HOW TO USE QUICK DRYING CEMENT - Quick drying cement is useful for a number of jobs, including setting posts in the ground for fencing or for repairing cracks and holes in exterior walls. Quick drying cement comes in bags that you can mix with water and for the best results you should read the manufacturers guidelines for mixing and use. In this guide we’ll show you how to mix and use it.
Step 1
Mixing quick drying cement will depend on the type and size of job you are doing. For example, when securing posts in post holes you can pour water into the hole and then add the cement and mix it in place. This product is generally referred to as Post Mix and is widely available in most good DIY Stores.
If you have small jobs, such as filling cracks in exterior walls then you can simply mix up a small batch in a bucket and then apply it to the cracks. For larger jobs, such as cementing in drainage pipes, then mix up a larger quantity on a mixing board or use a wheelbarrow.
Step 2
Before you start mixing your cement you should wear the appropriate safety equipment. You should always wear protective eye wear and a face mask. The dust from the cement is extremely harmful to the respiratory system and can be very irritable and harmful to your skin.
Make sure you are wearing eye goggles and a face mask. If you do get any cement powder on you, then wash this off immediately with cold water. If you do happen to get cement dust on you and you suffer a severe allergic reaction then seek medical attention.
Step 3
You will find that the manufacturers of each type of quick drying cement will give slight variations on mixing recommendations. Generally it is best to mix quick drying cement to 5 Parts Cement to 1 Part Water but you may find the recommendation is 3 Parts Cement to 1 Part Water. Always read the manufacturers mixing instructions, which will be printed on the packaging along with safety recommendations. Mix the cement until all the cement powder is mixed with the water and the mixture is pliable.
Step 4
Mix the cement until all the cement powder is mixed with the water and the mixture is pliable and a very dark gray in colour. When the mixture is ready you will need to work fast as the cement mix will start to set within 10 minutes.
Before applying the cement made sure the area you are working on is slightly damp. You DO NOT want the area soaking wet, just slightly damp. You can now apply the cement with a trowel or flat putty knife – depending on the job you are doing. If you are working on a large area then a builders trowel will work well. If on the other hand you are filling cracks in a wall then a flat putty knife would work well.
Step 5
In Step 4 we mentioned that quick drying cement generally sets within 10 minutes or so. You need to make sure that you can smooth the area, or level it, within 5 to 7 minutes before it really starts to set. While this is the case you will find this is only the surface. Quick drying cement, like any other type requires at least 24 hours before it is fully cured. When the cement is fully cured it will turn a very light dusty gray and will be completely solid.
Step 6
When you have finished make sure you wash your tools and equipment thoroughly. If you have any quick drying cement powder left over you can store this for later use. Read the storage instructions on the packaging. You will need to make sure that you store the cement in a cool and dry place. Make sure that if you have children that they cannot get access to it. Again cement powder is extremely harmful to the eyes and respiratory system so exercise extreme caution when using and storing.
