Question 1

What does float and set mean in plastering?

Accepted Answer

Float and set is a traditional two-coat plastering system where a thicker base coat, the float, is applied and levelled to correct uneven or damaged walls, followed by a thin finishing coat, the set, trowelled smooth on top. It is used on new blockwork, extensions, and badly damaged masonry that a single skim coat cannot correct.

Question 2

When is float and set needed instead of a skim coat?

Accepted Answer

Float and set is needed when the wall itself is out of true, bowed, or built from bare blockwork, whereas a skim coat alone is only suitable for surfaces that are already flat, such as plasterboard or a sound existing base coat.

Question 3

How thick is a float coat?

Accepted Answer

A float coat is typically built up to whatever thickness is needed to correct the wall's level, commonly anywhere from 8mm to 15mm depending on how uneven the underlying blockwork or masonry is.

Question 4

How long between the float coat and the set coat?

Accepted Answer

The float coat needs to firm up and take its initial set, usually within the same day to next day, before the set coat is applied. Leaving it too long can affect how well the finishing coat bonds.

Question 5

Is float and set suitable for new-build extensions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, float and set is the standard system for new blockwork extensions. It corrects any minor unevenness from the build itself and gives a properly level, durable wall ready for decoration.

Question 6

Can float and set fix damp-damaged walls?

Accepted Answer

Float and set can rebuild a wall's surface once any underlying damp issue has been properly resolved and the damaged plaster removed. It should never be used to simply cover over an active damp problem.

Question 7

Does float and set cost more than skimming?

Accepted Answer

Float and set generally costs more than a straightforward skim because it uses more material and takes longer to apply correctly, reflecting the extra work of levelling an uneven or damaged wall rather than finishing an already-flat one.

Question 8

Can float and set be used on ceilings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though it is more commonly used on walls. Uneven or damaged ceilings can also be corrected with a float and set system where a straightforward skim would not hide the underlying unevenness.

Question 9

What finish does float and set leave?

Accepted Answer

Once complete, float and set leaves the same smooth, paint-ready finish as a skim coat. The difference is entirely in what happens underneath, correcting the wall's level, not in how the final surface looks or feels.

Question 10

Do you use float and set on listed or period properties?

Accepted Answer

On period properties we assess the existing wall build-up first, since older solid-wall construction sometimes calls for breathable lime-based systems rather than modern gypsum float and set. We advise on the right approach for the property during the quote.

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