When planning any significant home improvement project, you will often have to re-finish the walls by coating them with a new coat of plaster which can then be painted or coated with wallpaper. Plastering is normally completed by skilled tradespersons, but it is possible with some proper preparation and the correct tools to plaster in your own home successfully. You must remember at the outset that plastering is a skill, and the results of your first attempts will not compare with an experienced master, so keep your expectations at an appropriate level. This short article will outline the plastering process and list the tools you need to give you the best chance of success.
A Brief Procedural Outline
You should always make sure the room is first cleared of furniture or covered with ample protective sheeting, as plastering is often a messy endeavour. Successful plastering should then follow these steps –
- Prepare the walls by cleaning them thoroughly and remove any loose particles that may hinder applying the plaster.
- Apply the adhesive to the clean surfaces; this will hold the plaster to the wall; when diluting the adhesive, always carefully follow the instructions.
- Always use clean buckets, mix the plaster using a plastering machine, following the instructions, adding water steadily to ensure a smooth mix.
- Once the adhesive has a tacky feel, apply the plaster using the Plastering trowel; start with small amounts until your confidence increases.
- The first coat should dry for around twenty minutes before smoothing out any imperfections and applying the second coat.
- When the plaster has dried slightly, complete the finish with a trowel edge and spray bottle until you have your desired finish.
This is a basic outline of the plastering process, do some further research; there is a wealth of helpful online guides for the amateur plasterer; focus on the mixing instructions as this is essential to successful plastering.
Find The Right Tools
Plastering should not be rushed; give yourself ample time to prepare and complete the tasks. The main specialised plastering tools are –
- Plastering Trowel – a vital tool used to apply the wet plaster, a good quality stainless steel trowel that feels comfortable is recommended.
- Hawk Board – this tool holds the wet plaster; both wood and plastic examples are equally suitable.
- Bucket Trowel – specially designed to move amounts of wet plaster from mixing buckets to the hawk board.
- Power Mixer – paddle attachments for a power drill work well, but a specialised plastering machine is the better option.
- Paint Brush – a new good quality brush is essential for keeping edges and surfaces clean and wet.
Alongside these specialised plastering tools, you will also require a sharp knife, spray bottle, and small brush alongside all the appropriate protective equipment needed to keep you safe. Head and eyewear, dust masks, and protective gloves are the minimum requirements to plaster safely.
You now have a superb starting point to enable you to plaster successfully in your own home. With careful preparation and the right tools, you can take on this task and win, find your local building supplier and see what they have to offer today.