While plastering is something that you can do on your own even if you are not too experienced in that kind of work, it’s still much more complicated than simply applying plaster to the wall and trying to keep it as flat as possible. If you need some plastering done and want the satisfaction that comes from doing something like this on your own (or from not having to pay anyone to do it) we are offering some basic tips and encourage you to get as familiar with the subject as you can before proceeding.
Tools of the Trade
While some of the work on wall preparation or finishing might require additional equipment, the only tool that you’ll be using constantly, and the quality of which is essential for the success of the operation is the almighty trowel. It is used to apply the plaster to the wall, provide pressure needed for the plaster to stick properly, and flatten it out evenly.
Most new trowels come with relatively sharp corners, which can lead to a lot of frustration caused by the marks that they would leave in the plaster should you decide to use the trowel as is. While this is not as much of an issue with backing coat, it could make applying the skim coat much more difficult than it has to be.
While it is possible to buy pre-worn (or used) trowels, adapting a new one to your needs really isn’t all that difficult. You need to round of the corners of the trowel, either with a file or by grinding them against concrete. You might want to do the same with the edges of the trowel as well, and if the edge parallel to the handle stars slightly curving back, towards the handle, all the better, as this might make applying the plaster a bit simpler – it makes it easier to find the right angle.
While some people like larger trowels, a smaller one does have its advantages. For one it is easier to control, but it also ensures that you’ll be able to provide enough pressure when applying the plaster to the wall. If you are a beginner, a smaller trowel is definitely recommended, but if you have the option, give different sizes a go and find out which one suits you the best.
Wall Preparation
The base you are applying the plaster on is just as important as the plaster itself, or the tools that you are using. The wall needs to have adequate suction if you want to ensure decent adhesion and adequate drying time. Walls with greater suction are dry and capable of absorbing large quantities of water. In case a backing coat is applied to this kind of wall, while it will stick quite nicely, it will dry out too fast making it impossible to apply the finishing.
You can deal with this by spraying the wall with water before application, until it is wet enough to allow the plaster to dry slowly. If, on the other hand, the wall doesn't absorb enough water, or any at all, the plaster wouldn’t stick. There are different bonding agent that you can use on this kind of walls most of them based on PVA (polyvinyl acetate), sand and water. Check out this article to learn more about preparing your walls and ceiling for plastering.
Plastering
You will first need to apply backing coat to the prepared wall. Most people mix it by combining cement and sand with plasticizer, as it dries of slowly enough to allows you to work without any kind of rush or urgency. You should hold the trowel at a slight angle from the wall, according to reputed Sydney-based bathroom renovation service, no more than 10mm away from the wall at its farthest point, and use steady and firm pressure to ensure that the coat sticks firmly to the wall, fills out any cracks or grooves and that the surface you get is completely flat.
Backing coat should still be wet when you start applying the finishing, as this will ensure proper adhesion. The finishing coat shouldn’t be much thicker than 2mm, and if you’ve done a good job with base plaster, you won’t have to apply as much pressure with this coat. Naturally, you will need to press hard enough to ensure that the plaster is flat and evenly distributed. Once you achieve the flat surface (pay special attention to corners, as they can be quite tricky) the only thing left to do is to polish any imperfections and leave it to dry.
Tools of the Trade
While some of the work on wall preparation or finishing might require additional equipment, the only tool that you’ll be using constantly, and the quality of which is essential for the success of the operation is the almighty trowel. It is used to apply the plaster to the wall, provide pressure needed for the plaster to stick properly, and flatten it out evenly.
Most new trowels come with relatively sharp corners, which can lead to a lot of frustration caused by the marks that they would leave in the plaster should you decide to use the trowel as is. While this is not as much of an issue with backing coat, it could make applying the skim coat much more difficult than it has to be.
While it is possible to buy pre-worn (or used) trowels, adapting a new one to your needs really isn’t all that difficult. You need to round of the corners of the trowel, either with a file or by grinding them against concrete. You might want to do the same with the edges of the trowel as well, and if the edge parallel to the handle stars slightly curving back, towards the handle, all the better, as this might make applying the plaster a bit simpler – it makes it easier to find the right angle.
While some people like larger trowels, a smaller one does have its advantages. For one it is easier to control, but it also ensures that you’ll be able to provide enough pressure when applying the plaster to the wall. If you are a beginner, a smaller trowel is definitely recommended, but if you have the option, give different sizes a go and find out which one suits you the best.
Wall Preparation
The base you are applying the plaster on is just as important as the plaster itself, or the tools that you are using. The wall needs to have adequate suction if you want to ensure decent adhesion and adequate drying time. Walls with greater suction are dry and capable of absorbing large quantities of water. In case a backing coat is applied to this kind of wall, while it will stick quite nicely, it will dry out too fast making it impossible to apply the finishing.
You can deal with this by spraying the wall with water before application, until it is wet enough to allow the plaster to dry slowly. If, on the other hand, the wall doesn't absorb enough water, or any at all, the plaster wouldn’t stick. There are different bonding agent that you can use on this kind of walls most of them based on PVA (polyvinyl acetate), sand and water. Check out this article to learn more about preparing your walls and ceiling for plastering.
Plastering
You will first need to apply backing coat to the prepared wall. Most people mix it by combining cement and sand with plasticizer, as it dries of slowly enough to allows you to work without any kind of rush or urgency. You should hold the trowel at a slight angle from the wall, according to reputed Sydney-based bathroom renovation service, no more than 10mm away from the wall at its farthest point, and use steady and firm pressure to ensure that the coat sticks firmly to the wall, fills out any cracks or grooves and that the surface you get is completely flat.
Backing coat should still be wet when you start applying the finishing, as this will ensure proper adhesion. The finishing coat shouldn’t be much thicker than 2mm, and if you’ve done a good job with base plaster, you won’t have to apply as much pressure with this coat. Naturally, you will need to press hard enough to ensure that the plaster is flat and evenly distributed. Once you achieve the flat surface (pay special attention to corners, as they can be quite tricky) the only thing left to do is to polish any imperfections and leave it to dry.
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