The Steps In Plastering Your Home
We are always asked about the plastering process
Step 1: Preparation
Before working on the wall or walls, lay out a dust sheet to protect your floors and catch any spills or spilled plaster; make sure the wall you’re plastering is dust-free and clean up any residue, which is especially important if you’re plastering an older and worn wall. Cover any holes or cracks in the wall with tape. If you are plastering over the newly applied plasterboard, use the tape to cover any gaps between the boards. How to plaster a wall like a pro: A step-by-step guide
Step 2: Apply PVA to the wall(s).
Since it’s a latex-based product similar to the glue that seals the pores of drywall, applying PVA to the wall(s) you’re plastering ensures that the layer you’re using dries out evenly. First, you need to dilute the PVA in a ratio of 1:4 – one part PVA and four parts water. Next, roll the PVA mixture onto a brush, apply it to the wall and check that the entire surface is covered. Once you have coated the wall with the PVA glue, the first layer of plaster can be applied.
Step 3: Mixing the plaster
Depending on the type of plaster you want to use for your project, read the manufacturer’s instructions and mix it accordingly. Wear a dust mask when you open the bags of material. Pour it into a bucket of cold water and whisk it briefly until it has the consistency of thick pudding without lumps. Keep stirring the plaster into the water and never the other way round.
Step 4: Applying the plaster to the walls
Once the walls are cleaned and the plaster mixture is ready, you can apply the first layer of plaster using the trowel board, trowels and afloat tool. Practice the application on separate plasterboard panels before you start using the technique. How to plaster a wall like a pro: A step-by-step guide Place the plaster on the plasterboard with the trowel and use the float to push the material from the trowel onto the walls. Brush the plaster firmly upwards, smoothing the trowel at the end of each stroke. Always apply the plaster from the bottom left corner upwards and fill an entire section from bottom to top before continuing with the next section. Use small amounts of plaster at a time and apply firm pressure to the spatula at the same time to achieve an even look and avoid excess plaster coming off the wall. Repeat this motion until the entire surface is covered with plaster.
Step 5: Stripping and smoothing
Immediately after applying the first layer of plaster, wait 20 minutes to let the plaster dry. Then smooth the wall with a trowel to remove any bumps and lumps. Smooth the corners with the corner trowel and also the lower and upper parts of the wall. These areas are the most difficult to plaster, so use appropriate tools to smooth the edges.
Step 6: Scraping
Scraping is optional, but most experts prefer to scrape the wall before applying the second coat of plaster to adhere correctly. The easiest way to do this is to scrape the wall with a tool specifically designed for this purpose, the scraperboard. If you don’t have such a tool nearby, you can also scrape the walls with an old kitchen fork. If you forgo this step, make sure the first coat is still damp before applying the second.
Step 7: Second coat of plaster
Apply the second and final coat of plaster to the wall(s). This should have a thinner consistency than the first, so thin the plaster mixture with a little more water. Next, apply a 2 mm thin coat to the wall and allow it to dry slightly.
Step 8: Finishing touches
Once the plaster has dried slightly, polish your work. Use a spray gun to apply a little water to the walls. Be sure to spray the edges of the plaster and smooth the surface inwards with the trowel. Finally, run a clean trowel over the entire wall to smooth out any curves and bumps. When the plaster is completely dry, use some sandpaper to remove any excess material.
Step 9: Painting and wallpapering
Your wall(s) can now be painted or wallpapered if you prefer. Use a primer to prime the surface before applying paint. The same applies if you want to apply wallpaper, although it is better to use wallpaper glue instead. Make sure you apply two coats of adhesive to prime and seal the surface.
