Three variables decide whether a wall finishes flat or fails: substrate preparation, mixing ratio and coat thickness. Get them right and the surface is paint-ready in two coats.
Substrate preparation
Inspect and clean the wall — flat, firm, dry, free of oil, dust and standing water. Smooth or loose surfaces such as concrete, smooth walls and gypsum board require sealing with a bonding agent first.
Mixing
Clean the mixing bucket and electric mixer — no residue of other materials. Add water first, then the product. Never add any material other than clean water. Mix until a uniform, lump-free paste forms; rest for a few minutes, then mix again before use. Use the mixed paste within 2 hours; never re-mix hardened paste with water.
Application
Two coats are recommended, approximately 1–1.5 mm each. Apply the second coat only after the first is fully dry, and proceed to the next step only after each coat is fully dry.