When it comes to plastering, there is definitely an art to it. Getting the perfect finish takes time, patience, and attention to detail. There are no shortcuts when it comes to plastering, so it’s important to take your time and do it right.
Getting a smooth finish with your plastering is easier than you might think – and it all comes down to technique. So, if you want to know how to plaster a wall and get a smooth finish, just follow these simple steps.
What is Plastering?
Plastering is the process of applying a thin, smooth layer of material to a surface. It is often used to give walls and ceilings a smooth, finished look. Plaster can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common type is gypsum plaster.
How to Apply Plaster
Stage 1: Apply the First Coat
Applying your first coat of plaster should be done at an angle, with the leading edge of the trowel away from the wall.
You should then gradually flatten it to the wall as you go. It is more important to try and get a flat, even coat with no bulges. Any trowel marks or ridges will come out later.
Stage 2: Firming Up the Plaster
After you have applied the first coat, you need to firm it up. This is done by running the trowel over the surface at a low angle, perpendicular to the previous strokes.
Do not press too hard, or you will damage the plaster. Just firm it up so that it is no longer tacky.
Stage 3: Apply the Second Coat
After the first coat is firmed up, apply the second coat. This coat should be about as thick as the first coat.
You can smooth it out with the trowel, but do not press too hard.
Let the plaster dry for about 24 hours before moving on to the next stage.
Stage 4: Remove Any Holes
This is the stage where you can go back and fill in any holes that may have formed during the plastering process. Just use your plaster mix to fill in the holes, and then smooth it out with the trowel.
Apply pressure to the trowel as you run it over the wall at a 10-15mm angle to avoid scraping or dragging. Some ridges may form, but don’t worry; these can be removed in the next step. As you apply the plaster, look closely for holes. If some holes aren’t filling, apply more plaster to the hole and flatten it.
Stage 5: Smoothing Down Ridges
Now that you’ve removed any holes, it’s time to smooth down any ridges. You may have gotten ridges when you filled the holes, or when you smoothed the plaster to the wall. To get rid of them, apply pressure to the trowel as you did in the previous step. If any plaster cracks, apply more plaster to the crack and smooth it out.
Conclusion
The process of plastering can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of the wall and your plastering experience. If you’re not comfortable doing this work yourself, you can always hire a professional.
We Plaster & Recruit can help you make your plastering much easier. We provide Bunnings plaster in Brisbane to keep your walls smooth. Get in touch with us today to learn more.