Whether you are discussing a newbuild property or a home renovation project; generally, the bare walls are covered with a thin, smooth coat of plaster which is then finished with paint or wallpaper. Normally this task would be completed by a skilled professional, but it is something that, with some prior research and proper preparation, is possible to achieve with success. We will discuss what tools and equipment are needed to plaster in your home and briefly touch on the process’s outline.
Perfect Preparation Prevents
Plastering in any situation is messy; your first job should be to ensure all furniture and obstructions are covered with protective sheeting. As well as the specialised plastering tools, you will also require several other small pieces of equipment, these are the following –
- Sharp knife similar to a Stanley knife.
- Spotlessly clean buckets for mixing plaster.
- A spray bottle for keeping edges or plaster clean and wet.
- Small dustpan brush to continually remove loose debris.
Make sure you are also well protected with the proper equipment; eyewear, dusk masks, and protective gloves are a minimum requirement; also, keep a first aid kit to hand for any incidents or minor injuries.
Plaster Successfully with These Tools
Plastering requires several essential tools that are specific to the job at hand. Always purchase or hire good quality examples, as they will give you the best chance of success. Most hire shops stock plastering equipment that can include a specialised plaster mixing machine. The key tools for plastering are the following –
- A plastering trowel is used to apply and finish the wet plaster; choose a well-weighted stainless-steel example that feels comfortable.
- The plasterer’s Hawk board is a tool for holding wet plaster while you work; both wooden and plastic options are fine, but the wooden ones last longer.
- A bucket trowel is a scoop-shaped tool for moving wet plaster from the mixing buckets to the Hawk board.
- You can mix plaster by hand, but a Power mixer is much easier, paddle attachments for power drill work, but the plastering machine will allow you to concentrate on the application.
- A new clean, good-quality paint brush is needed to keep trowel edges clean and plaster wet.
The Plastering Process
Plastering follows a fairly simple step-by-step process. Always follow the mixing instructions for your chosen plaster carefully and the directions for applying the adhesive. Plastering follows these procedural steps –
- Prepare the surfaces and remove any loose debris.
- Apply the adhesive; this will help stick the plaster to the wall.
- Mix the plaster using your clean buckets, and always use clean water.
- The first layer of plaster is applied, scratched, and left to dry.
- The second or topcoat is applied and, after a short period, finished while still damp.
Further investigation of the full process is easily available via the many online do-it-yourself guides.
Always remember that the standard of your plastering will not compare with the finish obtained by a skilled tradesperson, adjust your expectations accordingly.
Hopefully, this information has given you the confidence to give plastering a try; you never know, you might be a natural.
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