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Structo-Gauge® Gauging Plaster

Key Documents & Design Files

Overview

Overview

Provides high-strength, durable white finish for high-traffic areas. Faster and easier formulations create a smooth trowel finish over low-suction veneer and conventional sanded basecoats.

Main Features

Structo-Gauge® Gauging Plaster mixes with lime putty to produce a high-strength, durable, white, smooth trowel finish. It applies faster and easier thanRed Top® Keenes Cement for smooth finished surfaces and is available in two formulations — Quick Set and Slow Set. Structo-Gauge® Gauging Plaster:
  • Provides excellent hardness- and abrasion-resistance
  • Should be used over high-strength, wood fiber or sanded gypsum basecoats
  • Is ideal for high-traffic areas and other applications requiring durability and abuse-resistance
  • Meets ASTM C28
  • Is available in a Quick Set formula that sets in 30 to 40 minutes — ideal for use over low-suction veneer basecoats
  • Is available in a Slow Set formula that sets in 60 to 75 minutes — for use over conventional sanded basecoats
NOTE — Structo-Gauge® Gauging Plaster should not be used with lightweight aggregates, Portland cement basecoats or masonry.

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

Documents & Files

Data Sheets & Specifications

Data/Submittal Sheet (English) PDF 138.9 KB

Catalogs & Brochures

System Catalog (English) PDF 18.5 MB

Project Profiles

Project Profiles (English) PDF 148.2 KB

Installation & Technical Manuals

Technical Guide (English)

SDS, Certifications & Reports

SDS (English) PDF 57.8 KB
SDS (Spanish) PDF 39.0 KB

Ask a question

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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)
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q & a

  • What is the recommended stud spacing for installing conventional plaster?

    Do not exceed 16 inches on center.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • When can a conventional plaster system be painted?

    A conventional plaster system can be painted after it is completely dry.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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 Preperation for Painting details.

  • Can Veneer Plaster be applied to sun-faded USG Imperial® Brand Gypsum Base?

    No. An alum spray must be applied prior to application.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Have a question?

    Let us do the research. We'll get back to you as quickly as we can.

    Ask USG
  • Need help right away?

    Call our Technical Support team at 800-874-4968 (Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 4 pm Central).

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