Plastering a wall involves a series of steps to achieve a smooth and even surface ready for painting or wallpapering. Here’s a detailed guide:
Plastering Process
The basic process for plastering a wall, as outlined in the reference, consists of several key stages:
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Prepare the Walls: Before you start, make sure the wall is clean. Remove any loose debris, old wallpaper, or flaky paint. You may need to wash the walls down. Fill any large holes or cracks with a suitable filler.
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Prime the Walls: Apply a primer or sealant to the wall. This helps the plaster adhere properly and prevents moisture being sucked out too quickly by the wall.
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Mix the Plaster: Prepare your plaster according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a clean bucket and mixing tool to ensure a smooth, lump-free mix. Mix only what you can use in a reasonable timeframe because plaster can set quickly.
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Apply the First Coat: Use a hawk and trowel to apply the first coat of plaster to the wall. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Apply with even pressure and aim for a layer of approximately 2-3mm thickness.
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Smooth Bumps & Gaps: After applying the first coat, wait for a short period for it to firm up a bit. Then go over the entire surface with your trowel to flatten any bumps and fill any small gaps. This ensures an even base for the second coat.
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Apply the Second Coat: Once the first coat is firm but not fully dry, apply a second coat of plaster using the same method as the first. The second coat will achieve a smooth finish, and bring the overall plaster thickness to about 4-6 mm.
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Sand Rough Edges: After the second coat has dried thoroughly, use a fine sandpaper to smooth any remaining rough edges. This will complete the process, ensuring a smooth surface is available for decorating.
Detailed Steps and Tips
Preparation
- Cleaning: Remove dust and debris using a brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Repairing: Fill large holes with filler and allow it to dry before priming.
Mixing
- Consistency: The mix should be like thick yogurt for easy application.
- Timing: Mix only as much as you can use within its working time.
Application
- Technique: Hold the trowel at an angle and use smooth, sweeping motions.
- Layering: Apply even pressure to ensure uniform thickness.
Smoothing
- Timing: Don't wait too long or the plaster will be too hard to smooth out.
- Tools: Use a clean trowel or float for smoothing and levelling.
Second Coat
- Overlapping: Slightly overlap trowel strokes to avoid lines.
- Thickness: Avoid applying the second coat too thickly.
Sanding
- Fine Grit: Use a fine sandpaper to avoid scratching the plaster.
- Dust: Clean off the sanding dust using a damp cloth or sponge
Summary
Following these steps will help you plaster a wall successfully. It is important to take your time and ensure that each step is followed correctly.
