To plaster a wet wall, you should first prepare the wall by removing existing plaster, then apply a water-resistant render and plaster. This allows the wall to dry out naturally while preventing moisture from affecting new finishes.
Steps for Plastering a Damp Wall
Here's a breakdown of the process, incorporating information from the reference:
- Preparation:
- Hack Back: Remove all the existing plaster down to the original masonry. This ensures you are working with a solid, clean base.
- Rendering:
- Water-Resistant Render: Apply a water-resistant render to the exposed masonry. This crucial step creates a barrier against moisture trying to seep through. This will also help in further protecting the wall.
- Plastering:
- Re-plaster: Once the render has dried and set, proceed to re-plaster the wall using a suitable plaster.
Why This Approach Works
- Moisture Control: This method allows any residual moisture within the wall to evaporate naturally, preventing the damp from affecting the new plaster layers.
- Protection: The water-resistant render creates a protective barrier, stopping dampness from penetrating through to the new finishes.
- Longevity: By addressing the damp issue first, you are more likely to achieve a lasting plaster finish, avoiding costly repairs later.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare | Remove old plaster to masonry | Create clean base and address existing damp |
| 2. Render | Apply water-resistant render | Provide barrier against moisture and allow wall to dry out naturally |
| 3. Plaster | Re-plaster wall | Create smooth and even surface |
Following these steps, incorporating water-resistant render, is a standard and effective way to plaster damp walls according to our reference. It allows the wall to dry, while preventing damage to new finishes.
