It takes some practice to achieve a flat and smooth surface that plasterers always aim for. Basic insights and experience on plastering should be able to equip you with the knowledge on proper preparation, tools and most importantly the adhesion of the plaster.

It is essential to master the basic skills and techniques in plaster application in order to achieve the expected output.

Handling the Plaster:

A trowel full of plaster would be enough when starting out. Place the plaster on the surface of the hawk. The hawk should be carried towards your body and not away from it. Scrape half of the plaster from the hawk using a trowel. While lifting the plaster up, the trowel should be oriented horizontally to avoid spoilage of the plaster.

Plaster Application

After loading the trowel with plaster, from the horizontal alignment to the wall, gently tilt the face of the trowel at sharp angle facing the wall and apply the plaster vertically, starting upwards.

Press the plaster firmly to the wall to ensure adhesion. Once the plaster is applied, reduce the tilt and render the trowel almost flat on the wall to start leveling the plaster’s surface.

Leveling:

The plaster should be applied as even as possible. Even-out the plaster’s surface using the trowel and distribute the excess thickness evenly. You may use a guide like a wooden ruler to level and patch some surfaces.

When working with patches, start at the bottom up then side to side. Scrape the excess plaster with the trowel. Make sure to level the patched surface with the surfaces around it to prevent the patch from protruding.

Finishing:

Let the undercoat completely dry before applying the finishing coat. The finishing coat should not be more than 3mm and not lesser than 2mm in thickness. Spray the surface with water before the finishing coat could dry out. After doing this, gently work the trowel across the surface render a smooth finish. Sponge all excess water that could be left from the surface after finishing.

Tagged with: • • • • • • •

Filed under: Plastering contractors companies

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!