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Tip When Using Cement.

DIY : Building

Thanks to my neighbour Iain {a builder} for this very useful tip: when mixing cement, add a couple of drops of ordinary washing-up liquid to the mixture.

This makes the cement smoother, more pliable and "workable", and {allegedly!} it doesn't affect the strength of the bond once it has set.

I can't testify yet to that last part, but having tried it today I have to say it really did make a difference. The cement was a lot easier to work with without having to add too much water, and besides sticking well to the trowel, it was easy to smooth over the finished surface.

If my wall collapses or starts to froth every time it rains, I'll post an update here! Iain assures me it's an old bricklayers' trick though, and well - the house he built is still standing....

Anyone else heard of, or maybe even used this tip?


By: John Hughes

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