
demand for construction industry in our country, reduce usage of foreign currency, provide
better time-saving products and create more jobs.

Produced with state-of-the-art European technology, the gypsum primer coat is applied to the
interior wall directly for plastering works, for chalk and various edge and ceiling decorations.

It is free from chemical and has no side effects on health and the environment ፡ Produced by
a complete automated process, which reduces the long process of plastering works to 48 hours
by reducing the 14 - 21 days of curing period to avoid the shrinkage cracks. It is applied directly
on the block wall and doesn’t crack to any desired thickness.

It is also a non-cracking, heat-resistant, non-flammable, and highly resistant to sound pollution.

The quality of the product is certified by the Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise and
the product is also preferred in all parts of the developed countries.

In addition to creating employment opportunities for 50 young people who have graduated in
various fields of Engineering, we have also created jobs for an additional 100 citizens working
in various positions.

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 GYPSUM PRIME COAT
Properties, Advantages, & Applications

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 2. MG Gypsum Prime Coat Properties, Advantages, &
Applications

2.1 What Is Gypsum?

Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of Calcium sulfate dehydrate (CaSO4:2H20). It is
widely used as a fertilized, in mold, in sculptures and as plaster material.

Gypsum is a chalk like material and is very light in weight. It is available in crystalline form in
nature.

Gypsum is a lightweight material which is formed as a result of evaporating seawater in

Massive prehistoric basins.

In recent years, the construction sector has witnessed a number of new trends, technology
advancements and innovations across applications, all aimed at making construction faster
and delivering higher performance. Gypsum although a much older material than the cement
& sand plaster has rarely been used extensively in construction industry. Now a days, Gypsum
has proved to be a miraculous material aiding interior construction due to its properties.

2.2 What Is Gypsum Plaster?

When dry powder of Gypsum Plaster is mixed with water it hardens. This material which can
be applied over brick, block or concrete surface to form a smooth surface is called gypsum
plaster.

A 6 mm coat of gypsum plaster or locally called Gypsum chalk is usually applied on the
top of cement plaster to give a smooth finish to it before painting. This is a two stage
process and involves various elements like sand, cement and water which has to be
mixed onsite. This process is slowly being replaced by a direct application of single coat
of gypsum plaster. In gypsum plaster, readymade Gypsum Prime Coat is mixed with
water and applied directly on the wall.

Gypsum Plaster can be applied directly on any brick, solid or hollow blocks, stones, concrete surfaces
and plaster boards. Gypsum plaster has good insulation properties, fire resistant and impact resistant.
Also, gypsum saves a lot of time during construction and has superior finish. These properties have
clearly drawn attention of real estate builders and contractors towards choosing gypsum plaster over
traditional cement plaster.
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 2.3 Technical Specifications of Gypsum Plaster
 Color of Finished surface: White

 Setting Time: 25-30 Minutes

 Coverage area (considering 12mm thickness): 2 -3 sq.m per 25 Kgs of Bag

 Shelf Life: 4 to 6 months subject to temperature and humidity

 Performance

It is especially used as adherence primer before gypsum application on concrete based surfaces,
such as column, curtain, wall, ceiling and etc.

 It increases adhesion strength of gypsum and gypsum – lime based liquids to concrete
surfaces by means of its formula with quartz and additive.
 It prevents rapid water loss of plaster and thereby formation of cracks.
 It is appropriate for usage on internal spaces, and it is not advised to be used on dampened
and wet surfaces.
Application
 Application Areas

o It is especially used as adherence master prior to vertical and horizontal gypsum

plaster (column, curtain, wall, ceiling, etc.)

 Thinning

o 14 liters of water is added for a 25 Kg of gypsum powder with continuous mixing.

Mixing process continues for approx. 3 minutes. In order to maintain rougher
surface texture, product might be used without thinning or thinning via low
amount of water. No solvent agent or filling should be added except water.

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  Drying

o At least 48 hours at 23 oC and 50 % relative humidity conditions.

 Consumption

o It is approximately 12.5 kg per Square meter. Definite consumption should be

determined with sampling in site.

2.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Gypsum Plaster

Advantages of Gypsum Plaster

Contractors and Builders started preferring gypsum plaster instead of due to its superior finish
and time saving attributes. Some of the advantages of gypsum plaster are:

a) Ease of Application (Workability): Gypsum can be directly applied over brick/block

work without separate finishing. It is also very easy to apply and level gypsum plaster.

b) No Shrinkage Cracks: Gypsum reaction produces less heat as compared to cement

reaction with water. So there are fewer Shrinkage cracks in gypsum plaster as
compared to traditional cement plaster

c) Quick Setting Time: Gypsum sets quickly (i.e., within 25 - 30 mins). So painting could
be started 48 hours after application of gypsum plaster. Plaster has to be dried up
before painting.

d) No curing time required: Unlike Traditional Cement Plaster, Gypsum plaster doesn’t
need any curing saving water and time during construction

e) High Productivity: Reduces time considerably when compared to conventional

cement plaster

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 f) High Performance: Excellent high strength after drying, Durable and Light weight
(Reduces dead load on structure)

g) Smooth Finish: Perfectly lined, levelled, smooth walls and perfect right angled corner

h) Reduced Supervision: Careful quality checking is required for cement plaster as

cement and sand has to be properly proportioned. In contrast, gypsum plaster doesn’t
require same amount of quality checks for application thus reducing supervision
efforts.

i) Readily available raw materials: Gypsum is a ready available material. Natural

Sand, which is a raw material used in Traditional cement plaster, is hard to obtain. It is
also banned in multiple states in India

j) Fire resistant: Gypsum plaster is highly resistant to fire

k) Low thermal conductivity: Gypsum has low thermal conductivity. This saves
electrical cost for heating and cooling rooms in a building.

l) Decorative application: It can be easily applied to decorative purposes also and can
be mold into different shapes

Disadvantages of Gypsum Plaster

 Gypsum plaster cannot be used for outside walls since they retain dampness.
 Gypsum plastering cannot be done in areas which are continuously damp such as
bathroom etc.,

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  Storage of Gypsum Plaster At Site
 Exposure to water or moisture reduces the setting time and strength of gypsum
plaster. So gypsum has to be stored properly.

 Gypsum Plaster bags has to be stored on elevated surface (dry platform) made
of bricks/timber/concrete at site.

 The minimum shelf life of Gypsum Plaster 4 - 6 months from the date of
manufacture. But if properly stored gypsum can be used in excessive of 6 months
subject to temperature and humidity.

 How to Properly Apply Gypsum Plaster on Walls?

Gypsum plaster is most commonly used in internal wall plastering and has been
widely replacing the traditional cement mortar plastering.

Although gypsum plaster is easy to apply and requires less experienced manpower as
compared to the traditional cement mortar, it is important to properly prepare the wall surface
and properly apply gypsum plaster to ensure no cracks, peel offs etc.,

 Step By Step Procedure for Internal Gypsum Plastering On Walls

Before applying gypsum plaster, the surface of the wall needs to be prepared properly.

1. The beam and wall joints should be filled with the non-shrink mortar a day before the
application of Chicken mesh.

2. Chicken mesh should be fixed tightly at the joint of brickwork and HCB. Also ensure
the overlap of at least 100 mm on both sides

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3. Concrete and block surfaces have to been properly cured (applying water on surface)
before applying gypsum plaster. All Block work surfaces has to be cured properly for
at least 7 days

4. Concrete surface has to be checked for any defects like honey combing Dressing has
to be done if required before application of plaster material

5. All holes and cracks on the surface of the block wall should be repaired before
plastering

6. Hack the concrete surface to create better bonding between gypsum plaster and
concrete surface.
7. Ensure that all the electrical conduits and plumbing lines are placed inside the block
work (If they are concealed).
8. Ensure that the Concrete surfaces are free from shuttering oil, loose materials or any
other agents
9. Dissimilar expansion and contraction of Concrete and blocks / stone masonry could
cause stresses and at times separation. To reduce cracks, ensure chicken mesh is
installed at block and Concrete interfaces, around door frames, around window frames
and opening for electrical & plumbing lines.
10. Check the verticality of wall surface using plumb level and remove undulations, if any.

11. Clean water on both brick and Concrete surfaces should be applied 10 minutes before
plaster application to control the suction

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 3. MG Gypsum Prime Coat Vs Cement Sand Mortar
Cement plaster is made up of sand, Portland cement and water. Whereas In the case of
gypsum plaster instead of Portland cement Gypsum is used and it doesn’t need sand.

Mortar Type
Item
Indicators
No
Cement Sand Mortar MG Gypsum Prime Coat

1 Raw Materials Cement + Sand (Site Gypsum Powder

Mixed)

2 Manufacturing Site Mixed Factory Made

3 Green Product No Yes

4 Application Areas Internal & External Internal (Non Wet Areas,

Excluding Kitchen Bathroom,
Balconies & External Walls)

5 Packing Size 50 Kg (Cement) 25 Kg

6 Setting Time Minimum Twenty Four Time Between two Successive

Hour Interval b/n Coats of Coats is Very Small
Mortar Plaster

7 Tensile Strength Weak in Tension & Flexural High tensile & Flexural Strength
Strength & hence Prone to less prone to cracking
cracking

8 Light Weight Density is higher & total Light in Weight & total Strength is
load on the building is achieved in Air
increased & needs water to
attain its strength

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 Mortar Type
Item
Indicators
No
Cement Sand Mortar MG Gypsum Prime Coat

9 Finish Depend on Quality of Sand. Smooth Finish & ready to Receive

May require Gypsum Fine Paint
Finish

10 Curing Wet Curing of 7- 21 days Air Curing of 24 - 48 Hrs (No

(More Water) Water)

11 Disadvantages Prone to Plastic / Drying Need to Avoid Prolong Dampness

Shrinkage cracks

12 Drying Time 21 Days 2 Days (48 Hrs)

13 Cost High!! Due to the high Cheaper!! As compared to cement

demand in cement and plaster.
shortage of river sand & its
quality

14 Quality Rough Smooth Finishes

15 Wastage Maximum Nearly 0%

16 Readiness for Paint Need Extra Finishing Ready to paint

17 Aesthetic View Good Perfect

18 Water Consumption High Low

19 Shrinkage Crack Yes No

20 Surfaces for Gives a rough surface & Gives a very smooth finish which
application cannot be applied on makes it compatible with paints &
smooth surfaces can be applied on smooth surfaces
as well as rough surfaces.

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Item
Indicators Mortar Type
No

21 Rust & corrosion Is not a rust inhibitor Is the perfect rust preventive agent
and also inhibit corrosion of electric
metal, fitting pipes & etc

22 Fungus & Algae Not considered as save Is an anti-fungus plaster and it

from fungus malts & etc doesn’t get affected by any insects.

23 Plastering Qty Covers 20% of a Building Covers 80% of a Building

(External) (Internal)

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4. Standard Technical Specification for Building Works
Division 9

Standard Technical Specification

for
Building Works Division 9

(Annex I_10 Pages)

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5. Gypsum Binders and Gypsum Plasters Definition
and requirements

Gypsum Binders and Gypsum Plasters

Definition and requirements

(Annex II_13 Pages)

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6. Code of Practice for Internal Plastering

Code of Practice
for
Internal Plastering

(Annex III_54 Pages)

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 Supporting Letters
from
Government Regulatory Bodies

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7. Supporting Letters from Government Regulatory
Bodies
7.1 FDRE Ministry of Urban Development & Construction
የኢፌዲሪ ከተማ ልማትና ኮንስትራክሽን ሚኒሰቴር

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7.2 Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise
የኢትዮጵያ ተስማሚነትና ምዘና ድርጅት

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 7.3 FDRE Chemical and Construction Inputs Industry Development
Institute

የኢፌዲሪ የኬሚካልና ኮንስትራክሽን ግብዓቶች ኢንዱስትሪ ልማት ኢንስቲትዩት

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7.4 FDRE Construction Works Regulatory Authority
የኢፌዲሪ የኮንስትራክሽን ተቆጣጣሪ ባለስልጣን

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7.5 Ethiopian Construction Project Management Institute
የኢትዮጵያ ኮንስትራክሽን ፕሮጀክት ማኔጅመንት ኢንስቲትዩት

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8. License to use Ethiopian Standard (ES) Mark from
ECAE
የኢትዮጵያ ተስማሚነት ምዘና ድርጅት ብሄራዊ የደረጃዎች የመጠቀም ፈቃድ

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 9. Publications

የኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፐብሊክ

የከተማ ልማትና ኮንስትራሽን ሚኒስቴር

“ውጤታማ የኮንስትራክሽን ኢንዱስትሪ ለኢትዮጵያ ብልጽግና”

ሦስተኛ ሀገር አቀፍ የኮንስትራክሽን

ኢንዱስትሪ ንቅናቄ ኮንፈረንስ

ሚያዝያ 2013 ዓ.ም

አዲስ አበባ

አዘጋጅ ፡ ከተማልማትና ኮንስትራክሽን ሚኒስቴር

እና

የኮንስትራክሽን ሥራዎች ተቆጣጣሪ ባለሥልጣን

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 10. Conclusion

MG Prime Coat will change the old methodology of internal plastering work that leads to minimized

task duration and project completion, In recent days getting fine aggregate (sand) is difficult &

getting quality sand is more difficult and the cost of sand is escalating due to the high demand of

the construction industry, hence the quality of sand getting from river is variable & not consistent &

have a lot of silt in it which we have to wash on site to get the right quality that is also another

challenge for the industry.

MG Prime coat is environmentally friendly and releases water in steam form (oxygen) during

production & also it has no effect on the health of workers during application. The quantity of water,

labour, materials & equipment's used for curing in mortar plastering is avoidable in MG Prime Coat

and has a significant effect on the total cost of the plastering work.

Wastage from mortar plaster is high in quantity, and on the traditional construction system the labors

collected it and re-use it with all its impurities and have an effect on the quality of the work.

From the construction economics point of view the life cycle cost of MG Gypsum Prime Coat is

minimal & cost saving. Considering the previously raised factors and the following issues,

Direct cost of all inputs, Indirect Cost of all inputs, Material, Labour & Equipment for Curing,

Performance of Successor Tasks, Lag time between dependent Activities, Quantity of Wastages

from both Materials and Life Cycle Cost.

Based on the above mentioned points, the industry practice, and experience from other

countries application of Gypsum Prime Coat will Minimize project plastering cost by 40 –

50 %.

N.B:- External plastering material using MG Prime Coat will come soon to the market

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11. Annexes

Annex I

Standard Technical Specification for Building Works

Division 9

(Annex I PDF 10 ገጽ እዚህ ጋር ይጨመር)

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 Annex II

Gypsum Binders and Gypsum Plasters

Definition and requirements

(Annex II PDF 13 ገጽ እዚህ ጋር ይጨመር)

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 Annex III
Code of Practice for Internal Plastering

(Annex III PDF 54 ገጽ እዚህ ጋር ይጨመር)

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