Sooner or later, you as a homeowner will have to re-plaster the ceiling and walls and make minor cosmetic repairs. The process of plastering could be very time-consuming. It is important to understand how it works and what you need to be prepared with, which if you are a beginner, may not know much about. In this article, we will look at some common tips on how to plaster a wall, which is well suited for beginners and DIY lovers.
Please Note: we strongly recommend you use professional plasterers to undertake any plastering in your property if you have zero experience. It could be quite costly to repair if the wrong technique is used. Hopefully this article will help teach you how to plaster a wall but please do contact Ralph Plastering if you would like us to provide a free quote.
Examine the quality of the walls
The method you would use to plaster would depend on the condition of the surface that you are going to patch. In some cases, simply a spatula and a level would be enough for even walls, whereas special beacons will be required for walls with potholes.
You can plaster the wall with your own hands if you strictly follow the sequence of work. Particular attention should be paid to the preparation of the base and measurement work. It is easier to carry out work with a quality tool.
Before applying the plaster, the surface must be treated with a primer
An additional layer will provide a better “adhesion” of the mixture. In some cases, the primer will have a preventive function, for example, protect against mould and parasites. The primer is applied before installing the beacons, if necessary.
Sometimes, instead of a primer, you can use a special reinforcing mesh (suitable for even walls) or shingles, it will hold the mixture and promote better “adhesion” to the surface. However, it must be properly secured.
Types of plasters
There are several types of plasters but the widely used among them are:
- Cement: a versatile option for plastering walls, both from the inside and out. This makes a suitable plaster for if you’re a beginner. Unlike gypsum, cement mortar is more durable, tolerates temperature changes, moisture and dampness well.
- But if you chose gypsum plaster, then, unlike cement plaster, it does not require a finishing layer, but it is more volatile to extreme temperature and could be less durable too.
For finishing work in small areas, it is better to choose a ready-made mixture
This approach will avoid mistakes when mixing ingredients, as well as save time and effort. Indeed, often, in order to achieve the ideal consistency, the solution needs to be stirred for a longer time, while gradually adding water. If not done right, it could become the root of the problem.
Application technology used for plastering a wall
Any coating requires certain work skills and adherence to certain application technology. Plaster is usually applied in three stages: –
- Stage 1: the application of a reinforcing layer that fills in all the potholes and irregularities.
- Stage 2: levelling layer (after the first layer has dried).
- Stage 3: finishing alignment.
Once this is done, it’s important to not forget to prime the surface! The levelling of the finishing layer is carried out with a special rule. For more details on the different applications, British Gypsum has a detailed article which you may find useful.
Take your time to get down to the final plastering or wallpapering!
Any coating needs to be thoroughly dried. The remaining moisture can’t be protected in the layer. Failure to comply with the technology can result in cracking of the walls which can result in you having to redo the work.
Use tricks!
If the result of the work does not suit you to some extent, use the possibilities of textured plaster. This coating will hide all roughness and unevenness. However, if you are not sure if you can apply the relief layer yourself, you could considering contacting our expert plasterers at Ralph Plastering.
Prepare the Necessary Tools in Advance for Plastering a Wall
You should not buy all the construction equipment, but you still have to fork out. In addition to the usual spatula, you would need a ruler and a special tool for levelling the mixture in the corners.
Additionally, you could consider buying a building level and special beacons which can simplify the entire workflow.
Choosing a Plastering Contractor
If all of this seem overwhelming to you (it is for a majority), we get it! For those who have not done it before, it can seem daunting but don’t worry, we are here to help you. Our team of expert plastering can help you with any type of plastering fixes. Simply get in touch with us for a free consultation and our professionals will attend to your needs.
