LBS Finishing Mortar
Water-repellent finishing render and Class R4 repair mortar. The third and final coat of the LBS three-coat waterproof render system, closing the barrier and giving a surface ready for decoration.
A pre-bagged cementitious finishing render with WT waterproofing additives and a fine 1.2mm grain. Laid in two or more thin coats of 3 to 15mm over LBS Render Mortar, it hydrophobises the face of the system and can be closed smooth or textured before paints and decorative coatings. Adhesion holds under reverse water pressure, and the mortar is classified R4 to EN 1504-3.
What the finishing coat does for the system
The final coat seals the face of the system and takes the decoration. It has to repel water, stay crack-free at a thin section and bond to the render beneath it. LBS Finishing Mortar is formulated for that, and its fine grain gives a surface that can be closed smooth or left textured.
Water-repellent finish
WT additives make the cured mortar hydrophobic through its full thickness, not just at the surface. Capillary absorption is below 0.15 kg/m²·h½ against a standard limit of 0.5, with protection against water penetration certified to EN 1504-2.
Bonds under reverse water pressure
Adhesion above 2 MPa, stable when water is acting from the substrate side. The finishing coat stays bonded to the render body in the same conditions the body coat is designed for.
Minimal shrinkage
Restrained shrinkage is held at or below 0.05 percent, six times tighter than the EN 1504 limit. At 3 to 15mm a finishing coat has little tolerance for cracking, so this figure matters more here than anywhere else in the system.
Class R4 structural repair
Compressive strength above 45 MPa gives the highest classification under EN 1504-3. The same mortar serves for structural and non-structural concrete refurbishment and for waterproof reinforcement of walls and mortars damaged by moisture.
Ready for decoration
After 1.5 to 2 hours the surface can be finished completely smooth or textured with a plastering trowel, and it can be painted or coated after 24 hours. Thixotropic body allows application to soffits without slumping.
Durable in exposed conditions
Retains adhesion above 2 MPa after freeze-thaw cycling in de-icing salts, thermal shock and dry cycling. Carbonation resistance meets EN 1504-2, with chloride content below 0.003 percent.
The coat that closes the system
LBS Finishing Mortar is a grey, pre-bagged cementitious finishing render with WT waterproofing additives and a maximum grain size of 1.2mm. It is the third coat of the LBS three-coat waterproof render system, applied over LBS Render Mortar, which in turn sits on LBS Spritz and Bonding Mortar.
Each coat is trowelled on and compacted at 3 to 15mm. A second coat of similar thickness follows after first hardening, roughly 4 to 6 hours. Several thin layers waterproof more reliably than one or two thick ones, and the system is designed around that.
The cured coat is hydrophobic and gives a surface ready for paints and decorative coatings: finish it smooth or textured after 1.5 to 2 hours, and cover or paint after 24 hours. Classified R4 to EN 1504-3, it also serves as a structural repair mortar and as a waterproof reinforcing coat on concrete, walls and mortars damaged by moisture.
Where it is used
- Hydrophobic finishing coat over structural waterproof render, before paints and decorative coatings
- Waterproof reinforcement of concrete, walls and mortars damaged by moisture, including against ground
- Concrete refurbishment, Class R4 to EN 1504-3
- Protection against water penetration, EN 1504-2
- Concrete and aerated concrete
- Brick, stone and terracotta
- Existing mortar and cementitious substrates
- Rigid waterproofing mortars and plasters
- Walls and floors subject to water erosion
Cementitious substrates must have moderate water absorption: neither excessive nor absent. For other substrate types, contact Licata technical support.
Product information
| Characteristic | LBS performance | Standard requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive strength | >45 MPa | >45 MPa |
| Capillary absorption | <0.15 kg/m²·h½ | <0.5 kg/m²·h½ |
| Chloride ion content | <0.003% | <0.05% |
| Adhesive strength | >2 MPa | >2 MPa |
| Restrained expansion and shrinkage | ≤0.05% | ≤0.3% |
| Resistance to carbonation | dk ≤45 | dk ≤45 |
| Freeze-thaw with de-icing salt immersion | >2 MPa | >2 MPa |
| Storm cycles, thermal shock | >2 MPa | >2 MPa |
| Dry cycles | >2 MPa | >2 MPa |
Values from the LBS Finishing Mortar technical data sheet, determined at 21°C and 65% RH. Higher temperatures shorten working and curing times; below 5°C hydration stops.
Before application
- Clean the substrateRemove anything loose or poorly bonded: old friable layers, dust, rubble. Remove oils, waxes, fats and detergents by thorough cleaning or light abrasion. Within the LBS system the substrate is the cured LBS Render Mortar.
- Dampen to saturated surface dryWet the substrate until it is saturated but with no free water on the face. Do not apply onto standing water or where water is actively flowing.
- MixAdd three quarters of the mixing water (3.75 to 4.25 litres per 25kg bag) to a clean container, add the powder and mix for 3 minutes with a low-speed mixer. Add the remaining water gradually until the paste is homogeneous. Mix whole bags only. The mortar can also be pumped and sprayed.
Applying the coats
- First coatTrowel on a first coat and compact it well. Fresh mortar can be built up on it to a maximum of 15mm per coat.
- Second coat after first hardeningAfter roughly 4 to 6 hours, apply a second coat of similar thickness. For reliable waterproofing lay several thin coats rather than one or two thick ones.
- LevelRule off with a straight edge and level with a trowel as needed.
- FinishAfter 1.5 to 2 hours close the surface smooth or leave it textured with a plastering trowel, depending on the coating or decoration to follow.
- Cure and overcoatShield from wind, direct sun and rain for 48 to 72 hours. Paints and decorative coatings can be applied after 24 hours. Wash tools with water while the mortar is fresh.
Complete the system
Specifying LBS on a waterproofing project?
Licata technical support can advise on build-up, detailing and BS 8102 design. Stock is held at all six UK branches.