Plastering can seem daunting, especially for beginners, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve professional-quality results.
This guide breaks down essential plastering tips into simple steps, making the process easier to understand and follow.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Plastering can be intimidating for beginners, but anyone can achieve professional results with the right tools and techniques. First, clean and prime the wall, then mix the plaster to a creamy consistency.
Use a quality trowel to apply thin layers, allowing each to set before adding the next. Keep tools clean, control drying times with a primer, and check the wall’s level before skimming.
Avoid sanding unless necessary, and always wear protective gear. Proper preparation, tool maintenance, and careful application are key to a lasting smooth plaster finish.
Getting Started With DIY Plastering
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Before you begin plastering, preparation is important. Any imperfections on the wall can affect the plaster’s finish. Follow these steps to prepare your surface:
- Clean the area: Remove old plaster debris using a stiff brush.
- Repair damages: Fix any holes or cracks in the existing plaster.
- Prime the surface: Use a primer to reduce wall suction, ensuring the plaster adheres well.
A clean, well-prepped surface is the key to a smooth, even plaster finish.
2. Tools You’ll Need
Gather the necessary tools before starting your plastering project to achieve the best results. Essential tools include:
- Plastering trowel: This is used to apply and smooth plaster.
- Buckets: Two large buckets for mixing and cleaning.
- Paddle mixer or drill: To blend the plaster mixture evenly.
- Spirit level: To check the evenness of the wall.
Quality tools can significantly impact the ease and quality of your work.
Mixing Plaster Correctly
3. How To Mix Plaster
Mixing plaster properly is vital to achieving a smooth finish. Here’s a straightforward method:
- Use a bucket: Fill halfway with plaster.
- Add water gradually. Stir with a paddle mixer until you get a creamy consistency.
- Avoid lumps: Ensure the mixture is even without dry spots.
Mix small amounts at a time, as plaster sets quickly and can be wasted if unused.
4. Clean Tools Regularly
Keeping your tools clean is crucial for a flawless plastering job. Any residue left on the tools can affect the quality of the plaster. Wash your paddle mixer and trowel thoroughly after each use to prevent dried plaster from contaminating new mixes.
Applying The Plaster
5. Using The Trowel Effectively
The trowel is your primary tool in plastering. Its correct use can make all the difference between a smooth finish and a rough one. When using a trowel:
- Angle it properly: Hold it at a slight angle for the best control.
- Use consistent pressure: Apply even pressure to ensure a smooth surface.
- Please keep it clean: Regularly clean the trowel to prevent dry plaster buildup.
Investing in a quality plastering trowel is worthwhile, as it helps create a professional finish.
6. Layering Plaster Correctly
Applying plaster in layers is essential for a strong, durable finish. Follow these guidelines:
- First layer: Apply a thin coat to create a base.
- Allow it to set: Let the first layer partially dry before adding another.
- Second layer: Smooth over with a slightly thicker layer for a polished look.
Keep the layers thin, with a total thickness not exceeding 3 mm, to avoid cracking.
Drying And Finishing
7. Control The Drying Time
Managing drying time can be tricky, especially in varying temperatures and humidity. Here are some tips to control it:
- Regulate suction: Use a PVA solution to reduce wall suction.
- Avoid rushing: Give each layer enough time to set before applying the next.
If the plaster dries too quickly, it can lead to cracking and poor adhesion.
8. Check For Level Walls
Before skimming:
- Make sure the wall is level.
- Use a long spirit level to identify any dips or bumps.
- Fill in large hollows and smooth out raised areas to ensure the wall is as flat as possible.
This step makes skimming easier and helps achieve a flawless finish.
Final Touches
9. Don’t Sand The Plaster
Avoid sanding plaster unless necessary. Sanding is time-consuming and creates a lot of dust. If the plastering is done correctly, you shouldn’t need to sand.
Focus on applying the plaster evenly and smoothing it with your trowel to save time later.
10. Keep Tools And Materials Clean
Regular cleaning of your tools is vital for both the quality of your plaster and the longevity of the equipment. Here’s why:
- Prevents tool damage: Dried plaster can damage tools if not cleaned immediately.
- Ensures a smooth finish: Clean tools prevent debris from contaminating the fresh plaster.
- Reduces costs: Well-maintained tools last longer, saving money in the long run.
Always have a clean water source to wash your tools when you use them.
Tips For Advanced Plastering
11. Use A Primer For Better Adhesion
Applying a primer to your wall before plastering helps in two ways:
- Reduces suction: Prevents the wall from absorbing too much moisture.
- Improves bond: Enhances the plaster’s grip on the wall.
A diluted PVA solution works well as a DIY primer, applied evenly across the wall before plastering.
12. Choose The Right Plaster
For most DIY projects, Thistle Multi-Finish plaster is a reliable choice. It offers a smooth finish and is versatile for use on various surfaces.
Always mix it to the recommended consistency to ensure optimal results.
13. Handling Angle Beads
When working with angle beads, use tin snips instead of a hacksaw to cut them to size. Mark the cutting line clearly and cut with precision to ensure a clean, accurate finish.
This helps protect corners and maintain sharp edges during plastering.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
14. Avoid Overworking The Plaster
One common error is overworking the plaster after it has started to set. This can lead to rough patches and imperfections. Instead, evenly apply the plaster with your trowel in the first few passes.
15. Don’t Use Contaminated Plaster
Old or contaminated plaster can lead to good adhesion and a strong finish. If the plaster has started to set or contains lumps, mixing a new batch is best rather than risking a subpar result.
Safety Tips
16. Wear Protective Gear
Always wear gloves when handling plaster, especially when cutting angle beads. Plaster can be abrasive, and sharp edges on tools or beads can cause injury.
17. Avoid Draining Issues
Do not pour plaster slurry down drains; it can harden and clog pipes. Properly dispose of plaster waste in outdoor areas or designated disposal units.
Conclusion
Plastering can seem challenging for DIY enthusiasts, but you can achieve a professional finish with the right approach, tools, and techniques. Proper preparation, careful mixing, and using the correct tools are all crucial steps to success.
Your skills will improve with practice, making future plastering projects quicker and easier to handle. These tips will help you achieve a smooth finish and save time and money by reducing mistakes and material waste.
With a bit of patience and effort, anyone can master the basics of plastering and produce results that rival those of a pro.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plaster
Can I Teach Myself to Plaster?
It is a skill, and it takes practice, care, precision and a lot of experience to get it 100% right. That is, however, not to say you can’t DIY plastering. Of course, you can, but you should know it’s going to take some time to learn the process and get to know what you’re doing.
How Difficult Is Plastering?
Plastering isn’t difficult, but like most trades, it is difficult to do it to a high standard until you’ve done it a lot.
Is Dust From Plaster Harmful?
Plaster dust (bagged material). It can irritate the respiratory system, which in some cases may lead to occupational asthma. The long term health effects of regularly inhaling plaster specks of dust during mixing are unclear but likely to include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Can You Plaster Over Old Plaster?
If the Plaster is very old and damaged, you will need to fix any cracks and holes before plastering over it. You can fill smaller holes and cracks in a wall using a sealant such as Caulk. Larger holes and cracks will have to be filled with Plaster and mesh, which may be a job for a professional.
How Do I Calculate Plastering?
- Required Plastering Area = 10 x 10 = 100 m2 or Square Metre.
- Plastering thickness = 12 mm.
- Cement Mortar Ratio = 1:3 (1 Part Cement : 3 Part Sand)
