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Red Top® Brand Gauging Plaster
An easy-to-mix, smooth finish drywall plaster that produces hard, crack and abrasion-resistant surfaces.
Key Documents & Design Files
Overview
Overview
Main Features
Red Top® Brand Gauging Plaster is a white to gray, plaster (depending on the gypsum rock source) and is available in Quick Set and Slow Set (unaggregated for use over sanded basecoats) and Aggregated (aggregated with mill-mixed fine aggregates for use over lightweight basecoats). Ideal for interior walls and ceilings, Red Top® Brand Gauging Plaster:- Provides smooth-trowel or sand-float lime putty finishes
- Produces hard, crack- and abrasion-resistant surfaces — the ideal application over gypsum basecoats
- Mixes smoothly and easily with lime
- Offers a quick-set formulation that sets in 30-40 minutes, a slow set formulation that sets in 50 to 75 minutes and aggregated formulation that sets in 50 to 75 minutes
Applications
- Administrative Offices
- Auditoriums and Gymnasiums
- Bars Restaurants and Dining Areas
- Cafeterias
- Classrooms
- Convention and Meeting Rooms
- Corridors and Hallways
- Department Stores and Boutiques
- Dormitories
- Executive Areas, Conference Areas and Board Rooms
- Exterior Soffits and Indoor Parking Garage
- Galleries and Exhibit Spaces
- Garages
- Grocery Stores
- Guest Rooms and Suites
- Health and Fitness
- Kitchens and Food Prep Areas
- Laboratories, Operating Rooms and Imaging Rooms
- Lobbies and Reception Areas
- Locker Rooms, Shower Areas and Pools
- Mall Interior Spaces
- Mechanical Rooms
- Media Centers, Music Rooms and Libraries
- Multi-Family Residential and Condos
- Nurseries and Birthing Rooms
- Open Plan Offices
- Patient Rooms
- Restrooms, Utility Rooms and Loading Docks
- Single-Family Residential
- Stairways and Elevator Shafts
- Theatres
- Traditional Offices
- Warehouses
Installation
Installation Guide PDF 55.1 KB
Documents & Files
Data Sheets & Specifications
| Data/Submittal Sheet (English) | PDF 145.1 KB |
Catalogs & Brochures
| System Catalog (English) | PDF 18.5 MB |
| Brochure (English) | PDF 2.4 MB |
Installation & Technical Manuals
| Technical Guide (English) | |
| Installation Guide (English) | PDF 55.1 KB |
SDS, Certifications & Reports
| SDS (English) |
| SDS (Spanish) |
Sustainability
| Greenguard Certificate (English) |
Ask a question
Our customer support team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Question Guidlines
- Questions should relate to this product specifically.
- For help with pricing, availability, or delivery, please call 800.874.4968 (Monday–Friday, 7am–6pm Central)
- All questions and answers follow USG’s Terms & Conditions.
- Your question and USG’s answer may be posted to this page in the future, but none of your personal info will be included.
q & a
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What is the recommended stud spacing for installing conventional plaster?
Do not exceed 16 inches on center.
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Can conventional 3-coat plaster be used with drywall grid?
Yes. If the main tees, cross tees and hanger wires are properly sized and spaced to carry the plaster load and only Red Top®; Structo-base® gypsum basecoat plaster is used for the scratch and brown coats.
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Can USG Veneer Plaster be applied directly over CMU?
The CMU must cure for at least 45 to 60 days prior to the plaster application. Refer to USG system folder SA920 for specific application directions.
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When can veneer plaster be painted?
Veneer plaster can be painted when it is completely dry. The best way to determine if the plaster is dry is by taping a piece of 12" by 12" plastic to the surface. If any moisture remains on the plastic after 24 hours then the plaster is not completely dry.
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What are the only base coat plasters that can be used as the scratch and brown coat for a conventional 3-coat application over wide-flange (1 inch or greater) framing?
USG has three products that can be used: Red Top® Gypsum Plaster, Red Top® Wood-Fiber Gypsum and USG® Structo-Base® Gypsum Plaster.
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Can plaster be used for grouting doorframes?
Yes, but only on open throat doorframes, per door manufactures requirements. Red Top® Gypsum Plaster mixed with sand is most commonly used for full grouts. (Recommendation: 1-part Red Top Gypsum/ 2-parts sand per bag)
See the Gypsum Construction Handbook for full details.
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When can a conventional plaster system be painted?
A conventional plaster system can be painted after it is completely dry.
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What is the shelf life of plaster?
Plaster can be stored 3-6 months if it is stored in a cool, dry place, protected from extreme heat and cold, direct sunlight and at a temperature above 45°F (7°C).
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What is the best way of repairing an old wood lath plaster application?
Remove the old plaster down to the wood lath, staple metal over the existing lath and apply Red Top® sanded conventional basecoat over the metal lath. Any USG finish plaster can be applied over the basecoat plaster for a final coat.
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What paints are recommended for decorating veneer plaster?
Consult paint manufacture for proper primer selection for both lime-containing finish plasters, such as Diamond® Veneer Finish; or non-lime-containing finish plasters such as Imperial® Veneer Finish. See literature piece PM15 for Preparation for Painting details.
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Can Veneer Plaster be applied to sun-faded USG Imperial® Brand Gypsum Base?
No. An alum spray must be applied prior to application.
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What are the deflection design criteria for installing plaster systems?
When installing a veneer plaster system it should be designed at deflection L/240 and L/360 for a Conventional Plaster system.
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What is the difference between USG Imperial® Veneer Finish Plaster and USG Diamond® Veneer Finish Plaster?
USG Imperial® Veneer Finish Plaster is stronger and more abrasion resistant.
USG Diamond® Veneer Finish Plaster is designed for ease of use and slightly improved abrasion resistance when compared to gypsum panels.
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What is the recommended spacing of control joints for a plaster system?
Control joints are not to exceed 30 feet for walls and ceilings. The spacing for a ceiling with perimeter relief is not to exceed 50 feet.
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Can USG Red Top® Brand Finish Plaster be applied over Veneer Basecoats?
Yes. Mill-mixed USG Red Top® Brand Finish Plaster or other job-site lime/gauging plasters can be applied over Veneer Basecoats.
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Have a question?
Ask USGLet us do the research. We'll get back to you as quickly as we can.
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Need help right away?
Call our Technical Support team at 800-874-4968 (Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 4 pm Central).