Plastering
Nowadays we don’t often have the need to plaster an entire wall and in many cases new walls are built using plasterboard. There are plenty of times though when we do need some plastering work done, whether it is to fix a section of an existing wall or because we want to create a new one using the same authentic techniques with which the rest of your home was built. And often plastering work can be done by yourself especially for jobs such as replastering over areas where there is damp or covering areas where you have moved or taken something out or such as creating a new entrance way.
If you are plastering for the first time it is best to divide the areas that need to be plastered into smaller sections. When you are applying the plaster do so with good, smooth vertical strokes, working your way from left to right. Always apply your plaster in layers, with each layer being thin and adding to the overall thickness of the plastering. This makes it easy for you to keep the work as smooth as possible. Once you have finished the undercoat plasterwork, leave it to dry and set. Different types of plasters require different times to set and before the finishing coat can be applied. Make sure to check this on the pack of plaster or at your local building supplier. As a general rule, remember that cement undercoats need to be left for twenty four hours before you can apply the next coat.
Your finishing plaster should only be a thin layer and you can use your plastering trowel to keep the finish smooth. Even though you may have divided the job into smaller, more manageable sections, it is important to remember that the entire finishing job should be completed in one go otherwise the result could be uneven and a bit hodge podge. Wait a couple of weeks before decorating in case you need to do any extra work.
If the idea of plastering seems a bit daunting to you and you really don’t feel comfortable with the trowel, then there are plenty of good plastering companies and plasterers who you can call.
We’re grateful to David Lennon for his help in writing this page. His firm of Leeds plasterers can help with any plastering need.