DIY Plastering UK

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Do It Yourself Plaster Tips

Most internal surfaces in a house are finished with plaster. This provides a smooth surface for decorating: painting; papering; tiling etc. The finish needs to be smooth with no cracks or holes. DIY plastering can seem off-putting, but the main requirements are that the plaster should stick well to the wall or ceiling it is covering, and that it should have a smooth, flat finish. Getting a good finish comes with practice. Choosing the correct plaster is important and having the right tools. It is worth investing in a good set of plasterer's tools if planning to do several plastering jobs.

As with all DIY jobs, good preparation is essential. Plaster will stick much better to a well-prepared, clean surface. Cut away any loose plaster and remove dust and small particles with a stiff brush. Mix the plaster in a tub according to manufacturer's instructions - a chef's hand whisk can be very effective. Dampen the background with clean water - if water soaks in quickly, consider brushing some diluted PVA sealer over the surface. This also helps the plaster to bond. Keep the container and the water you use for mixing plaster completely clean. Rinse the container between mixes so no lumps of setting plaster get into the next mix. Add the plaster to the water rather than the other way round.

Load up your plasterer's trowel and apply the plaster to the surface while keeping the trowel at an angle. If the whole face comes into contact with the plaster, the suction can pull it off the wall again. Use strong vertical upward strokes, flattening the angle of the trowel as you go. Level the surface with a rule, starting from the bottom and working it from side to side as you move it up. Take the rule away from the surface carefully, taking the surplus with it. Fill in any hollows with more plaster from the trowel and then level the surface again. Apply the finishing coat when the undercoat has set. Allow the plaster on the final coat to stiffen before smoothing it with the trowel.

Try to get the plaster smooth while it is wet rather than rubbing it down with a power sander or abrasive paper when it is dry. It is better to try to create a smooth surface while it is damp, spraying water onto it to keep it from drying out too quickly while you are working on it. Ridges left by the edge of the trowel can be removed with a knife. Use firm pressure, sweeping the trowel up and down. Keep the tool wet. Leave the plaster to dry out for at least six weeks before decorating.

 

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