Plastering dates back as being one of the oldest handicrafts within the construction industry sector but if it is done wrong it could leave the walls of your property in terrible condition.
Plastering can dramatically change the appearance of your walls. It will get rid of any dents or bumps that you have experienced whilst decorating in the past. By deciding to plaster your walls you will be giving yourself a smooth, even surface to carry out any decorating. It allows you to paint the interior of your home to look its best.
If you have never done any plastering before it is advised that you enlist the help of a professional to undertake the plastering work that needs to be done. By using a professional contractor you will be getting professional results. If you want to improve the appearance of your walls then it is advised that you take on the help of a plastering contractor. They will be able to do the job in a timely manner with minimal mess; they will also be equipped with all the tools needed to make sure the job is finished to the best it can be. These tools include:
o Steel float
o Hawk
o String line
o Plasterers trowel
o Straight edge
o Spot (something to stand it on)
o Claw hammer
o Plumb level
o Buckets
o Splash brush
o Old saw
o Trimming knife
There are many different types of plaster, the two main ones being gypsum based and cement based. Gypsum plaster is mainly for use indoors as damp will attack it and make it crumble. The most common types of gypsum plaster are browning, bonding and metal lathing. Cement based plaster however is primarily used for outdoors, with its general use being rendering. This type of plaster can also be used indoors for areas that are susceptible to damp and require a greater thickness of plaster to cover it.
As with painting, plastering needs a base coat. This base/undercoat may need building up in 2 layers depending on the condition of the walls and the thickness of plaster needed to improve them. The second layer of plaster should be applied whilst the first layer is still slightly damp but firm.
To achieve the best results from your plaster you should add plaster and water in equal measurements this should be done in a clean bucket using clean water and should be mixed until the plaster is a creamy constituency.
When plastering materials with differing absorption, it is a good idea to key the surfaces to be plastered with a PVA bonding sealer. This prevents the plaster ‘going off’ (setting) at different speeds then when you come to applying the plaster you should push it firmly against the wall and move it upwards; keeping the blade of the trowel at an angle then moving it to be flat at the end of a sweep.
Plastering within your home or property can make a real difference to the look and feel of it. It is something that is worth investing time and money into. It is however important that you use a professional contractor to carry out the work for you in order to achieve the best results.
