USG SHEETROCK Tuff-Hide Primer-Surfacer User Manual
Usg sheetrock, Brand tuff-hide, Primer-surfacer
ApplicAtion tips
USG SHEETROCK
®
BRand
Tuff-Hide
™
Primer-Surfacer
Use professional spray equipment that meets or exceeds the following rating when spraying
through 50 ft. of 1/4" i.d. high-pressure hose: output at least 1 gallon per minute; pump pressure
rated at 2700-3000 psi; and accommodates a 0.031" spray tip at 2000 psi. Graco Mark V, GMax
5900 HD, Ultra Max 1095 and 1595 models are examples of approved airless pumping equipment.
Use a 30-mesh filter located in the high-pressure manifold. Use a spray tip orifice between 0.023"
to 0.031". It is recommended to use a Graco heavy-duty texture spray gun or equivalent that
accommodates a Graco Reverse-A-Clean (RAC) type tip. Make sure that airless sprayer, hoses, gun
and other related equipment are clean and in good working condition prior to application.
note: USG Sheetrock® Brand Tuff-Hide™ Primer-Surfacer is a high-solids coating. For best results, use new hoses to avoid
clogging at the spray tip. Clogging commonly occurs with any high-solids coating when old and/or poorly cleaned hoses are used.
Substrate must be sound, dry, clean and free of oil, grease, mildew and dust. Product, air and
surface temperatures must be maintained at a minimum of 55 °F (13 °C) throughout the finishing
process. Refer to USG Technical Literature J2010 for finishing and decorating best practices.
For new drywall:
Treat all joints, fasteners and accessories with a recommended USG Sheetrock®
Brand Joint Treatment System. Fill all nicks, voids and gouges with joint compound. A minimum
Level 4 wallboard finish is recommended. Refer to Gypsum Association publication GA-214,
Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish or ASTM C840 equivalent for a detailed description.
For concrete and plaster surfaces:
Plaster surfaces should be thoroughly dry before painting.
Concrete surfaces should age at least 60 days before finishing. Remove all form oils and
efflorescence and grind down form lines. Fill cracks and holes, and level concrete surfaces with
USG Sheetrock® Brand Setting-Type Joint Compound (Durabond® or Easy Sand™) or Cover Coat®
Compound and let dry.
Stir gently. Do not thin. Thinning will reduce performance. May be tinted with up to 2 oz. per gallon
of universal colorants.
apply using airless spray only.
When used in lieu of a skim coat of joint compound and paint primer
coat in a Level 5 gypsum board finish, apply to a minimum Wet Film Thickness (WFT) of 15 mils.
In all applications a WFT in excess of 20 mils is not recommended. Use a wet film thickness
gauge to ensure proper application thickness and maximum performance. Maintain 55 °F (13 °C)
minimum product, air and surface temperatures during application and until surface is dry.
Test the spray pattern prior to application.
Control the rate of coverage with the spray-tip size
(first-time users should try a 0.027" tip). If the fan pattern is the same, a large-tip orifice applies
more paint than a small orifice. Do not try to increase coverage by increasing fluid pressure.
Use the lowest pressure necessary (high-pressure increases wear on pump.)
Hold the gun perpendicular to the surface approximately 24 inches away.
Move the gun parallel to
the surface at a steady rate. Start the stroke off the “target” surface and pull the trigger, as the
gun is moving. While the gun is still moving, release the trigger as you approach the other edge
of the target surface. This method avoids excess paint buildup at the end of each stroke. Moving
the gun at the correct speed will deposit a full, wet coating without runs or sags. Lap each stroke
approximately 50% over the previous stroke for uniform paint thickness. Spray from left to right
to scratch in the initial coat and then crosshatch spray up and down as the doubleup coat to
provide a uniform appearance. Check wet film application thickness using a wet film thickness
gauge. When painting corners, aim the gun toward the center of the corner to ensure both sides
are sprayed evenly.
note: May be roller applied for use as a high-solids, primer paint coat. Use a high-quality roller, with 1/4"- 3/8" fine nap roller
cover on smooth surfaces. Apply to a wet film thickness (WFT) of 5-10 mils.
EqUipmEnT
SURFaCE pREpaRaTiOn
mixinG
appliCaTiOn