Cheesecloth and mastic

Detroiter48214

So, we've decided to have all of our asbestos insulation removed from our steam pipes, and I'm going to redo the whole thing in 1.5in fiberglass on the pipes, thermal insulation on the fittings, and a mastic cast over the whole: in short, I'm going to try the G.W. Gill approach.
Now, I know that I paint the mastic on, wrap in cheesecloth, and paint on another layer. Here's my question, though: how many layers of cheesecloth? I figure that if my pipes are 1.5 in diameter and the fiberglass is 1.5 in, then I'm looking at a 4.5 in. diameter. About 15 in. around, then. The cheesecloth I've ordered is 36 in. wide. Do you think it will be good enough if the cheesecloth goes twice around the pipe?
Thanks! I'll put up pictures when I'm done.

gerry gill

sure can...ive gone once, sometimes two or three layers..i try for just one layer, but if im working on trying to make a bump or wrinkle less noticeable i will go more wraps..

Detroiter48214

Thanks! That sounds good to me. I looked into the PVC method, but it was more costly and, to me, it seemed like it may actually be more difficult. So we'll see how it goes.

Detroiter48214

So, I forgot to post these a while back after I finished the job. Thanks for your advice!

vaporvac

WOW! Thanks for posting that. Was it difficult? I want to try doing the same sometime soon.