Plastering requires consistent practice to become a viable trade. Novice plasterers spend years honing their skills before they become professionals. Applying plaster is tricky, and novice plasterers understand that the resulting surface may not meet expectations without proper skills.
Those interested in plastering either for DIY projects or as a trade can learn the skills over time. However, don’t get frustrated if you’re unable to produce excellent results right away. Even professionals took years to become experts in the trade. For plastering beginners, here are the three essential steps to plastering.
Preparation for plastering
The surface for plastering requires preparation to ensure a smooth and durable finish. You need to remove dirt, dust, paint, wallpaper, and any other debris that may obstruct plaster material adherence. As much as possible, wash down the surface and brush off any remaining particles. Surfaces also need priming with a PVA glue and water mixture. Primer increases the suction of the surface and helps plaster adhere better. Usually, you need two layers of primer. The first layer acts as a barrier between the surface and the plaster, while the second layer bonds the plaster to the surface. Most plastering suppliers sell bonding agents like PVA glue used in plastering.
Keeping the work area clean
One of the most challenging aspects of plastering is maintaining the work area clean. The cleanliness of your work area determines the success of your work. Debris and dirt may contaminate mixed plaster and end up ruining your work. You also need to keep surrounding surfaces and furniture clean. You will need to cover furniture with a tarp or plastic and secure it with protection tape. You need to have all the tools and accessories to mark and protect the surface area. Rendering suppliers stock various tapes like brick tape, duct tape, and stucco tape, which are versatile and useful materials in plastering. If you are working outdoors, you may also need a temporary downpipe in case there is rain.
Plaster application
The most laborious part of the job is the actual plaster application. It would help if you were patient in building-up layers of plaster to achieve the right thickness. Experts advise to begin plaster application at the top of the surface and work your way down. You need to invest in the trade proper tools such as a sturdy hand trowel to guarantee good results. Novice plasterers need to be careful with smoothing the finished plaster too much. The mark of a great plaster finish should have some texture to it. Paint and other decorative materials adhere better when the background surface has some texture.
Conclusion
Plastering is a straightforward job that requires a fair amount of practice. You do not become a professional plasterer after a single project. First, you need to invest in the right tools purchased from rendering suppliers. Next, you must follow the recommended steps in plastering. And lastly, you must practice your skills as often as possible. Whether you are plastering for small DIY projects or thinking about making it your chosen trade, similar principles apply.
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