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Skim Coat and Wall Putties Put Through Their Paces

Why is testing of skim coat so important? Substrates, regional raw materials, climatic conditions, legal requirements and other factors vary by region. Therefore, specific formulations of skim coat are needed. At the WACKER technical centers around the world, we conduct a number of tests to make sure you always get the perfect formulation for your application.

Performance is Key

Skim coat must meet certain physical and technical requirements if it is to function properly. At WACKER, we conduct comprehensive tests as regards all the critical requirements. In doing so, we seek to improve the characteristics of the fresh mortar, e.g. its workability, as well as the properties of the hardened skim coat, e.g. its adhesion, flexibility and compressive strength.

Workability

Properties such as workability are greatly influenced by both the methyl cellulose and the polymeric binder. As co-binders, polymers affect and improve application, too. For example, the polymeric binder can extend the setting time, thus giving the applicator more time for smoothing.

Coverage

When applied in an average thickness of between 0.5 and 2 mm, a skim coat creates flawless, smooth surfaces. At WACKER, we employ our own test methods to find the perfect formula for optimum coverage.

Pot Life

How long can a skim coat, mixed to a paste with water, be stored in the mixing pot under ambient conditions? WACKER conducts special tests to find the optimum solution for different regions and climatic conditions.

Properties of Hardened Skim Coat

Tensile Adhesive Strength Test

The tensile adhesive strength test determines how well skim coat adheres to its substrate. Here, the skim coat is applied to a substrate and subjected to standard curing conditions, including heat exposure, before being assessed at 14 and 28 days.

No Chance of Water Damage

Moisture is the weak spot of skim coat: exposure to rain or other sources of humidity, such as cooking, washing, or showering, can cause water damage in the form of cracking, algal growth and blistering. Hydrophobic skim coat is the solution. The WACKER Technical Centers conduct a number of tests to evalutate the hydrophobic behavior of skim coat and to find the perfect formulation.

Water Drop Test

In this test, water droplets are placed on a skim coat by means of a micropipet. The length of time the water droplets remain on the skim coat is then measured. This provides an initial impression of the hydrophobic nature of the skim coat.

Skim Coat Hardened Properties

Water Absorption Coefficient via Partial Immersion

The water absorption test is conducted as per EN 15148 by measuring the change in mass over 24 hours of a test specimen, the skim-coated bottom surface of which is in contact with water. This helps in determining the rate of water absorption by capillary action from continuous or driving rain on-site or during construction.

Ask the Experts!

Worldwide, the WACKER Technical Centers support customers in finding the right skim coat formulation for their applications. Our experts understand local conditions and know what is important. They perform all of the definitive testing methods described in the relevant standards. Drawing on many years of experience, they have also developed some test methods of their own, providing our customers with even more insight into their products.

Whatever your plans are for skim coat: Do not hesitate to get in touch with our colleagues in the WACKER Technical Centers – they will gladly help you find the perfect formulation for your task.