During a home renovation or redecoration, a task that often needs completing is plastering; usually, this is something completed by a professional. But with, the proper preparation, correct information and good quality tools can be something that an aspiring amateur can do. There is a wealth of how-to guides and informative essential details available online, which can be accessed relatively easily to complete the task at hand; I want to use this short article as a great starting point for you to plaster successfully.
The Right Tools for The Job
To plaster perfectly and achieve a nice, smooth finish, you must choose good quality tools that feel comfortable in your hand, as plastering is a repetitive exercise that can take considerable time. The five essential tools that are a must when plastering are –
- Plastering trowel – a quality stainless steel option with a well-weighted handle is the recommendation.
- Hawk board – this holds the plaster once it’s moved from the mixing bucket or machine.
- Bucket trowel – used to move plaster from bucket to hawk board.
- A power mixer – plaster can be mixed by hand, but if using a large amount, a power mixer is easier and quicker; plastering machines are available from most good hire companies.
- A new quality paintbrush – is crucial for keeping edges clean and applying water to your plaster.
The above is not the complete list; also needed are mixing buckets, protective sheets, a sharp knife, and a spray bottle can also come in handy. As with any job, personal protective equipment is also essential; gloves, eyewear and dust mask are needed when plastering.
Perfect Preparation Prevents
Plastering any area, large or small, can be a messy process, so it is good practice to clear the area of any furniture or carpets and lay plenty of protective sheeting. To ensure that the new plaster adheres correctly, cleaning the plastered area is crucial, removing any old wallpaper, dust, or loose particles. When working on new plasterboard, tape the joints with specialist plaster tape using a knife to create a sharp edge.
Essential Issues to Focus On
Having completed a significant amount of preparation, you will have given yourself a great starting point to plaster successfully, and this article is not long enough to fully explain the complete process. Still, I would like to mention a couple of essential parts of the works involved.
- Applying the PVA glue is crucial for holding the plaster to the wall; investigate this part of the process minutely.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s direction when mixing the plaster.
- Protect light sockets and disconnect the electricity if required.
- Always apply plenty of water when finishing the final coat of plaster.
Types Of Finish
There are many different types of plaster available, each with its characteristics; investigate what is most suitable for your situation. Some plasters are easier to work with than others and maybe an essential factor if it’s your first-time plastering.
I hope I have provided you with a good starting point from which to progress, don’t be overawed by your project, have confidence and with plenty of preparation and the right tools, you can prevail.
