Fassa Base Coats for Cement Particle Board

Cement particle boards create a stable construction surface, but their joints and fixings can remain vulnerable to movement. A compatible reinforced base coat helps form a continuous rendered surface, spreads stress across the boards and prepares the façade for its decorative finish.

This Fassa Bortolo range combines a cement-based base coat with alkali-resistant reinforcing mesh. The complete specification must be approved for the particular cement particle board being used.

Products in This Range

• Fassa A96 Base Coat – A grey, cement-based adhesive that can be used as a skim coat and to embed reinforcing mesh within compatible Fassa systems.
• Fassanet 160 Reinforcing Mesh – A 160g/m² alkali-resistant fibreglass mesh used to strengthen the base-coat layer and improve resistance to surface cracking.

Typical Applications

When approved for the selected board, these products can be used to:

• Form a continuous base across cement particle boards
• Reinforce joints between adjoining boards
• Cover and strengthen vulnerable fixing areas
• Reduce the risk of board outlines appearing
• Prepare the surface for compatible Fassa finishes
• Support external render-board installations

Preparing Cement Particle Boards

The boards must be suitable for direct rendering and installed in accordance with the board manufacturer’s instructions. They should be securely fixed to an appropriate supporting structure, with the correct fixings, spacing and joint arrangement.

Before applying the base coat, ensure the surface is clean, dry and free from dust, grease and other substances that could reduce adhesion. Damaged boards, loose fixings, uneven joints and projecting screw heads should be corrected.

Movement joints within the construction must be carried through the render system rather than covered with base coat and mesh.

Reinforcing the Base Coat

Fassanet 160 should be fully embedded within the wet Fassa A96 base coat. Adjacent mesh sections must overlap according to the system specification, and the reinforcement should remain completely covered.

Additional diagonal mesh patches may be required around window and door openings, while corners and exposed edges should be protected using compatible beads and reinforcement components.

Confirming System Compatibility

Cement particle boards vary in composition, surface treatment and expansion characteristics. A product being suitable for one board does not automatically make it suitable for every cement-based board.

Confirm compatibility with Fassa Bortolo and the board manufacturer before installation. Always follow the relevant technical data sheets for primers, base-coat thickness, mesh positioning, curing periods and compatible finishing products.