This month, Tradesman Saver teams up with Knauf who share the benefits of their Airless plastering spray.
The 21st century alternative to traditional gypsum plaster
Less waste, less water, less dust, less time: that is the promise from Knauf Airless Spray Finishes, a 21st century alternative to traditional gypsum plaster.
Sprayed directly onto the wall and ceiling surfaces, Knauf Airless gives a flawless finish in a fraction of the time needed for traditional plastering. Plus, a big bonus for tradespeople, significantly less wear and tear on arms and backs.
Its crushed marble formula makes it easier to level and sand if required, and the product comes ready-mixed in recyclable bags. There is no need to mix with water on site, reducing standpipe costs on large builds, and application of the product prior to sanding is dust-free, giving a much cleaner and safer environment.
Smooth finishes
These were some of the benefits discovered by James Evans, Director of Spray Pro Ltd:
“We recently used Knauf Airless for the first time on a project in Mayfair. It is honestly one of the best we have used – it certainly provides a smoother finish and a cleaner look. We have had to do a lot less sanding and it simply dries a lot smoother. Knauf is definitely the way forward for us as a company.”
A similar sentiment was expressed by Wates Construction after specifying the spray plaster for a fast, high-quality finish throughout Stag House, a new housing development in Putney, London.
Tom Hooper-Smith, Project Manager for Wates Construction, was particularly impressed with the safety of the product in use.
“Knauf Airless Ready-mixed Finish produces little dust during application, as little or no sanding is required, meaning that the environment is safer and more comfortable for site workers.”
“The cherry on top has to be that there’s no waste from the product – any unused excess can be scraped back into the hopper – so it is both ecological and economical. It’s a win-win, I really do think it’s the way forward.”
No gypsum, and greatly reduced dust, means a much cleaner and healthier environment for site workers, quicker clean up, less waste and making good. The Knauf range contains trace silicate; well below HSE requirements.
Introducing the spray method
Knauf Airless is applied using an Airless piston-pump machine which are available for hire or purchase. Learning how to spray Airless is a quick and easy process, especially with Knauf training courses.
Tradespeople unfamiliar with using spray finishes may be interested to know that the Knauf Airless spray course is consistently one of Knauf’s most popular.
This course introduces contractors to the spray method of internal Airless finish application, allowing attendees to produce finished substrates ready for decorating without necessarily needing to employ a traditionally-trained plasterer. It’s a great way to expand the range of services provided on a job without increasing the size of the team.
The Learning Zone
The product was specified for Stag House primarily for its speed and ease of use, but for subcontractors ASH Drywall it was a first, so the training provided by Knauf was an essential part of the service.
ASH Drywall sent a team to the Knauf Learning Zone, the training centre in Sittingbourne, to make sure they were completely comfortable with the system before starting the project and Knauf also followed up with a site visit to answer any last-minute questions.
The subcontractors are enthusiastic, with initial reservations about using an entirely new process being overturned during the supportive training process from Knauf. Having used the product on site, ASH Drywall has indicated that the company will be happy to tender with this product in the future.
About Knauf
Knauf is one of the largest producers of plasterboard in the UK.
Part of the Knauf Group, a family-owned group of companies that manufactures building materials globally, Knauf UK sells plasterboard, finishes, metal sections, flooring, external renders, insulating laminates, drywall accessories and more.
The UK business was founded in 1988 when the Knauf Group built a plasterboard factory in Sittingbourne, Kent. Two years later, Knauf opened a second manufacturing plant in North East Lincolnshire. In 2013 The Cube opened in Kent, a modernist-inspired building housing an innovative training, visitor and administrative centre. And, most recently, in 2018 the Knauf Clerkenwell showroom opened in London.
Find out more about Knauf by visiting www.knauf.co.uk
Tradesman Talk
Would you use the Airless spray on site? And do you think it will make plastering walls and ceilings easier?
Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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