What is Salt-Resistant Plastering?
When walls suffer from rising damp, groundwater travels upward through pores in the sandcrete or concrete blocks. This water carries soluble salts such as sulfates, nitrates, and chlorides. As moisture evaporates from the wall surface, salts crystallize inside the plaster, causing:
*Powdering or flaking plaster
*Blistered paintwork
*Efflorescence (white salt deposits)
*Long-term structural weakness
Ordinary cement plaster cannot withstand repeated salt crystallization and quickly breaks down. This is where salt-resistant plastering becomes essential.
Role of StopDamp+ Cement Mix
StopDamp+ Cement Mix is a specially formulated additive designed to be mixed with ordinary Portland cement (OPC).
Mix Ratio: 1 unit of StopDamp+ Cement Mix to 1 bag (50 kg) of cement.
Application: Applied as a two-coat plaster system after the damp-proof course (DPC) injection or slurry treatment.
It acts in two main ways:
1. Salt Resistance – The formulation blocks salt migration into the plaster, preventing damage from crystallization.
2. Breathability – It allows trapped moisture vapor to escape without carrying salts, ensuring the wall dries evenly.
Step-by-Step Application
1. Surface Preparation
Remove old, salt-contaminated plaster up to 1 m above visible damp line.
Clean and brush wall surface to eliminate loose debris and efflorescence.
2. First Coat (Base Coat)
Mix OPC with StopDamp+ Cement Mix as directed.
Apply 10–12 mm thick coat directly onto the damp-proofed wall.
Scratch surface lightly to provide key for the next coat.
3. Second Coat (Finishing Coat)
After the first coat sets, apply a second 8–10 mm thick coat.
Finish smoothly without polishing (to maintain breathability)
4. Curing
Cure gently with water misting. Avoid over-wetting, which may re-introduce salts.
Key Benefits
*Stops salt damage – prevents efflorescence, blistering, and plaster decay.
*Durable finish – maintains integrity of the wall surface even under high salt loads.
*Breathable system – allows walls to dry out naturally after damp treatment.
*Improves longevity – extends the lifespan of both decorative finishes and structural masonry.
*Compatible with finishes – can be painted or skimmed after full curing.