Specifications RVNL

SECTION – 2200 : FINISHING

2201 POINTING OF BRICK WORK, TILE WORK AND STONE WORK

2200.1 Pointing shall be of the type specified. Generally speaking the floors of
rooms if provided with brick flooring will be flush pointed whilst all
vertical faces will be rule pointed. The following general specification
shall apply to all types of pointing.

2201.2 Scaffolding

Scaffolding shall be done as specified in section 2000 for brickwork.

In case of special type of brick work, scaffolding shall be got approved

from the engineer in advance.

2201.3 Details of various types of pointing

(a) Flush Pointing

Mortar shall be pressed into joints and shall be finished off flush
and level with the edges of the bricks, tiles or stone, so as to
give a smooth appearance. The edges shall be neatly trimmed
with a trowel and straight edge.

(b) Ruled Pointing

Joints shall be initially formed as for flush pointing and while the
mortar is still green, a groove of shape and size as shown in
drawings or as instructed shall be formed by running forming
tool straight along the center line of the joints. This operation
shall be continued till smooth and hard surface is obtained.
Vertical joints shall also be finished in a similar manner.

(c) Cut or Weather-Struck Pointing

Mortar shall be pressed into joints and the top of the horizontal
joints shall then be neatly pressed back about 3 mm or as
directed, with the pointing tools so that the joint is sloping from
top to bottom. Vertical joints shall be rule pointed.

(d) Raised and Cut Pointing

Raised and cut pointing shall project from the wall facing with its
edges cut parallel so as to have uniformly a band raised about 6
mm and width 10 mm or more as directed. The pointing shall be
finished to a smooth but hard surface.

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Cement pointing on Brick Flooring and Stone Slab

Pavements

Specifications for this work shall be the same for flush or ruled
pointing. Flush pointing shall be done in such cases unless
directed otherwise.

2201.4 Preparation of Surface

The joints shall be raked to a depth of 15 mm for brick work and 20 mm

for stone work. For new work, where subsequent plastering or pointing
is to be done, the raking of joints shall be done during the progress of
the masonry work, when the mortar is still green. Dust and loose
mortar shall be brushed out. The whole surface shall be thoroughly
cleaned and efflorescence, if any, shall be removed by brushing and
scrapping. The surface shall then be thoroughly washed with water,
cleaned and kept wet before pointing is commenced. Raking of joints
shall be paid for separately only for old work, whereas for new work,
nothing extra shall be paid for raking as the cost of the same is covered
by the rate for brick or stone work. Cleaning and wetting the surface,
as described above, for old as well as new work, is covered by the rate
for plastering or point and nothing extra is to be paid for the same.

2201.5 Mortar

Mortar of specified mix and conforming to detailed specifications for

mortars shall be used. Mortars for pointing may be coloured by using
approved pigments to match stone or brick work , if specially ordered.

2201.6 Application of Mortar and Finishing

Mortar shall be pressed into raked out joints with a trowel, either flush,
sunk or raised according to the type of pointing required . Mortar shall
not be spread over corners, edges or surface of masonry. Pointing
shall then be finished with proper tool, in the manner described under
the respective types of pointing. Superfluous mortar shall then be cut
off from the edges of the lines and the surface of masonry shall be
cleaned of all mortar. The finish shall be such that pointing is to be
exact size, dimensions and shape stipulated and the edges are
straight, neat and clean.

2201.7 Curing

Pointing shall be kept wet for 7 days after completion. The work shall
be protected during that period from extremes of weather and from all
other damages. The pointing lines shall be truly horizontal and vertical
except where the joints are slanting as in random rubble masonry.

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Lines of joints from different directions should meet neatly at junctions,
instead of crossing beyond.

2201.8 Measurement For Payment

Length and breadth of the wall or floor area shall be measured correct
to a cm , area shall be calculated in square metre upto two places of
decimal .

Deduction in measurements for openings, etc shall be regulated as

under.

For jambs , soffits ,sills ,etc for openings not exceeding 0.5 sqm each
in area, for ends of joists, beams, posts ,girders , steps etc, not
exceeding 0.5 sqm and not exceeding 3 sqm each, deduction and
additions shall be made in the following manner ;

(a) No deduction shall be made for ends of joists, beams, posts etc.
and opening not exceeding 0.5 sq m each, and no addition shall
be made for reveals, jambs, soffits, sills, etc of these openings
nor for finish around ends of joists, beams, posts etc.

(b) Deductions for openings exceeding 0.5 sqm but not exceeding 3
sqm shall be made as follows and no addition shall be made for
reveals, jambs, soffits, sills etc. of the openings:

i) When both faces of wall are pointed with the same type
of pointing, deduction shall be made for one face only.

ii) When two faces of wall are pointed with different types of
pointing or if one face is plastered and the other pointed,
deduction shall be made in the plaster or pointing on the
side on which the width of reveals is less then that on the
other side, but no deduction shall be made from plaster or
pointing on the other side. Where width of reveals on
both faces of wall are equal, deduction of 50 percent of
area of opening on each face shall be made from areas
of plastering and on pointing as the case may be.

iii) When width of door frame is equal to thickness of wall or

is projecting beyond thickness of wall, full deduction for
opening shall be made from each pointed face of the wall.

iv) When only one face is pointed and the other face is not
pointed, full deduction shall be made from pointing if
width of reveal on the pointed side is less than that on
unpointed side, but if widths of reveals on both sides are
equal or width of reveal on pointed side is more, no

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deduction shall be made nor any addition shall be made
for reveals, jambs, soffits sills etc.

In case of openings of area above 3 sqm each, deduction

shall be made for opening on each face but jambs, soffits
and sills shall be measured.

v) In measuring jambs, sills and soffits, deduction shall not

be made for the area in contact with the frame and doors,
windows etc.

2201.9 Rate

Rate shall include cost of all materials and labour involved in all the
operations described above.

2202. PLASTERING

2202.1 Scope

These specifications cover cement-sand plaster for masonry and

concrete including supplying, application, repairing, finishing, curing,
testing, protection and maintenance, till handing over structures. It also
includes preparatory work to be done to make the surface suitable for
receiving plaster.

Before commencing plastering contractor shall obtain approval of

engineer regarding scheduling of the work in order to minimise damage
by other trades. He shall also undertake normal precautions to protect
the work of other trades or other installations / applications.

2202.2 Various Types of Plaster

The type of cement – sand plaster shall be as per requirements and

location where the plaster is required. It shall conform to that indicated
in drawings, schedule or as directed by Engineer.

Cement plaster / sand faced cement plaster – generally, standard finish

cement – sand plaster shall be used unless otherwise shown in
drawings or as directed by Engineer.

All externel surfaces shall normally be finished with sand faced cement
plaster in two coats wherever shown in drawings or as directed by
Engineer.

2202.2.1 Pebble – dash finish plaster

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Pebble dash plaster is a rough finish plaster in which small pebbles or
gravel of suitable size are thrown on to a freshly applied coat of cement
or cement and left exposed.

Mortar of required thickness consisting of 1 part cement and 4 parts

send by volume shall be applied in the usual manner as described for
plastering. While the mortar is still plastic, small pebbles or crushed
stone of size generally from 10 mm to 20 mm as approved by
Engineer, shall be thrown on the plastered surface. The grading and
maximum size will vary according to texture required and the type of
the stone used. The aggregate shall be lightly tapped into the mortar
with a wooden float or the flat end of a trowel, in order to ensure
satisfactory bond between the dashed mortar and the base plaster
mortar.

2202.2.2 Rough cast plaster

Rough cast plaster shall be applied in two coats.

The first coat of required thickness shall be applied on the prepared

background as uniformly as possible. The application shall generally
conform to detailed specification for cement plaster with mix proportion
1 : 3 unless otherwise specified.

It shall be rendered rough by edge of the laying trowel and after it has
been left long enough to set, the surface shall be combed or scratched,
care being taken to leave the scratch marks sufficiently deep to provide
key for the following coat, but not so deep as to penetrate the earlier
rendering.

The final coat consisting of a wet plastic mix of 3 parts coloured cement
6 parts sand and 4 parts aggregate by volume (gravel or crushed stone
of size from 6 mm to 12 mm as approved by Engineer) shall be thrown
into freshly applied first coat by means of plasterer’s trowel and left into
rough condition. The mix shall again be dashed over vacant spaces, if
any, so that the surface represents a homogeneous surface of sand
mixed with gravel. The texture desired is regulated by the size and
proportion of coarse aggregate or by special tools and methods. The
minimum thickness of this layer would be 12 mm.

2202.2.3 Scraped finished plaster

Ordinary plaster of specified proportions and thickness shall be

applied, as already described. The plaster shall, after being levelled
and allowed to stiffen for a few hours, be scraped with the steel straight
edge to remove the surface skin for a maximum thickness of 3 mm
from the final coat. The pattern shall be as approved by Engineer.

2202.2.4 Textured finish plaster

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Mortar consisting of 1 part cement and 3 parts sand by volume and

specified thickness shall be applied in a manner as specified above for
cement sand plastering. Ornamental treatments in the form of
horizontal or vertical rib texture, fan texture, etc. shall be applied by
means of suitable tools to such freshly applied plastered surfaces as
approved by Engineer.

2202.2.5 Plaster of Paris skin coat

Plastered surfaces, where specified, shall be finished with a plaster of

paris skin coat. The material shall be from approved manufacturers and
approved by Engineer. The thickness of the skin coat shall be 2 mm
and shall be applied by skilled workmen. The finish shall be smooth,
even and free from undulation, cracks etc.

Before bulk work is taken in hand, a sample patch shall be done on

roughly a 10 sqm. Area and approval of Engineer obtained. The work
shall be taken in hand as per approved sample.

2202.3 Materials

All basic materials like cement, fine aggregates, water, etc., shall
conform to specifications.

2202.4 Mortar

The proportion of mortar mixed to be used shall be as indicated in

drawings, schedules or as directed by Engineer.

The proportioning, mixing, and quality of mortar to be used shall

conform to sub clause 2001.2 of these specifications.

2202.5 Surface preparation

Just before applying first coat of plaster, surface of the background

shall be roughened.

All joints in masonry walls shall be raked out to a depth of at least 10

mm or as directed by Engineer with a hooked tool made for the
purpose while the mortar is still green. Walls shall be brushed down
with stiff wire brush to remove all loose dust from joints and thoroughly
washed with water. All laitance shall be removed from concrete surface
to be plastered.

For all type of flooring, walls and ceiling, chipping shall roughen base
cement concrete slab or masonry surface and surface cleaned of all
dirt, grease or loose particles by hard brush, and water. The surface
shall be thoroughly moist but not soaked with water to prevent
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absorption of water from the base coarse. Any excess of water shall be
mopped up.

At any point, the level of the base (in case of floors) shall be lower than
the theoretical finished floor level by the thickness of the floor finish.
Any chipping or filling to be done to bring the base to the required level
shall be brought to the notice of engineer and his approval shall be
obtained regarding the method and extent of rectification work
required.

Prior to commencement of actual finishing work, approval of engineer

shall be obtained in respect of acceptability of the base.

2202.6 Workmanship

Plaster over brick work shall not be less than 12 mm thick, unless
otherwise indicated in drawings or as ordered by Engineer. When
applied over stone masonry, plaster shall be to the thickness as
specified and shall be applied in two or more coats as ordered by
engineer.

Plaster, when more than 12 mm thick, shall be applied in two coats, a

base coat followed by the finishing coat. The thickness of the base
coat shall be sufficient to fill up all unevenness in the surface; no single
coat, however, shall exceed 12 mm in thickness. The lower coat shall
be thicker than the upper coat, the overall thickness of the coats shall
not be less than the minimum thickness shown on drawings. The
undercoat shall be allowed to dry and shrink before applying the
second coat of plaster. Between application of two coats an interval of
at least 24 hours shall be allowed in hot and dry weather and more in
cold and wet weather. The undercoat shall be scratched, scarified or
roughened, before it fully hardens to form a mechanical key. The
method of application shall be `thrown on’ rather than `applied by
trowel’. Steel trowels shall not be allowed for finishing the surface. To
ensure an even thickness and a true surface, patches of plaster of
about 100 mm to 150 mm wide, or wooden screeds 75 mm wide and of
the thickness of the plaster, shall be fixed vertically about 2000 mm to
3000 mm apart, to act as gauges.

Finished wall surface shall be true to plumb, and the contractor shall
without any extra cost to the employer, make up any irregularity in
brickwork with plaster. All vertical edges of brick pillars, door, jambs
etc. shall be chamfered or rounded off as directed by Engineer. All
drips, grooves, mouldings and cornices as shown on drawings or
instructed by engineer shall be done with special care to maintain true
lines, levels and profiles.

In sunny weather the work shall be carried out in shade, wherever

possible , following the sun round as the day passes. When using
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mixes containing high alumina cement, the work shall not be done in
very hot weather and it shall be kept thoroughly wet for 48 hours after
application by protecting from sun, and wind.

The work shall be tested frequently as the work proceeds, with a true
straight edge not less than 2.5 m long and with plumb bobs. All
horizontal lines and surface shall be tested with a level and all jambs
and corners with a plumb bob.

Plastering of cornices, decorative features grooves etc. shall normally

be completed before final coat is applied.
Wherever there is break of continuity, the two portions of the plaster
shall be separated by a neat cut through the plaster at the junction. In
suspending work at the end of the day, the plaster shall be left out
clean to line both vertically and horizontally. When recommencing the
plaster, the edge of the old work shall be scraped, cleaned and wetted
with cement slurry before plaster is applied to the adjacent areas to
enable the two to join together. Plastering work shall be closed at the
end of the day on the body of the wall and not nearer than 15 cm to
any corner. It shall not be closed on the body of such feature as bends
or cornices. Horizontal joints shall not also be left in parapet tops and
copings as these invariably lead to leakage. No portion of the surface
shall be left out initially needing to be patched up later on.

After the plastering work is completed, all debris shall be removed and
the area rendered clean. Any plastering that is damaged shall be
repaired and left in good condition at the completion of the job.

The thickness of plaster specified shall be measured exclusive of the

thickness of grooves, open joints in brick work or stone work. The
average thickness of plaster shall not be less than the specified
thickness.

2202.7 Finishing

Wherever a skin coat is to follow, interior plaster shall be finished

rough. Otherwise plaster shall generally be finished to a smooth
surface. The exterior surface shall generally be finished with a wooden
float.

Surface specified to have neat cement finish shall be uniformly treated

with a paste of neat cement at the rate of 1 kg per square metre and
rubbed to smooth finish with a trowel.

Surfaces indicated to have coloured plaster finish shall be plastered,

using coloured cement in place of ordinary cement. When coloured
plastering is specified in more than one coat, the top coat only shall be
made with coloured cement.

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Coloured cement shall be either ready mixed material or may be
obtained by mixing pigments and cement at site, in appropriate
proportions as approved by engineer. The pigments to be mixed with
cement shall conform to Appendix A-of IS:2114. Samples of colouring
material shall be submitted to Engineer for approval and material
procured shall conform in all respects to the approved samples, which
shall remain with engineer. All coloured cement and / or pigments shall
be stored in an approved manner in order to prevent deterioration.

2202.8 Curing

All plastered surfaces, after laying of final coat, shall be watered for a
minimum period of seven days by spraying or other approved method,
and shall be protected from excessive heat and sunlight by suitable
approved means. Moistening shall commence as soon as the plaster
has hardened sufficiently and is not susceptible to damage. Water
shall be applied using a fine top spray. Soaking of wall shall be
avoided. Excessive evaporation on the sunny or windward sides of
buildings in hot dry weather shall be prevented by hanging matting or
gunny bags on the outside of plastered surface and keeping them wet.
Each individual under coat of plaster shall be kept damp continuously,
for at least two days, and then dried thoroughly, before applying the
next coat.

Should the contractor fail to do curing work as necessary, engineer

may at his discretion arrange for the work to be carried out for proper
curing through other agency or agent and recover costs from
contractors. If any part of cement plaster perishes through neglect of
curing or other reasons the plaster will be removed and replaced at
contractor’s cost.

2202.9 Defective plaster

Any crack which appears in the plaster or any part of plastered surface
which sounds hollow when tapped, or is found to be soft or otherwise
defective shall be cut out in rectangular shape and plastering repairs
undertaken. Such repairs and rectification shall be at the contractor’s
cost.

2202.10 Mouldings

All mouldings shall be worked true to drawings with a properly

constructed template and drawn neat, clean and straight.

2202.11 Acceptance criteria

Plaster finish to masonry and concrete shall fully comply with the
drawings, specifications, approved samples and instructions of
Engineer with respect to lines, levels, thickness, colour, texture, pattern
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and any other criteria as mentioned in the body of the specification or
as shown on drawings.

2202.12 Measurement for payment

Measurement for plaster shall be made in square metre of actual area

plastered as per drawings after making deductions for openings. All
plastering shall be measured in superficial area unless otherwise
described or ordered by engineer.

Deductions and additions shall be made in the measurements as

indicated below for jambs, soffits, sills, etc. of the openings in the
above works.

a) No deduction shall be made for ends of joists, beams, posts,

etc. and for openings not exceeding 0.1 square meter each.

b) For opening in plastered masonry work exceeding 0.1 sqm but

not exceeding 3 sqm each measurement shall be made for
reveals, jambs, soffits, sills, etc. of these openings as follows:

i) When both faces of walls are plastered with the same

type of plaster, deductions shall be made for one face
only. Other face shall be paid for making good the jambs,
soffits and sills of the opening.

ii) When the plaster on both faces of such wall differs,

deduction shall be made for the opening area from the
respective plaster item measured at the frames for doors,
windows, etc. on the side where the width of reveal is
less than that on the other side, and no deduction being
made for the opening for the plaster on the other side.

c) In case of openings exceeding 3 sqm each, deductions for

opening shall be made on each side and the areas of jambs,
soffits and sills of the openings shall be measured and paid for.

d) Unless separate items are provided for special corner of edge

finish, drip course, grooves, jambs, soffits, sills, mouldings,
curbs etc. these shall not be measured separately. Where a
separate item is provided in the Schedule of Items, such work
shall be measured and paid for accordingly.

e) Any reinforcement incorporated in the finish shall be measured

and paid for separately under relevant items.

Length, height or breadth shall be measured correct to a cm and its

area shall be calculated in sqm correct to two places of decimal,

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2202.13 Rate

The contract unit rate will cover cost of all materials, labour,
scaffolding, tools and plants required for the completion of work as
specified.

No extra payment shall be made for finishing plaster around the ends
of joints, beams posts, sleeves, pipes, round openings etc.

The rate also includes cost of water-proofing compound and other

materials like pigments, chips etc. to be included in the mix as specified
in drawings or ordered by engineer and curing of plaster to the
satisfaction of engineer.

No separate payment shall be made for framework, templates etc.,

required for achieving true lines and profiles as shown on drawings.

2203. WHITE WASHING (WITH LIME)

2203.1 Scaffolding

Where scaffolding is necessary for white washing, it shall be erected

on double supports tied together by horizontal pieces over which
scaffolding rests.

2203.2 Preparation of Surface

Before new work is white washed the surface shall be thoroughly

brushed, so as to make it fee from mortar droppings and foreign
matter.

2003.3In the case of old work all loose pieces and scales shall be scraped off before
white wash is applied. Small holes in plaster, as well as small patches
measuring upto 50 sq cm each shall be filled up with mortar of the
same mix as of original plaster. Where so specifically ordered by
engineer, the entire surface of old white wash shall be removed by
scraping and this shall be paid for separately.

2003.4 Preparation of Lime Wash

The wash shall be prepared from fresh lime which shall be thoroughly
slaked on the spot, mixed and stirred with sufficient water until it attains
the consistency of a thin cream. Approximately 5 litres of water is
required to be added to 1 kg of lime to make it into a thin cream. This
shall be allowed to stand for a period of 24 hours, and then screened
through a course clean cloth. Gum in the proportion of 4 kg per cum of
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cream is to be added to the mix after being first dissolved in hot water
or fevicol should be added as per instruction of the manufacturer
without any extra cost.

2003.5 White Washing

The white wash shall be applied with moonj brushes or brushes for the
specified number of coats. The operation for each coat shall consist of
a stroke of the brush given from the top downwards, another from the
bottom up wards over the first stroke, and similarly, one stroke
horizontal from right and another from the left before it dries.

2003.5.1 Each coat shall be allowed to dry before the next one is applied.
Further, each coat shall be got approved before the subsequent coat is
applied. No portion of the surface shall be left out initially to be
patched up later on.

2003.5.2 For a new work, white wash is to be laid in three coats so as to obtain
smooth and uniform finish. The finished dry surface shall not show
any sign of cracking and peeling nor shall it come off readily on the
hand when rubbed.

2003.5.3 For old work, after the surface has been prepared as described above,
a coat of white wash shall be applied over the patches and repairs.
Then single coat or two or more coats of white wash as specified shall
be applied over the entire surface. The white washed surface should
present uniform finish, through which the plaster patches do not show.
White washing on ceiling should be done prior to that on walls.

2003.6 Protective Measure

Doors, windows, glazing, floors, articles of furniture, etc. and such

other parts of the building not to be white washed shall be protected
from white wash splashes. They should be suitably covered and
protected during operation. Splashing and droppings, if any, shall be
removed by the contractor at his own cost and the surfaces cleaned.
Damages if any to furniture and fittings and fixtures shall be
recoverable from the contractor.

2003.7 Measurement for Payment

White washing shall be measured in sqm correct to two places of

decimal ; length and breadth shall be measured correct to a cm.

Deduction `in measurement for openings etc., shall be regulated as

follows:

a) No deduction will be made for openings or ends of joists,

beams, posts, girders, steps etc. upto 0.5 sqm in area; no
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addition shall be made either, for the jambs, soffits and sills of
such openings. The above procedure will apply to both faces of
wall.

b) Deduction for openings exceeding 0.5 sqm but not exceeding 3

sqm each shall be made for reveals, jambs, soffits, sills etc. of
the openings as detailed below.

i) When both faces of walls are provided with same finish,

deductions shall be made for one face only.

ii) When two faces of walls are provided with different types
of finish or if one face is treated and other not treated,
deduction shall be made from the side of the wall on
which width of reveal is less than that on the other side
but no deduction shall be made on the other side.

Where width of reveals on both faces of wall are equal,

deduction of 50% of area of opening on each face shall be
made.

c) For opening exceeding 3 sqm in area, deduction will be made in

the measurements for the full opening of the wall treatment on
both faces, while at the same time, jambs, sills and soffits will
be measured for payment.

In measuring jambs, sills and soffits, deduction shall not be made for
the area in contact with the frame of doors, windows etc.

d) Corrugated surfaces shall be measured as if these were flat and

the area so measured be increased by the following
percentages to allow for the corrugations:

Corrugated asbestos cement sheets 20 %

Semi corrugated asbestos cement sheets 10 %

e) Cornices and other such wall or ceiling features shall be

measured along the girth and included in the measurements.

2003.8 Rate

Rate shall include cost of all materials and labour involved including
scaffolding in the operations described above.

2204. WHITE WASHING (WITH WHITING)

2204.1 Whiting (ground white chalk) shall be dissolved in sufficient quantity of

warm water and thoroughly stirred to form a thin slurry which shall then
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be screened through a clean coarse cloth. 2 kg of gum and 0.4 kg of
copper sulphate dissolved separately in hot water shall be added to
each cum of slurry which shall then be diluted with water to the
consistency of milk when it shall be ready for use or fevicol should be
added as per directions of the manufacturer.

2204.2 Other specifications, measurements and rate as detailed for “white

washing with lime” shall apply in this case also.

2205 COLOUR WASHING

2205.1 In the case of colour washing, mineral colours, not affected by lime
shall be added to white wash prepared as described in Sub clause
2203.4 or 2204.1 as case may be. No colour wash shall be done until
a sample of the colour wash has been got approved from engineer.
The colour shall be of even tint or shade over the whole surface. The
procedure for application of colour wash will be same as described in
Clause 2203. If it is patchy or otherwise badly applied, it shall be re-
done by the contractor at his costs.

2205.2 For new work, the priming coat shall be of white wash with lime or with
whiting as specified. Two coats of colour wash shall then be applied
on the entire surface so as to give a smooth and uniform finish.

2205.3 For old work, after the surface has been prepared as described under
“white washing with lime”, a coat of colour wash shall be applied over
the patches and repairs. Then one or two coats of colour wash shall
be as specified applied over the entire surface. The colour washed
should present a uniform finish.

2205.4 The finished dry surface shall not be powdery and shall not readily
come off on hand when rubbed.

2205.5 Other specifications, measurements and rate as detailed for “white

washing with lime” shall be applicable.

2206 DRY DISTEMPERING

2206.1 Material

Distemper or approved brand and manufacturer shall be used. The

shade shall be got approved from engineer before application of
distemper. The dry distemper shall be stirred slowly in clean warm
water using 0.6 litre per kg of distemper or as may be specified by the
makers. Warm water shall preferably be used. The mixture shall be
allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes (and if practicable over-night)
before use and shall be kept stirred during use to maintain uniform
consistency.

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Distemper shall not be mixed in larger quantity than is actually required
for one day’s work. Sub clause 2206.3.5 may also be referred to.

2206.2 Preparation of Surface

New Work

The surface to be distempered shall be thoroughly brushed and sand

papered. The new plaster surface shall be allowed to dry for at least
two months before applying distemper. A priming coat of whiting shall
be applied over the prepared surface, which shall be allowed to dry
before distemper is applied.

2206.3 Old Work

All loose pieces, scales and greasy marks shall be cleaned of all
grease, dirt etc. Pittings in plaster shall be made good with plaster of
Paris mixed with dry distemper of the colour to be used. After this has
set, the surface shall again be rubbed down with fine grade sand paper
to make it smooth. A coat of distemper shall be applied over the
patches.

The surface shall be allowed to dry thoroughly before the regular coat
of distemper is applied.

2206.3 Application

Two coats of distemper shall be applied over the priming coat in case
of new work so as to present an even colour.

The priming coat shall be in accordance with the recommendation of

maker of distemper. If no such recommendations exist; a mixture of
finally powdered chalk (whiting) with a thin solution of glue / fevicol
shall be applied to prepare a hard made ground. When dry it should be
rubbed as clean and smooth as possible. In no case white wash shall
be used as a priming coat for distemper.

2206.3.1 One or more coats of distemper shall be applied in case of old work till
the surface attains an even colour.

2206.3.2 The distemper shall only be applied with proper distemper brushes.
The operation for each coat shall consist of coating the entire surface
with the mixture with horizontal strokes followed immediately by vertical
ones.

2206.3.3 The subsequent coats shall be applied only after the previous coat has
dried.

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2206.3.4 The finished surface shall be even and uniform and shall show no
brush marks.

2206.3.5 Enough distemper shall be mixed to finish one room at a time. The
application of a coat in each room shall be finished in one operation
and no work shall be started in any room which cannot be completed
on the same day.

2206.3.6 After each day’s work, the brushes shall be washed in hot water and
hung down to dry. Old brushes which are dirty or caked with distemper
shall not be used.

2206.4 Other details

The specification in respect of other details such as scaffolding,

protective measures, measurements and rate shall be the same as
described in relevant paras under “white washing with lime”.

2207 Oil Bound Distempering

2207.1 Materials

Oil bound washable distemper of approved brand and manufacture

shall be used. The primer in case of new work shall be cement primer
or distemper primer as specified. Distemper primer used shall be one
of the same manufacturers, as of oil bound distemper. They shall
conform to IS 428. The primer has a special function of forming a
protective barrier for the oil bound distemper against the alkalies
present in the cement or lime of the wall finish.

The distemper and primer shall be brought by the Contractor in sealed

condition in sufficient quantities at a time to suffice for a fortnight’s
work.

2207.2 Preparation of surface

For new work, the surface shall be prepared as described under sub
clause 2209.2 before primer is applied.

In the case of old work, the surface shall be prepared in the same
manner as described under sub clause 2206.2.2. No primer coat is
necessary for old work.

2207.3 Application

2207.3.1 Primer coat

The primer coat preferably mixed in accordance with manufacture’s

instructions shall be applied using distemper primer. In no event white
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wash shall be used as priming coat for distemper. If the wall surface
plaster has not completely dried, cement primer shall be applied but in
case the wall surface is dried completely, distemper primer shall be
applied. Distemper primer shall be applied in the same manner as
cement primer unless instructed otherwise by the manufacturers.

2207.3.2 Distemper coat

2207.3.3 New work

After the primer coat has dried for at least 48 hours, the surface shall
be lightly sand - papered to make it smooth for receiving the distemper,
care being taken not to rub out the priming coat. All loose particles
shall be dusted off after rubbing. One coat of distemper properly diluted
with water or other thinner as stipulated by the manufacture shall be
applied with brushes in horizontal strokes followed immediately by
vertical ones.

A time interval of at least 24 hours shall be allowed between

consecutive coats to permit proper drying of the preceding coat.

The subsequent coats shall be applied in a similar manner. Two coats

of distemper shall be applied over the primer coat to obtain an even
shade.

2207.3.4 Old Work

The distemper shall be applied over the prepared surface in the same
manner as for new work.

2207.3.5 15 cm double bristle distemper brushes shall be used. The brushes

shall be thoroughly washed in hot water with soap solution after each
day’s work and hung down to dry, old brushes which are dirty and
caked with distemper shall not be used.

2207.3.6 Other details

The specifications in respect of other details such as scaffolding,

protective measure, measurements and rate shall be as described in
relevant paras of clause 2203.

2208 PAINT (vinyl or plastic emulsion paint)

2208.1 Material

Paint of approved brand and manufacture shall be used. In case of

new work the surface shall be prepared first to apply paint on outside
and inside surface according to directions given by manufacturers. The
paint shall be brought by the contractor in sealed containers for the
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work in sufficient quantity and shall be kept in the custody of
Engineer’s representative.

2208.2 Preparation of surface

The surface shall be prepared by thorough sand papering. Thereafter

putty shall be applied to get a proper and smooth finish of the surface.
It is necessary to apply putty made by mixing one part by volume of
whiting with one part by volume of paint to bring it down to application
consistently with a putty knife or Strip.

Under no circumstances putty made of any oil or oil based medium

shall be used.

2208.2.1 In case of old work, surface shall be prepared in the same manner as
described in sub clause 2206.2.2. No primer coat is necessary for old
work.

2208.3 Application

The first and subsequent coat of paint shall be applied as prescribed by

manufacturer over the prepared surface. The paint shall be applied
with brushes in horizontal strokes followed by vertical strokes which
together shall constitute one coat.

The second and subsequent coat shall be applied at least one hour
after the first coat has been applied so as to permit proper drying of
preceding coat.

2208.3.1 The paint in first and subsequent coat shall be applied over the prepared
surface of old work in the same manner as for new work.

2208.3.2 Other Details

Specifications in respect of type of brushes, scaffolding, protective

measures, measurements and rates shall be as described in relevant
paras of Clause 2203.

2209. CEMENT PRIMER COAT

2209.1 General

Cement primer coat is used as a base coat on wall finish of cement,

lime or lime cement plaster or on asbestos cement surfaces before oil
bound distemper is applied on them. The cement primer is composed
of a medium and pigment which are resistant to alkalies present in the
cement, lime or lime cement in wall finish and provides a barrier for the
protection of subsequent coats of oil bound distemper.

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2209.2 Preparation of surface

The surface shall be thoroughly cleaned of dust, old white or colour

wash by washing and scrubbing. The surface shall then be allowed to
dry for at least 48 hours. It shall then be sand papered to give a
smooth and even surface. Any unevenness shall be made good by
applying putty, made of plaster of paris mixed with water on the entire
surface including filling up undulations and then sand papering the
same after it is dry.

2209.3 Material

Cement primer of approved brand and manufacture shall be used.

2209.4 Application

Cement primer shall be applied with a brush on clean, dry and smooth
surface. Horizontal strokes shall be given first and vertical strokes
shall be applied immediately afterwards. The entire operation will
constitute one coat. The surface shall be finished as uniformly as
possible, leaving no brush marks. It shall be allowed to dry for at least
48 hours, before oil bound distemper is applied.

2209.5 Other Details

Specifications and other details such as scaffolding, protective

measures, measurements and rate shall be as described in the
relevant paras of Clause 2203.

2210. CEMENT PAINT

2210.1 General

Cement paint may be used on plastered / unplastered brick walls for

ideal finish and for providing a durable water-proof surface.

2210.2 Materials

Cement paint of approved brand, manufacture and colour as required

and conforming to IS:5410 shall be used for wall surfaces.

2210.2.1 Approved cement paint shall be brought to site of work by contractor in

original containers in sealed condition. (A few samples are Snowcem,
Supercem, Durocem, Cleancem and Spartacem).

2210.3 Preparation of Surface

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The surface of new walls shall be thoroughly cleaned of all mortar

dropping, dirt, dust, algae, grease and other foreign matter by brushing
and washing with water. The surface shall be thoroughly wetted with
clean water before the cement paint is applied.

2210.3.1 Old Work

In the case of old work, all loose pieces and scales shall be removed
and the surface shall be scrubbed thoroughly to clear any lime wash,
distemper, oil, paints, varnish, dirt, dust and algae etc. by brushing and
washing with water. To give an even and smooth surface, sand
papering, where found necessary shall be used. Holes and pittings in
plaster shall be made good by applying cement putty. A coat of water
proof cement paint shall be applied over these patches after wetting
them thoroughly.

2210.4 Preparation of Mix

The proportion of cement paint to water shall be equal by volume or as

per manufacturers instructions. Cement paint shall be mixed with
water in two stages. In the first stage two parts of cement paint and
one part of water shall be mixed and stirred thoroughly until smooth
and uniform paste is obtained. Thereafter other one part of water shall
be added to the mix, stirring all the while, to obtain liquid of workable
and uniform consistency. Only that quantity of mix shall be prepared
which is sufficient for an hour’s work.

The lids of cement paint containers shall be kept tightly closed when
not in use, as by exposure to atmosphere the cement paint rapidly
becomes air set due to its hygroscopic qualities.

2210.5 Application

The solution shall be applied over cleaned and repaired surface after
thoroughly wetting, with stiff fibre brush or spraying machine. The
solution shall be kept well stirred during the period of application. To
avoid cracking and flaking, Wherever possible, working in the sun
shine shall be avoided. As for as possible the painting of a surface
should be done at a time when it is not directly exposed to sun rays. In
dry weather the surface, after application shall be lightly sprayed with
water to keep it wet. The completed surface shall be watered after the
day’s work. The method of application of cement paint shall be as per
manufacturer’s specifications. The second and subsequent coat shall
be applied after first coat has set for at least 24 hours. Before the
application of second or subsequent coats, the surface of the previous
coat shall be wetted. After all coats are applied, surface should be kept
wet for at least 2 days.

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2210.5.1 The operation for each coat shall consist of horizontal strokes followed
immediately by vertical ones with brushes.

2210.5.2 Normally priming coat will not be used on the surface where cement
paint is to be applied. However, if priming coat is considered
necessary in certain cases due to special requirement of the surface to
be treat or as recommended by the manufacturer of the cement paint,
the same will be applied with the approval of engineer and paid for
separately.

2210.6 Precaution

Cement paint shall not be applied on surface already treated with white
wash, distemper dry or oil bound, varnishes, and paints etc. It shall not
be applied on gypsum, wood and metal surfaces.

2210.7 Other Details

Specification, in respect of other details shall follow the Sub Clauses

2203.1, 2203.6, 2003.7 and 2203.8.

2211 CEMENT WASHING

2211.1 Cement washing is sometimes done on outside surfaces in place of

white-washing. Specifications in respect of other details shall be in
accordance with those for cement primer.

2211.2 The wash for cement washing shall be prepared by mixing neat
Portland cement with water. The quantity of cement to be used will
depend upon the shade of the wash required. Normally 1.5 kg of
cement for 10 sq m of wall surface should give a good finish. Other
specifications as for white washing work under Clause 2203 shall apply
so far as applicable.

2212 STONE VENEERING WORK

2212.1 Stone

Stones shall be of the type specified. It shall be hard, sound, durable

and tough, free from cracks, decay and weathering and defects like
cavities, cracks, flaws, sand holes, patches of soft or loose materials
etc. Stone slabs shall be of required thickness and well cut along
planes parallel to natural bed of stone.

2212.2 Dressing

Every stone slab shall be cut to the required size and shape, so as to
be free from waviness and to give truly vertical and horizontal joints.
The faces that are to remain exposed in the final position and the
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adjoining faces to a depth of 6 mm shall be fine chisel dressed so that
when checked with a 60 cm straight edge, no point varies from it by
more than 1 mm. The top and bottom edges that are to form the bed
joints shall be chisel dressed so that variation from 60 cm straight edge
at no point exceeds 3 mm. Faces / edges which are to form the
vertical joints should be chisel dressed so that variation at any point
with 60 cm straight edge does not exceed 6 mm. Dressing at the back
shall not be done, so as to ensure better grip with bearing or backing.
The dressed slabs shall be of the thickness as specified, with
permissible tolerance of + 2 mm.

2212.3 Mortar

Mortar for fixing shall be as specified in the schedule of works. If not

specified, it shall be of cement mortar of mix 1:3.

2212.4 Laying

The stone shall be wetted before laying. They shall then be fixed with
mortar in position with out the use of chips or under pinning of any sort.

2212.4.1 Where so desired, the adjoining stones shall be secured to each other
by means of copper pins 75 mm long and 6 mm diameter or as
specified.

2212.4.2 Further, the stone shall be secured to the backing by means of cramps.
The material for cramps shall have high resistance to corrosion under
conditions of dampness and against the chemical action of mortar or
concrete in which cramps are usually embedded.

2212.4.3 The type of cramps, size and fixing in position of the cramps shall be
as shown in the drawings. The pins, cramps and dowels shall be laid
in cement mortar of given mix. Their samples shall be got approved by
the engineer in advance and where new supply is received.

2212.4.4 All courses shall be laid truly horizontal and all vertical joints truly
vertical. The stone shall break joints on the face for at least half the
height of the course, unless otherwise shown in the drawings. The
stone shall be laid in regular courses not less than 20 cm height, and
all the stones shall be of the same height unless otherwise specified.
No stone shall be less in length than one and a half times its height,
unless otherwise specified.

2212.4.5 As far as possible, backing shall be carried up simultaneously with face

work. In case of reinforced cement concrete backing, the lining shall
be secured to the backing after it has set and got cured. The cramps
shall be fixed in concrete at the required positions, while laying
concrete.

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2212.5 Joints

The joints shall be finished with grey cement slurry mixed with
pigments to match the shade of the slabs. Special care shall be taken
to see that the grounding are full of mortar. If any hollow grounding
are detected by tapping the face stones, such stones shall be taken out
and re-laid. For a close butt jointed facing the thickness shall not
exceed 1.5 mm. The face joints shall be uniform throughout.

2212.6 Curing

The work shall be kept constantly moist on all faces for a minimum
period of seven days.

2212.7 Protections

Green work shall be protected from rain by suitable covering. The

work shall be suitably protected from damage, mortar dropping and
rain during construction.

2212.8 Scaffolding

Double scaffolding having two sets of vertical supports shall be used.

The supports shall be sound and strong, tied together with horizontal
pieces over which scaffolding planks shall be fixed.

2212.9 Measurement for Payment

The work will be paid for on square meter basis. The length and
breadth of the finished work shall be measured in metre correct to cm.
The area should be calculated in square metre correct to two decimal
of decimal.

Veneering work curved on plain shall be measured as plain work, but

extra payment shall be allowed for radii not exceeding 6 metres on
external face. For radii beyond six meters the work shall be measured
as plain work only, even if the face may have to be dressed to curve.

2212.10 Rate

Rate includes cost of materials and labour involved in all the operations
described above, except for the cost of providing and fixing pins,
dowels and metal cramps, which shall be paid for separately unless
otherwise specified in the schedule item of work.

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