Abstract: In one aspect, a pottery plaster formulation with increased water absorption, comprising alpha stucco, continuously-calcined-in-a-kettle stucco, and a combination of Rochelle salt and one or more of the following: potassium sulfate and/or a phosphate compound. In another aspect, pottery plaster molds with increased water absorption and methods of making and using the pottery plaster molds for slip casting ceramic items.

Abstract: A snap-setting joint compound with reduced calcium sulfate hemihydrate and improved sandability, as well as methods for building wall assemblies and repairing walls with the joint compound.

Abstract: A snap-setting joint compound with reduced calcium sulfate hemihydrate and improved sandability, as well as methods for building wall assemblies and repairing walls with the joint compound.

Abstract: A gypsum-based composition of calcium sulfate hemihydrate with (a) alum and calcium carbonate and/or (b) zeolite and sodium percarbonate for making foamed gypsum slurry. A method to make foamed gypsum slurry from the composition. A method to make foamed gypsum product from the composition. A cavity wall having a cavity filled with the foamed gypsum product.

Abstract: A method of finishing an interior wall includes the steps of preparing a substrate of building panels including gypsum, cement or combinations thereof, the substrate having a surface, followed by applying a coating to the substrate, the coating having 1-30% by weight of a latex emulsion binder, 30-80% by weight calcium sulfate hemihydrate, up to about 8% by weight of a set inhibiting agent and 20-60% by weight water.

Abstract: A water-soluble texture enhancing composition, including a base powdered composition including powdered calcium carbonate, and a soluble packaged bleach, provided in sufficient quantity so that upon mixing with the base composition and water to form an aqueous slurry, and being agitated, the bleach provides an anti-microbial function for an extended period, preferably up to 80 hours. Also, a process for preparing a textured composition is provided, including providing a base powdered texture composition, providing soluble packaged bleach and mixing same with the base composition, and adding water to create an aqueous slurry, the soluble packaged bleach being provided in sufficient amount for inhibiting microbial growth in the solution for an extended period, preferably up to 80 hours.

Abstract: A joint compound system is provided including a main container of base joint compound; and an additive container isolated from the base joint compound and housing at least one and preferably multiple additive packages constructed and arranged so that the additive packages are protected from exposure to moisture prior to their ultimate mixing with the base joint compound.

Abstract: A joint compound system is provided including a main container of base joint compound; and an additive container isolated from the base joint compound and housing at least one and preferably multiple water soluble additive packages constructed and arranged so that the additive packages are protected from exposure to moisture prior to their ultimate mixing with the base joint compound.

Abstract: A gypsum-based composition of calcium sulfate hemihydrate with (a) alum and calcium carbonate and/or (b) zeolite and sodium percarbonate for making foamed gypsum slurry. A method to make foamed gypsum slurry from the composition. A method to make foamed gypsum product from the composition. A cavity wall having a cavity filled with the foamed gypsum product.

Abstract: A method of finishing an interior wall includes the steps of preparing a substrate of building panels comprising gypsum, cement or combinations thereof, said substrate having a surface, followed by applying a coating to the substrate, said coating comprising 1-30% by weight of a latex emulsion binder, 30-80% by weight calcium sulfate hemihydrate, up to about 8% by weight of a set inhibiting agent and 20-60% by weight water.

Abstract: Methods of treating lime bucking in a plaster slurry are described. The method involves providing a slurry exhibiting lime bucking having a cone penetration of less than 10 mm at a consistency of 60 cc, comprising: water; calcium sulfate hemihydrate; and hydrated lime; and mixing an effective amount of a dispersant comprising a low intensity dispersant into the slurry so that the cone penetration increases and wherein the cone penetration is 10 mm or more at 10 minutes after addition of the dispersant at a consistency of 60 cc; and applying the plaster slurry containing the dispersant to a substrate. Veneer plaster dry component mixtures having reduced lime bucking when made into a slurry containing a low intensity dispersant, or hydrated lime coated with wax or a dibenzoate plasticizer are also described.

Abstract: A joint compound system is provided including a main container of base joint compound; and an additive container isolated from the base joint compound and housing at least one and preferably multiple additive packages constructed and arranged so that the additive packages are protected from exposure to moisture prior to their ultimate mixing with the base joint compound.

Abstract: A method of finishing an interior wall includes the steps of preparing a substrate of building panels comprising gypsum, cement or combinations thereof, said substrate having a surface, followed by applying a coating to the substrate, said coating comprising 1-30% by weight of a latex emulsion binder, 30-80% by weight calcium sulfate hemihydrate, up to about 8% by weight of a set inhibiting agent and 20-60% by weight water.

Abstract: A joint compound system is provided including a main container of base joint compound; and an additive container isolated from the base joint compound and housing at least one and preferably multiple water soluble additive packages constructed and arranged so that the additive packages are protected from exposure to moisture prior to their ultimate mixing with the base joint compound.

Abstract: Compositions with sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose are provided for environmentally safe disposal of water-based latex and acrylic formulations. Improved methods for environmentally safe disposal of water-based latex and acrylic formulations are provided as well.

Abstract: Methods of treating lime bucking in a plaster slurry are described. The method involves providing a slurry exhibiting lime bucking having a cone penetration of less than 10 mm at a consistency of 60 cc, comprising: water; calcium sulfate hemihydrate; and hydrated lime; and mixing an effective amount of a dispersant comprising a low intensity dispersant into the slurry so that the cone penetration increases and wherein the cone penetration is 10 mm or more at 10 minutes after addition of the dispersant at a consistency of 60 cc; and applying the plaster slurry containing the dispersant to a substrate. Veneer plaster dry component mixtures having reduced lime bucking when made into a slurry containing a low intensity dispersant, or hydrated lime coated with wax or a dibenzoate plasticizer are also described.

Abstract: Compositions with sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose are provided for environmentally safe disposal of water-based latex and acrylic formulations. Improved methods for environmentally safe disposal of water-based latex and acrylic formulations are provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition (e.g., a texture composition) comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of calcium carbonate and superabsorbent polymer that can absorb at least about 50 times its mass and having a particle size of about 250 microns or less, wherein the composition is substantially free of a setting-type cementitious material. In some embodiments, cellulosic thickener content is reduced or eliminated from the texture composition. Also disclosed is a method of finishing a substrate comprising applying to the surface a wet composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of calcium carbonate and superabsorbent polymer that can absorb at least about 50 times its mass and having a particle size of about 250 microns or less, wherein the composition is substantially free of a setting-type cementitious material, and drying the composition on the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition (e.g., a texture composition) comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of calcium carbonate and superabsorbent polymer that can absorb at least about 50 times its mass and having a particle size of about 250 microns or less, wherein the composition is substantially free of a setting-type cementitious material. In some embodiments, cellulosic thickener content is reduced or eliminated from the texture composition. Also disclosed is a method of finishing a substrate comprising applying to the surface a wet composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of calcium carbonate and superabsorbent polymer that can absorb at least about 50 times its mass and having a particle size of about 250 microns or less, wherein the composition is substantially free of a setting-type cementitious material, and drying the composition on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of finishing an interior wall includes the steps of preparing a substrate of building panels comprising gypsum, cement or combinations thereof, said substrate having a surface, followed by applying a coating to the substrate, said coating comprising 1-30% by weight of a latex emulsion binder, 30-80% by weight calcium sulfate hemihydrate, up to about 8% by weight of a set inhibiting agent and 20-60% by weight water.