suction

Evening, I base coated a brick wall with bonding on Sunday and haven't had time to skim it with miltifinish. I should get around to it tomorrow evening. Do I need to PVA it or dampen it with water to control suction or just crack on? Its defo set but I don't know if its totally dry as such. Cheers.

Has anyone ever user masonry paint to control suction? I’ve got a room where areas need building up (12-24mm thickness varying) with a backing coat on brick before skimming the whole room , but the brickwork is as dry as sticks, and thirsty as hell. That ‘Artex Stabilex’ is tricky to get hold...