SP15

CHAPTER-XV
CHAPTER-XV
FINISHING
1501 PLASTER CEMENT

1502 PLASTER LIME
1503 PLASTER ROUGH CAST
1504 POINTING
1505 WHITE WASH
1506 COLOUR WASH
1507 DISTEMPERING
1508 CEMENT WASH
1509 WATER PROOF CEMENT

XV- FINISHING
LIST OF BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARD CODES (ISI)

Sl. IS.No. Subject
1. 16-1991 Shellac:Part:I-Hand Made Shellac
(Part : 1) (3rd Revision)
2. 16-1991 Shellac:Part: II-Machine Made
(Part : II) Shellac (3rd Revision)
3. 75-1973 Linseed Oil Raw and Refined
(Reaffirmed 1990) (2nd Revision)
4. 77-1976 Linseed Oil Boiled For Paints
(Reaffirmed 1993) (2nd Revision)
5. 102-1962 Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Red
Lead, Nonsetting, Priming
(Reaffirmed 1991) (Revised)
6. 104-1979 Specification For Ready Mixed Paint,
Brushing, Zinc Chrome, Priming
(reaffirmed 1993) (2nd Revision)
7. 109-1968 Ready Mixed Paint, brushing, priming
Dy.CE/conversion/tmp/scratch/507177219.doc i
CHAPTER-XV
Sl. IS.No. Subject
Plaster to Indian Standard Colour

No. 361 631 White and off White
(Reaffirmed 1993) (Ist Revision)
8. 117-1964 Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing,
Finishing Exterior, Semigloss For
General Purposes to Indian Standards
Colours (Reaffirmed 1988) Revised.
9. 133-1993 Enamel, Interior (a) Under Coating
(b) Finishing (3rd Revision)
10. 137-1965 Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Matt Or
Egg Shell Flat, Finishing Interior
to Indian Standard Colour as
required (Revised 1993)
11. 158-1981 Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing,
Bituminous Black, Lead Free, Acid,
Alkali and Heat Resisting
(Reaffirmed 1988) (3rd Revision)
12. 217-1988 Specification For Cut Back Bitumen
(2nd Revision)
13. 218-1983 Specification For Creosote and
Anthracene Oil For Use As Wood
Preservatives (Reaffirmed 1990) (2nd
Revision)
14. 290-1961 Coal Tar Black Paint (Reaffirmed
1991) Revised.
15. 337-1975 Varnish, Finishing Interior
16. 341-1973 Black Japan, Types 'A','B' & 'C'
17. 345-1952 Wood Filter, Transparent - Liquid
(withdrawn)
18. 347-1975 Varnish, Shellac For General
Purposes (Reaffirmed 1991) (Ist
Revision)
19. 348-1968 French Polish (Reaffirmed 1991) (Ist
Revision)
20. 419-1967 Putty For Use On Window Frames
Dy.CE/conversion/tmp/scratch/507177219.doc ii
CHAPTER-XV
Sl. IS.No. Subject

21. 427-1965 Distemper, Dry Colour as Required
(Reaffirmed 1993) (Revised)
22. 428-1969 Distemper, Oil Emulsion, Colour as
Required (Reaffirmed 1993) (Ist
Revision)
23. 524-1983 Varnish, Finishing, Exterior,
Synthetic Air Drying (Reaffirmed
1990) (2nd Edn.)
24. 533-1973 Cum Spirit of Turpentine (Oil of
Turpentine) (Reaffirmed 1990) (Ist
Revision)
25. 712-1984 Specification For Building Limes
(Reaffirmed 1991) (3rd Revision)
26. 1200-1994 Method of Measurements of Building
(PART:XII) and Civil Engineering Works: Part:
XIII-White Washing, Colour Washing
Distempering and Painting of
Building surfaces. (5th Revision)
27. 1200-1987 Methods of Measurements of Building
and Civil Engineering Works : (PART:
XV) Part : XV – Painting,
Polishing, Varnishing etc.
(Reaffirmed 1992) (4th Revision)
28. 2339-1963 Aluminum Paint For General Purposes,
in Dual Container (Reaffirmed 1993)
29. 2932-1994 Enamel, Synthetic, Exterior (a)
Undercoating, (b) Finishing (2nd
Revision)
30. 2933-1975 Enamel, Exterior (a) Undercoating
(b) Finishing (Reaffirmed 1991) (Ist
Revision)
31. 5410-1992 Cement Paint (Ist Revision)
32. 5411-1974 Plastic Emulsion : Paint Part I For
(PART : I) Interior Use (Reaffirmed 1991) (Ist
Revision)
33. 6278-1971 Code of Practice For White Washing
and Colour Washing (Reaffirmed 1991)
Dy.CE/conversion/tmp/scratch/507177219.doc iii
CHAPTER-XV
Dy.CE/conversion/tmp/scratch/507177219.doc iv
CHAPTER-XV
SPECIFICATION NO. 1501
PLASTER CEMENT
1. Mixture
2. Preparatory Works
3. Application of Plaster
3.1 Gauges
3.2 Floating
3.3 Quick use and curing
3.4 Watering and curing
3.5 Moulding
3.6 Finishing
3.7 Scaffolding
3.8 Coats of plaster
3.9 Control of tracking
4. Plastering with cement mortar (One Coat 12 mm Thick)
4.1 Mortar
4.2 First coat or rendering coat
4.3 Finishing
4.4 monolithic wall
4.5 Precautions aga1nst cracking and crazing
4.6 Suction
5. Neeru finish
DyCE/conversion/tmp/scratch/507177219.doc 1
CHAPTER-XV
PLASTER CEMENT
CR
Mixture 1. The walls shall be prepared as per Para 3 of Specification Specification
No. 1304
No.1302 for Plaster, Lime, and rendered with a mortar of cement
and fine sand in specified proportions. At suitable internals, 15cm
 15 cm mortar squares to full thickness of base coat, shall be first
laid to servo as a guide to ensure a plane, smooth layer of plaster
over the entire surface of the wall. The mortar shall be dashed
against the surface to be plastered with considerable force, and
shall be thoroughly worked into all joints and other surface
depressions, to ensure a permanent bond. The plaster surface will
be roughened and not beaten. The thickness shall be between 12
mm and 25 mm as specified.
Western
Preparatory
Works
2 Before starting plastering, building Railway
Specifica
operation such as construction of brick and tion
block walls, the encasement of steel columns
and beams with concrete etc. requiring
subsequent plastering, shall be so
programmed that they are sufficiently cured
and dry to receive the plaster without
subsequent damage to plaster or decoration.
2.1. All service pipes, conduits, cables

etc., that are to be embedded in masonry
work and covered with plaster shall be
completed and suitably protected against
corrosion where necessary, before plastering
begun and the time of plastering shall be
scheduled accordingly.
2.2. All joints in the phase work that is

to be plastered shall be raked out to a
depth of 20 mm unless otherwise specified.
The raking shall be done carefully and no
chipping of the masonry shall be permitted.
In new work, raking out shall be done when
the mortar in the joints is still green and
fresh. All concrete, old plaster and stone
surface if they seem too smooth, must be
suitably roughened to provide necessary
bonding for the plaster. All dirt, must,
oil, paint or any other material that might
interfere with satisfactory bond must be
removed. Soft and crumbling brick and stone
work, oil soaked material and timber are not
CHAPTER-XV
suitable for receiving plaster directly. The

surface shall be brushed and washed with
fresh water. The wall shall not be soaked
but only damped evenly applying the plaster.
Too much water makes it impossible to keep
the mortar in position till it sets. If the
surface becomes dry in spot, such areas
shall be moistened again to restore uniform
suction. The plastering shall not be
commended unless the preparatory work is
passed in writing by the Engineer or his
representative.
2.3. Where other building operations are

required to proceed simultaneously with
plastering, special care shall not be taken
to programme the work so as to cause the
minimum amount of interference.
Plastering operation shall be so scheduled

as to allow sufficient interval between
successive coats.
2.4. Dubbing i.e. operations of filling in

hollows, may be necessary where the
background is very uneven and that
unevenness cannot be made up in regular
courses of plastering.
The patches of plaster thus done are left

rough so that the subsequent coat of plaster
would stick to it.
CR
Application of 3.1. For all plaster patches of plaster 15 cm  15 cm shall be Specification
Plaster -Gauges No. 1304
put on about 2 m apart as gauges to ensure even plastering in one
plane.
CR
Floating 3.2. While the base coat is still fresh, it shall be floated with 3 Specification
No. 1304
mm thick coat of pure cement and heavily trowelled immediately
with a trowel. Cement will be uniformly sprinkled dry over the
entire area to the extent, that when rubbed smooth, the whole
surface is covered with neat cement coating of the required
thickness.
CR
Quick use and 3.3 The mortar mixed for plaster must be used within 30 Specification
curing No. 1304
minutes after it leaves the mixing board, and the plaster shall be
kept thoroughly netted for at least 14 days after it has been
applied. Any mortar that falls to the ground in the process of
application is to be thrown away and on no account reused.
Western
Watering 3.4 All plaster work shall be kept damp Railway
CHAPTER-XV
Specifica
and curing continuously for a minimum period of 7 days tion
after the application of final coat. To
prevent excessive evaporation on the sunny
or windward sides of building in hot dry
weather, matting or gunny bags should be
hung over the outside of the plaster and
kept moist. Should the plaster perish
through neglect of watering or for other
fault of the contractor, the work shall be
removed and redone at the contractor's
expense, or should the contractor fail to
water the work to the satisfaction of the
Engineer, the latter may engage requisite
men to water the work properly at the cost
of the contractor.
Western
Moulding 3.5 All mouldings shall be worked true Railway
Specifica
to template and drawn neat clean and level. tion
All exposed angles and junctions with door
frames shall be carefully finished arises to
be headed if ordered
Western
3.5.1. It is an advantage to plaster the Railway
Specifica
ceiling first and then to plaster the walls tion
starting item from the top and working down
wards. This will permit the removal of
scaffolding as early as possible.
Western
3.5.2 In all plaster work, the mortar Railway
Specifica
shall be firmly applied and well pressed tion
into the joints. Long straight edges should
be freely used to ensure a perfectly even
surface. All corners and angles should be
plumb and true and the soffits of arches
must be true arcs of circles. The corners
and angles shall be rounded in plastering
interior room.
Western
Finishing 3.6. In any continuous face of wall, Railway
Specifica
finishing treatments of any type should be tion
carried out continuously and day-to-day
breaks made to coincide with architectural
breaks in order to avoid unsightly
junctions. The planting of work to ensure
this is therefore, important.
Western
Scaffolding 3.7. Where it is necessary to use Railway
Specifica
scaffolding an independent scaffold should tion
be provided and so arranged that on its
removal at various heights it is easy to
ensure a continuous surface avoiding
CHAPTER-XV
unsightly joints between lifts. The put log

holes if any left while constructing the
building must be filled in at the same time
as the backing coat is being applied,
otherwise they will invariably show in the
finished rendering.
Western
Coats of
plaster
3.8. For ordinary buildings and Railway
Specifica
subordinate offices one coat finished off tion
smoothly, shall, in most cases, suffice for
brick work while rough stone masonry may in
some cases require two coats.
For important buildings, two coats may be

desirable and for hospital interiors and
such type of buildings where painting or
distempering is to be done on the plaster,
three coats shall be necessary. It is to be
noted that walls which are to be white-
washed subsequently, very smooth finish
(three coats) is not desirable as the white-
wash will not properly adhere to such a
smooth surface.
Western
Control of
tracking
3.9. The main reasons for cracking of Railway
Specifica
plaster are as follows, tion
(i) Quick drying of the mortar due to

hot weather and low atmospheric humidity.
(ii) When a strong mix has been used on

a weak background.
(iii) Lack of bond with the background.
(iv) Masonry underneath has not

undergone initial shrinkage.
(v) Lack of proper raking of joints,

and
(vi) Discontinuity in backgrounds, such

as change from wall to ceiling from concrete
to brickwork from clay brickwork to concrete
block work, etc.
In case of discontinuity in backgrounds,

the best treatment would be to separate the
two portions by a neat cut through the
plaster at the junction. In case of
discontinuity from wall to ceiling, a
CHAPTER-XV
cornice that would permit slight movement

without cracking may advantageously be
introduced. If it is not proposed to provide
a cornice, a straight cut through the
plaster or a groove joint at the junction
may be provided.
Western
Plastering
with cement
4.1 Mortar shall conform to specification Railway
Speci`fic
mortar (One on "Cement Mortar". It must be freshly mixed ation
Coat 12 mm for immediate use and in such quantities as
Thick)Morta
r to permit the whole batch being used in the
work before the mortar has commenced to set.
Any mortar which has commenced to set is to
be discarded and removed from the site. If
any water proofers are ordered to be mixed
with cement mortar. The quantity of water
proofing compound of approved makes shall
taken as 30% unless specified otherwise by
the manufacturer. Cement mortar for internal
finishing which is intended to be
distempered, if ordered, shall be gauged
with 10% lime. The lime shall be well
ground store time thoroughly hydrated and
which can be mixed with cement in dry state.
Lime must not be mixed with white or
coloured cements.
Western
First coat
or
4.2 The plaster shall be laid on with Railway
Specifica
rendering somewhat mortar that the required thickness tion
coat and levelled with a wooden rule. The
finished thickness shall be sufficient to
cover by 10 mm the surface of the wall in
brick masonry and by 6 mm all the
projections in the case of random rubble
stone masonry.
Western
Finishing 4.3. The plaster shall be well pressed Railway
Specifica
into the joints and the surface rubbed tion
smooth after floating it with a coat (about
2 mm) of pure Portland cement. The finishing
coat must be applied while the base coat is
still fresh.
Western
Monolithic
wall
4.4. On monolithic walls (e.g. cement Railway
Specifica
concrete walls, smooth stone masonry walls, tion
etc), the first coat shall be dashed unless
the surface is considered by the Engineer to
be sufficiently rough to ensure adequate
bond for the rendering coat when applied
with a trowel. Dashing on the first coat
aids in securing intimate bond by excluding
CHAPTER-XV
air which might otherwise be trapped behind

the plaster. The dashing coat is app-lied
using a strong whipping motion at right
angles to the face of the wall.
Western
Precautions
aga1nst
4.5. Large surfaces should be done in Railway
Specifica
cracking alternate squares or strips keeping joints tion
and crazing at convenient places coinciding with
architectural breaks, otherwise cracks will
appear in the plaster. The contractor shall
obtain detailed instructions from the
Engineer in this respect before starting the
work.
Western
Suction 4.6. It is very necessary to control Railway
Specifica
suction of the surface being plastered. Very tion
strong suction will withdraw all the
moisture from the plaster and make it weak,
porous and friable and too much water makes
it impossible to keep the mortar in position
till it sets. Uniform suction is obtained by
nor soaking the wall but by damping it
evenly before applying the plaster. If the
surface becomes dry in spots these areas
should be moistened again to restore uniform
suction. Plastering work should be carried
out on the shady side of the building where
possible, as it is difficult to keep wall
properly damp when exposed to the sun.
CR
Neeru finish 5.1. Where specified, 3 mm thick coat of neeru will be applied Specification
No. 1304
on the base coat, in place of the neat cement finishing coat
mentioned in para 2 above.
CR
5.2. For preparation of neeru, fat lime of best quality shall be Specification
No. 1304
slaked and mixed with water to form a thick paste; it shall then be
passed through a fine sieve (IS sieve 3. 35 mm) to remove all
unslaked particles and foreign matter and allowed to mature under
water for at least l0 days, The surplus water on top shall then be
allowed to run off, and the top layer of lime formed into putty
shall be skimmed off and well mixed with sand and jute. The
proportion of sand shall be l m3 of fine washed sand (passing IS
Sieve 600 microns ) to 4 m3 of lime putty. The jute shall be finely
chopped and shall be used in the proportion of 1 kg of jute for
every m3 of mortar. The mixture shall be properly ground to fine
paste in a mill. The neeru thus prepared shall be kept moist until
used, and no more than that can be consumed in 15 days shah be
prepared at a, time.
Western
Neeru
Preparation
5.3. Fat time of best quality shall be Railway
Specifica
slaked and mixed with sufficient water to
CHAPTER-XV
tion
form a thick paste, it shall be passed
through a IS sieve of 3.35 mm to remove all
unslaked particles and foreign matter and
allowed to met under water for at least 10
days. The surplus water on top shall then
be allowed to run off and the top layer of
lime formed into putty shall be skimmed off
and well mixed with sand and jute. The
proportion of sand shall be 1 cum of fine
washed sand (passing through IS sieve 600
micron) to 4 cum of lime putty. The jute
shall be finely chopped and shall be used in
the proportion of 1 kg. of jute for every 4
cum of mortar. The mixture shall be
properly ground to fine paste between two
stones or in a mill. The "Neeru" thus
prepared shall be kept moist until used and
no more than that can be consumed in 15 days
shall be prepared at a time.
Western
Neeru
finish
5.4. The "Neeru" as prepared above shall Railway
Specifica
be applied to the prepared surface with a tion
steel trowel to a thickness not exceeding 3
mm and rubbed and polished to a perfectly
smooth and even finish working form top to
bottom. While trowelling is going on, soap
stone powder contained in the muslin bags
shall be dusted over the surface and worked
in.
CHAPTER-XV
PLASTER LIME
1. Fat Lime
2. Plastering with lime mortar one coat 12 mm thick Mortar
2.1 Mortar
2.2 Laying
2.3 Watering and curing
3. Lime sandla
3.1 Preparation of sandla
3.2 Sandla finish
CHAPTER-XV

PLASTER LIME
CR
Fat Lime 1.1. Fat lime conforming to Specification No. 106 for Lime Specification
No. 1302
shall be used in reference to Kunker lime.
CR
Coats 1.2. For the first coat, the mixture shall be prepared as Specification
No. 1302
specified for lime mortar in Specification No. 304 for Lime Mortar,
but after removal from the mill, the mortar shall be put into a stack,
shall be turned over in the stack for 2 or 3 days and shall be again
ground in a mill for 2 hours before using. The second and third
coats shall be a mixture of fine lime and whitewash lime worked up
with sufficient water to the consistency of cream, left to settle in a
tub and the surface water drained off. If Kunker lime is used, it
shall be ground specially fine with water before being mixed.
CR
Raking of 1.3. All joints shall be raked out to a depth of 1.5 cm. Dust or Specification
joints No. 1302
mortar powder shall be brushed out of all joints. The masonry shall
be kept very wet for the day previous and up to the time that the
work is started, and shall be kept very damp during the progress of
the plastering.
CR
1st Coat 1.4. The first coat of plaster (20 mm thick for rubble Specification
No. 1302
masonry, 10 to 15 mm thick for rough dressed stone and brick
masonry) shall be applied with an even surface, and shall be well
beaten in with hand tapers for 1 to 2 days. The mortar shall be
dashed against the surface to be plastered with considerable force,
and shall be thoroughly worked into all joints and other surface
depressions to ensure a permanent bond.
CR
2nd Coat 1.5. After the first coat has become quite firm, a mixture of Specification
No. 1302
fine lime and white-wash lime (in the proportion of 3 to 1) shall be
applied as a thin coat, lightly beaten and well rubbed in with a
plasterer's float.
CR
Finishing 1.6. The finishing coat shall be mixture of fine lime and Specification
Coat No. 1302
whitewash lime in the proportion of 1 to 2. It shall be applied very
thin and be rubbed in and trawled heavily with a large trowel, until
it is smooth and even.
CR
1.7. Any mortar that falls to the ground in the process of Specification
No. 1302
application is to be thrown away, and on no account on no account
reused.
CR
Curing 1.8. Plaster shall be kept damp for 10 days after completion Specification
No. 1302
of work.
CR
Lime 1.9. Composite Lime-Cement Mortar may also be used for Specification
cement No. 1304
plaster plastering in such cases, composite lime-cement mortar, using fat
CHAPTER-XV
lime, should be prepared as per Specification No. 303 for

Composite Lime-Cement Mortar for plastering. The thicknesses of
coats and the method of application should be as par paras 2 & 3 of
this Specification. The mortar should be used completely within
half an hour of mixing cement with the ground lime-sand mortar.
Curing of the plastered surface should be carried out for at least 14
days after the plaster is laid.
Western
Plasteri
ng with
2.1. The mortar shall be of proportion as Railway
Specifica
lime specified in the work order and shall be tion
mortar prepared according to Specification No.12 on
one coat
12 mm "Lime mortar". If the mortar has become set
thick or hardened before being used, it shall be
-Mortar
rejected and removed from site.
Western
Laying 2.2. The plaster shall be laid on with Railway
Specifica
somewhat more than the required thickness and tion
levelled with a net wooden rule. The finished
thickness shall be sufficient to cover by 12
mm the surface of wall in brick masonry and
by 10 mm all the projections in the case of
random rubble stone masonry. The plaster
shall be well pressed into the joints and the
surface rubbed smooth with a wooden bar or
plaster's trowel, sprinkling as much water as
is necessary. During the process of rubbing,
an addition of lime and water of the
consistency of the consistency of thick cream
is to be applied to give a smooth and even
surface.
Western
Waterin 2.3. The completed plaster shall be allowed Railway
g and Specifica
ciiring to rest for 24 hours and then be sprinkled tion
with water at short intervals and kept damp
for at least 7 days.
Western
Prepara 3.1. Well burnt "Kankar" nodules shall be Railway
tion of Specifica
sandla picked up and slaked well into a thin cream tion
in a pit. The slaked lime: shall be then run
through a IS sieve of 1 mm into another pit
and left open for at least 24 hour. The
excess water will either evaporate or soak in
ground leaving liquid sandla in the pit. This
should be again left into the pit for another
2 days till, it turns it into a stiff paste.
The sandla should be pure white and free from
dust, dirt, earth or sand. Any sandla which
is not so, or is blackish or is not stiff
shall be rejected. Sandla must under no
circumstances be made by liquefying slaked
lime, which has been kept for some time. The
CHAPTER-XV
sand to be used with this sandla should be

very fine and screened through a screen of IS
designation 42 microns.
Western
Sandla 3.2. Equal parts of sandla and fine sand Railway
finish Specifica
(screened through IS :sieve of 425 micron) tion
shall be ground together to fine and applied
to the top coat of plaster which has not been
allowed to dry and shall be rubbed smooth and
polished in one day. Sufficient labour shall
be employed to complete a wall in a day, as
otherwise the wall will be patchy.
CHAPTER-XV
PLASTER ROUGH CAST
1. Wetting & racking of masonry

2. Mixing
3. Application
4. Watering
CHAPTER-XV
PLASTER ROUGH CAST
CR
Wetting & 1. 1. All Stone and brick masonry shall be thoroughly wetted and Specificatio
racking of n No. 1304
masonry joints raked out to a depth of at least l.5 cm, the walls washed with
clean fresh water, and thoroughly wetted for 3 hours before plastering
is done. Dust & mortar powder will be brushed out of all joints.
1.2. The plaster shall be laid in 2 coats. The first coat shall consist
of cement and clean sharp sand in specified proportions. The thickness
of the first coat shall be just sufficient to fill up all unevenness in the
surface under treatment. The mortar shall be dashed against the surface
to be plastered with considerable force, and shall be thoroughly worked
into all joints and other surface depressions, to ensure a permanent
bond.
The second cost shall consist of 1 part of cement, 1 part of the fine
sand and 1 part of 6 mm crushed gravel or trap stone or stone chipping.
The thickness of this coat shall be 12 mm.
CR
Mixing 2. The cement and aggregate shall be mixed dry in the proportion Specificatio
n No. 1304
specified, and water shall be added to form an easily worked paste. In
no case shell mortar, which has been allowed to stand more than ½ an
hour after mixing, be used.
Applicatio 3. 1. The first coat shall be whipped on to the prepared surface with
n
a, trowel, in 8 uniform layer, but the surface shall not be smoothed.
The second coat shall be applied in the same way as the first, while
the first coat is still soft and unset.
3.2. Any cement mortar that falls to the ground in the process of
application is to be thrown away and on no account reused.
Western
3.3 The plaster shall be laid in two coats. The first coat shall consist Railway
Specific
of one part of cement and two parts of clean sharp sand unless ation
specified otherwise. The finished thickness of the first coat shall be
sufficient to cover by 6 mm the surface of wall in brick masonry and by
3 mm all the projections in the case of random rubble stone masonry
and shall be laid by throwing the mortar (by using a strong whipping
motion) on prepared surface with a trowel in a uniform layer but shall
not be made smooth.
Western
Second 3.4. The second coat shall consist of one Railway
coat Specific
pan of cement, one part of coarse sand and one ation
part of crushed gravel of stone chipping of
size 6 mm and below. It shall be mixed into a
paste, which shall be flung upon tile first
CHAPTER-XV
coat with large trowels to form an even

protective coat. The second coat must be
applied while the first coat is still soft
uniform and unset. The thickness of this coat
shall tie about 14 mm.
Western
Coloure 3.5. For a coloured rough cast finish, a high Railway
d Specific
finish grade mineral pigment will be mixed with ation
portland cement or white cement (as the case
may be)to obtain the required shade and tint.
Aniline base colour or other organic dyes shall
not as they am likely to fade.
CR
Watering 4. The whole surface plastered moat be kept continuously and Specificatio
n No. 1304
thoroughly wetted for atleast one week.
CHAPTER-XV
POINTING
1. General
2. Raking out of joint
3. Cleaning
4. Type of pointing
5. Application
6. Mortar
7. Commencing of work.
8. Workmanship
9. Wetting
10. Finishing
CHAPTER-XV
POINTING
CR
General 1. Pointing should be avoided as much as possible as the Specification
No. 1304
raking out of joints is seldom advisable. In the case of masonry
in lime mortar, in preference to pointing, it would be advisable
to strike the joints neatly 2 or 3 days after the masonry has been
laid. Pointing will only be done when ordered by the Engineer.
CR
New 1. 2. In the normal course, no pointing will be done. Brick & Specification
Work No. 1304
stone masonry rates are deemed to include the work of flush
finishing the joint at the time of construction. Pointing, as a
separate item, will be carried out only if specially ordered by the
Engineer.
CR
Raking 2.1. Raking of joints. 3. All joints shall be raked out to a, Specification
out of No. 1304
joint depth of 1.5 cm, 7 or 8 days after the masonry is laid. The joints
will then be cleaned with wire brush or coconut husk to remove
all dust and mortar. On no account is any chipping of bricks to
be permitted. The masonry will be kept very wet for the day
previous and upto the time the pointing work is completed, and
kept damp for 14 days after.
Western
2.2. All joints in the phase work that Railway
Specifica
is to be pointed shall be racked out to a tion
depth of at least 20mm. The racking shall
be done carefully and on no account any
chipping of the masonry shall be permitted.
In new work , raking out shall be done when
the mortar in the joint is still green and
fresh.
Western
Cleaning 3. Before pointing is commenced, the Railway
Specifica
whole raked surface shall be properly tion
cleaned with coconut husk or brushes, with
water and kept well wetted.
CR
Type of
pointing
4. Generally speaking, the floors of rooms and bridges will Specification
No. 1304
be flat pointed, whilst all vertical faces will be rule pointed.
Tuck-pointing shall not be allowed under any circumstances.
CR
Applicatio 5.1. Lime pointing shall be done with lime putty (lime only Specification
n No. 1304
or 1 of lime to 1 of selected sand, or 1 of lime to 3 of surkhi),
made by mixing the materials with water to a consistency of
cream, allowing the mixture to settle in a tub and draining off the
surface water.
CHAPTER-XV
5.2. Cement pointing shall be done as specified in paras 2

and 3 with cement mortar composed of 1 part of cement to 2 or 3
of selected-sand. Mortar should be mixed in the required
proportions in such small quantities as will be entirely used up
within 30 minutes of mixing. Any mortar left over after this
period, or fallen on the ground during the process of pointing,
shall not be reused, but shall be thrown away immediately.
Western
Mortar 6. The mortar for pointing shall be as Railway
Specifica
specified by the Engineer. Generally lime tion
mortar shall consist of one part lime and
two parts fine sand or well ground surkhi,
and the cement mortar shall consist of one
part cement and three parts (by volume).
Only so much mortar shall be prepared that
can be used up before initial setting it
takes place. The lime and sand mortar may
be coloured to match the stone work or
brickwork, if considered desirable.
Sometime it may also be desirable to mix
coal ash with the mortar to emphasize the
pointing by making joint line darker.
Western
Commenc 7. When specially ordered, the pointing Railway
ing of Specifica
work. shall be done as the masonry progress; tion
otherwise the pointing shall be dons on
the completion of the whole work.
Western
Workman 8. The mortar shall be applied firmly to Railway
ship Specifica
raked out and well wetted with a pointing tion
trowel and well pressed home, it shall not
be spread on the face of brickwork, stone
work, etc., but restricted to the width of
the joint. All superfluous mortar shall be
rubbed smooth with the trowel and pointing
tool. The pointing lines shall be regular
and uniform in breath. Horizontal lines
shall be truly horizontal and vertical
lines truly vertical, except in case of
random rubble masonry. No false joints
shall be allowed.
Western
Curing 9. The pointed face shall be kept well Railway
Specifica
wetted for at least 5 days for lime tion
pointing and 10 days for cement pointing
after the completion of the work, at the
expense of the contractor.
CR
Finishing 10. All pointing must be neatly and cleanly done, and no Specification
No. 1301
mortar should appear smeared over the face of the atones or
bricks. Horizontal lines must be truly horizontal and vertical
CHAPTER-XV
lines truly vertical except in ease of random rubble masonry.

False joints shall not be shown, unless specifically directed by
the Engineer for ornamental effect.
CHAPTER-XV
WHITE WASH
1. Scaffolding
2. Preparation of Wash.
3. Preparation of surface.
4. Application.
5. Workmanship
CHAPTER-XV
WHITE WASH
CR
Scaffolding 1. Wherever scaffolding is necessary, it shall be erected on Specificat
ion No.
double supports, tied together by horizontal pieces over which 1305
scaffolding planks shall be fixed. No bullies, bamboos or planks (para 1)
shall rest on or touch the surface, which is being washed. If
ladders are used, pieces of old gunny bags shall be tied on their
tops to avoid damage or scratches to walls. For washing the
ceiling etc., proper stage scaffolding shall be erected.
CR
Preparation 2.1. The wash shall be prepared from fresh stone or shell Specificat
of Wash. ion No.
lime (fat) slaked on the spot. The slaked lime shall be placed in 1305
a tub nearly full of water, and shall then be mixed by hand and (para 2)
stirred until if attains the consistency of thin cream when
sufficiently mixed, the wash will be taken out in small quantities
and strained through a coarse cloth.
CR
3.1. Clean gum arabic, in the proportion of 40 grams to 10 kg Specificat
ion No.
of lime (cleaned by dissolving in hot water, the dirty refuse 1305
being rejected), will be added to the strained white wash and (para 3)
well mixed and brought to the required consistency by the
addition of hot water, then allowed to simmer over a fire for 2
hours, then strained and laid on hot. Rice size, in the same
proportion, may be used instead of gum arabic. The requisite
amount of blue shall be added to the solution.
CR
Preparation 3.1. In cases where walls have been previously colour wash, Specificat
of surface. ion No.
the old colour wash must be entirely removed before the 1305
whitewash is applied. The surface shall be prepared by brooming (para 4)
down, steel wire brushing, scrapping or other means as may be
ordered to produce an approved clean and fair surface.
CR
3.2. For walls which have once been white washed, the old Specificat
ion No.
surface shall be "broomed down". In special eases when the 1305
loose white wash cannot be removed by brooming only, the (para 5)
Engineer may order scraping of the surface.
CR
3.3. In the ease of walls which have not been previously 'bite Specificat
ion No.
washed, the surface shall be thoroughly cleaned down and freed 1305
from all foreign matter before the white wash is applied. (para 6)
CR
3.4. After cleaning the surface as specified above, nails shah Specificat
ion No.
be removed and all nail holes, plug holes, cracks and crevices 1305
stopped with the materials similar in composition to the surface (para 7)
to be stopped.
CR
Application 4.1. Three coats will be applied. One coat consists of a, Specificat
CHAPTER-XV
ion No.
. stroke of the brush from the top downwards, plus another stroke 1305
(para 8)
from the bottom upwards over the first stroke, plus one stroke
from the right and another from the left over the first brush
before if dries. After completion of the last coat, the white
washed surface should present a smooth and uniform
appearance. No portions in the surface shall be left out initially,
to be patched up later on.
CR
4.2. Doors, windows, floors and articles of furniture etc, Specificat
ion No.
shall be protected from being splashed upon covering with dust 1305
sheets, Splashing and droppings if any, shall be removed and (para 9)
the surface cleaned. The rate for white wash work includes all
such cleaning up of splashes on timber, glass paint, floor,
furniture, etc.
Western
Workmans
hip
5.1. White wash shall be laid on in Railway
Specifi
prescribed number of coats with a brush, cation
the coats being laid on vertically and
alternately. Each coat must be allowed to
dry and shall be subjected to inspection
before the next coat is applied.
Western
Disinfec
ting
5.2. When lime wash is to be used for Railway
Specifi
disinfecting purpose it should be applied cation
hot, the necessary heat being obtained by
placing the quick lime direct into the
mixture, and applying the mixture to the
walls at ones.
CHAPTER-XV
COLOUR WASH
1. Specification
2. Base Coat.
3. Samples.
4. Colour.
5. Precaution
6. Rate
CHAPTER-XV

COLOUR WASH
Specification CR Specification
1. The Specification for white washing shall apply to No. 1306 (para 1)
work also, the only difference being that the specified colour
ft be obtained by adding the necessary colouring matter to
white-wash solution.
Base Coat. CR Specification
2. For new work two coats of white-wash must first No. 1306 (para 2)
applied; when recolour washing, the old colour should be
wash off and then a coat of white-wash applied to kill the old
colon-wash.
Samples. CR Specification
3. For all colour wash, a sample must first be applied, No. 1306 (para 3)
allowed to dry and approved by the Engineer or his
Representative, before the work proceeds. It should be noted
that small samples of colour look much paler (lighter) than
when precisely the same shades are applied to large surfaces,
such as the walls of a room.
Colour. CR Specification
4. Care must be taken that the workmen keep the No. 1306 (para 4)
mixture constantly stirred while putting it on, otherwise the
colouring matter will settle, and the work will be uneven and
streaky. The contractor must ensure even colour throughout;
patchy or streaky work shall be rejected and re-executed at the
contractor's expense.
Precaution CR Specification
5. Care must be taken to mix sufficient colour wash to No. 1306 (para 5)
complete the whole surface to be treated, otherwise it is
almost impracticable to obtain exactly the same tint in two
successive mixtures.
Rate CR Specification
6. Rate for colour-washing includes cleaning up all No. 1306 (para 6)
splashes on timber, paint work and floor etc.
CHAPTER-XV

DISTEMPERING
1. Specifications.
2. Mixing.
3. Preparation of Surface for Application to New and Old Walls.
4. Application.
CHAPTER-XV
DISTEMPERING
CR
Specifica 1. The following Indian Standards shall apply : Specificat
tions. ion No.
1307
(a) IS : 427-1953- for Distemper, Dry, Colour as Required ; (para 1)
(b) IS : 428-1953- Specification for Distemper, Oil Emulsion,

Colour as Required ;
The distemper shall be of approved make and colour. When

patented distempers are being used, it is necessary to follow the
special instructions given for their use by the manufacturers and
the brand used shall have the approval of the Engineer.
CR
Mixing. 2.1. Distemper shall not be mixed in a larger quantity than Specificat
ion No.
actually required for a day's work, and hot water shall be used in 1307
preference to cold water in preparing the mixture. (para 3)
Western
2.2. The dry distemper shall be stirred Railway
Specifi
slowly in clean water using 0.6 liters of cation
water per kg. of distemper or as specified
by the makers. Warm water shall preferably
be used, it shall be allowed to stand for at
least 30 minutes before use. The mixture
shall be well stirred before and during use
to maintain an even consistency.
Western
2.3. Oil bound distemper shall be diluted Railway
Specifi
with water or any other prescribed thinner cation
in a manner recommended by the manufacturer,
only sufficient quantity of distemper,
required for a day's work shall be prepared.
Western
2.4. Distempers should be applied in dry Railway
Specifi
weather with a broad stiff brush, and after cation
the first Coat has thoroughly dried, another
should then be laid on. The first coat
should always be of a lighter tint and
should be applied with care. The brushes
used should never be allowed to rest on the
bristles and after use they should be
carefully and thoroughly washed in hot water
with soap solution and hung down to dry. Old
brushes which are dirty and eked with
distemper shall not be used on the work.
Western
2.5. Great care should be taken in Railway
Specifi
choosing a suitable colour for a light or cation
CHAPTER-XV
dark room
CR
Preparati 3. NEW WALLS : The plastered walls to be distempered shall Specificat
on of ion No.
Surface have a fine densely trowelled shining surface and shall be 1307
for absolutely dry. If the walls does not have such a surface, it shall (para 3)
Applicati be sand-papered thoroughly, and then one coat of Priming shall
on to
New and be applied. No extra payment will be made for the sand papering
Old for new work as the same is covered by the rate for priming coat.
Walls.
OLD WALLS : If the old walls are covered with distemper,
the same shall be removed by washing lightly with soft cloth with
plenty of warm water. But in case the walls are coloured or white
washed, the wash must be removed thoroughly first and all
depressions filled with gypsum, which shall be allowed to set and
dry completely before distempering is done. The walls shall then
be sand papered, and in case the surface is still rough, a coat of
white chalk mixed with glue or sizing, (i, e. base coat) may be
applied and the surface then distempered. No coat of priming is
needed in this case, and two coats of distemper should do.
CR
Applicati 4. Distemper shall applied in dry weather. Only after the first Specificat
on. ion No.
coat is thoroughly dry, another coat shall be laid on. The first coat 1307
shall always be of a lighter tint. In applying, the brush shall be (para 4)
dipped in the distemper and stroked cross-ways on the walls, and
immediately afterwards, applied perpendicularly. It is
recommended that two men shall work together, one going round
the room applying distemper from the ceiling downwards as far
as be can reach; and the second man following him applying the
distemper below. In this way, it is easier to join up and avoid
patchy overlap.
Proper distemper brushes (broad and stiff) shall be used, and

these shall be washed daily after use and hung up to dry. Brushes
with soaked distemper on them shall not be allowed. Brushes
shall never be allowed to rest on the bristles.
Distemper shall preferably be used in dry climate, as they give

poor results in wet localities. To get the full advantage out of
distempers, it is necessary to apply a priming coat as
recommended by the makers. Distempers grow dark with age and
great care should therefore be taken in choosing a suitable colour
according to the amount of natural lighting available in the room.
Unless the ground to be worked upon is perfectly smooth and
clean, no pleasing effect can ever result from the application of
distempers.
The rate for distempering shall include all the preliminary

work of brooming down, wire-brushing, scraping, washing,
stopping and also subsequent cleaning of splashes on timber,
glass, paint, floor, furniture, etc.
CHAPTER-XV

CEMENT WASH
1. Cement
2. Preparing Surface
3. Cement Wash
4. Workmanship
CHAPTER-XV
CEMENT WASH
Western
Cement 1. The relevant clauses of the Railway
Specifi
Specification No. 8 on "Cement", shall apply cation
to this work also
Western
Prepar 2. The surface shall be prepared as Railway
ing Specifi
Surfac ordered by the Engineer according to para 1 cation
e of the Specification No. 30 on "White
washing."
Western
Cement 3. The cement wash shall be prepared by Railway
Wash Specifi
mixing neat Portland cement with water. The cation
quantity of cement to be used will be used
will depend upon the shade of the wash
required; 140 gms of cement per sq.m of
surface should give a good finish.
Western
3.1. As much cement wash shall be Railway
Specifi
prepared at, a time as can be used within cation
half an hour.
Western
Workma 4. Cement wash shall be applied i n Railway
nship Specifi
prescribed number of coats with brush, the cation
coats being laid on vertical)l and
horizontally. Each coat must be allowed to
dry and shall be subject to inspection
before the next coat is applied.
CHAPTER-XV

WATER PROOF CEMENT (SNOWCEM ETC)
1. Cement paint
2. Preparatory work
3. Mixing
4. Application
5. Coats
CHAPTER-XV

WATER PROOF CEMENT (SNOWCEM ETC)
Western
Cement 1. Cement paints are suitable for use on Railway
paint Specifi
exterior and interior cement concrete and cation
stuco surface not subjected to mechanical
abrasion. Cement paints are recommended
where it is desired to decorate or reduce
the water permeability of exterior walls
built of porous, open textured concrete,
such as concrete block masonry. They may
also be used where the concrete or stuco is
damp at the time of painting or may become
damp subsequently. They are not well suited
for interior surfaces requiring frequent and
thorough cleaning as coating of these paints
are not easily washed and tend to erode with
vigorous scrubbing.
1.2. The water proof cement paint shall be

an approved manufacture such as snowcem,
permacem or other equal and approved quality
and shall be brought to the site in
original, airtight containers with seals
intact.
Western
Prepar 2. Surfaces shall be thoroughly cleaned Railway
atory Specifi
work free from dirt, dust, etc. by brushing and cation
washing down with clean water. any grease
oil, oil paint, varnishes and oil-bound
washable distemper shall be removed by
approved paint
Lime wash and water bound distemper shall

be thoroughly removed by washing, brushing
and, if necessary to remove, accumulated
coats, by steel wire brushing or scraping.
Rough cast and pebble dash shall be

thoroughly brush to remove dirt and dust.
Mixing 3. The dry cement paint shall be
thoroughly mixed with clean fresh water so
as to produce a paint of required
consistency which for normal work shall be
that of ordinary paints. In mixing; and
application, the contractor shall Conform to
the manufacture's instructions.
CHAPTER-XV
Paint for application by brush shall be

strained through a paint strainer, and paint
for spraying shall be twice strained.
The paint shall be kept well strained

during use and no paint which-has been mixed
for a longer period than one hour shall be
used.
Western
Applic 4. The paint to surfaces other than rough Railway
ation Specifi
cast may be applied by means of brushes or cation
spraying with low pressure pot sprayer if
Spraying, however, may only be carried out
if the Engineer approves. Paint applied to
roughcast and pebbledash shall be by means
of spraying.
Absorbent surfaces shall be thoroughly

damped so as to give even suction. In dry
weather, freshly paint surfaces hall be kept
damp for atleast 2 days and protected from
direct sun
Coats 5. When more than one coat is ordered,
subsequent coat shall not be applied until
the preceding coat has thoroughly hardened,
inspected and approved.
Chapter XV
FINISHING
CHAPTER XV
FINISHING
1501 Plaster Cement
1502 Plaster Lime
1503 Plaster Rough Cast
1504 Pointing
1505 White Wash
1506 Colour Wash
1507 Distempering
1508 Cement Wash
1509 Snow Cem

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CHAPTER-XV

1501 PLASTER CEMENT

1508 CEMENT WASH

1509 WATER PROOF CEMENT

LIST OF BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARD CODES (ISI)

Sl. IS.No. Subject

Plaster to Indian Standard Colour

Sl. IS.No. Subject

SPECIFICATION NO. 1501

SPECIFICATION NO. 1501

2.1. All service pipes, conduits, cables

2.2. All joints in the phase work that is

suitable for receiving plaster directly. The

2.3. Where other building operations are

Plastering operation shall be so scheduled

2.4. Dubbing i.e. operations of filling in

The patches of plaster thus done are left

unsightly joints between lifts. The put log

For important buildings, two coats may be

(i) Quick drying of the mortar due to

(ii) When a strong mix has been used on

(iii) Lack of bond with the background.

(iv) Masonry underneath has not

(v) Lack of proper raking of joints,

(vi) Discontinuity in backgrounds, such

In case of discontinuity in backgrounds,

cornice that would permit slight movement

air which might otherwise be trapped behind

SPECIFICATION NO. 1502

SPECIFICATION NO. 1502

lime, should be prepared as per Specification No. 303 for

sand to be used with this sandla should be

SPECIFICATION NO. 1503

PLASTER ROUGH CAST

1. Wetting & racking of masonry

PLASTER ROUGH CAST

coat with large trowels to form an even

SPECIFICATION NO. 1504

5.2. Cement pointing shall be done as specified in paras 2

lines truly vertical except in ease of random rubble masonry.

SPECIFICATION NO. 1505

SPECIFICATION NO. 1506

SPECIFICATION NO. 1506

SPECIFICATION NO. 1507

(b) IS : 428-1953- Specification for Distemper, Oil Emulsion,

The distemper shall be of approved make and colour. When

Proper distemper brushes (broad and stiff) shall be used, and

Distemper shall preferably be used in dry climate, as they give

The rate for distempering shall include all the preliminary

SPECIFICATION NO. 1508

SPECIFICATION NO. 1509

SPECIFICATION NO. 1509

1.2. The water proof cement paint shall be

Lime wash and water bound distemper shall

Rough cast and pebble dash shall be

Paint for application by brush shall be

The paint shall be kept well strained

Absorbent surfaces shall be thoroughly

1501 Plaster Cement

1502 Plaster Lime

1503 Plaster Rough Cast

1505 White Wash

1506 Colour Wash

1508 Cement Wash