CAVE RENOVATION . . . BEFORE AND AFTER

"The cave owner's most useful tool"

The word "yeso" is something any cave enthusiast will hear a lot about and become accustomed to. Yeso is basically plaster, in this section we will talk about the most common types and frequently used - "contralado" and "rapido"

The easiest way to remember each ones function is by the name Contralado (controllable) and Rapido (rapid) these terms are in relation to how fast the plaster sets. Firstly yeso rapido, if I had a euro for every ex-pat that has fallen fowl of this plaster I would be rich! This plaster takes practice; it sets like a rock in a very short space of time. It is, however an important ingredient in a cave reformation. Rapido sets hard - very hard and has a multitude of uses such as plastering rustic shelves to walls….one minute later the shelf is up, no screws required.

Yeso Rapido can also be mixed to a consistency that allows one to apply it like normal plaster, this is a Spanish tip. Mix the yeso constantly over 10-15 minutes gradually adding water in small amounts so it has no time to set, what you will be left with is a plaster that can be applied to produce a glass like sheen to any wall and doesn't set in a flash - quite the opposite it may take hours.

Yeso contralado is very different, slower setting and much more manageable this plaster is multi purpose. Ideal for walls, filling gaps or mixing with rapido to create a "medium" setting plaster - good if you don't want something very fast or taking too long.

A bag of yeso will cost around 3 euros per bag although pallets of 30 bags plus will get a discount (do ask though) Deliveries of large quantities of any building product will come on a flat back lorry normally driven by the local merchants driver - be prepared to direct your tonne and a half of building materials in mid air while it is on the telescopic arm, if you neglect giving directions the new flower bed may well get flattened!

Yeso, essential for any renovation project. Learn to use it and bare exposed cave walls will transform into a potential room in a very short space of time.