You can take care of many home maintenance and decorating tasks yourself. DIY is a great way for you to learn new skills and express your creativity. But DIY plaster is often a disaster, and requires a lot more skill and knowledge than other jobs.
Pinnacle Work offers a complete plastering service. We can provide a smooth, razor-sharp edge or more detailed plaster effects to restore period property features.
This article will provide some advice on how to use a competent plasterer and what common pitfalls can be found following a DIY plaster disaster.
What is plastering?
Plaster will likely be found throughout your home on the ceilings and walls. This finish provides protection for your interior and a smooth surface on which to paint or hang wallpaper.
The typical plaster is made from gypsum or cement, and then mixed with water to form a paste that can be applied.
Plastering
Let’s take a look at the basics of what it is.
- Surface preparation
We first assess the surface to determine its condition and prepare it for plastering. Before plastering can begin, you must first address any dampness, mold, rust, or other problems.
- Plaster Mixing
The plastering team then prepares the plaster. There are many different types of plaster, and heritage properties might require a particular blend to meet Listed Building requirements.
- Plaster Application
It can be hypnotic to watch a skilled plasterer at work. To smoothen the plaster, use firm upward strokes using an angled trowel. Flatten the tool at each end to finish.
- Drying Time
Your plaster must dry before you can apply your chosen decoration. Plaster that has been properly applied will dry quickly and can be primed for painting.
It is crucial to get the mix and application right for appearance and fireproof properties.
Skimming vs Plastering Explained
The nature of your project will determine the exact work required. While plastering and skimming are often used interchangeably, they are distinct tasks for contractors.
Skimming is the process of applying a thin layer of plaster to an existing wall over the current layer. This is a necessary task when the wall’s surface is not smooth. It can also be an important job for properties that are older to make sure the walls can be painted or maintained in good condition.
Although it may seem simpler than plastering a wall, a skimming project can be just as difficult. It’s still a difficult job. The finish must be perfect, smooth and have a flawless surface that you can paint on or decorate.
Why is quality plastering important?
Pinnacle Works plasterers have years of experience and extensive training to achieve outstanding finishes in a short time.
The quality of your plastering work can have a major impact on the final aesthetics of your room as well as the cost.
- Poor plastering can crack or cause lumps and unsightly bubbles.
- It is difficult to hang wallpaper with inconsistent finishes. This will be highlighted when you apply paint.
- Poor technique can lead to brittle edges and corners that are too tight.
- It can be very dangerous to use the wrong plaster! For example, interior plaster that is used outside can either fall off the wall or completely collapse.
- It is much more expensive to remove a poorly plastered wall and replace it from scratch than hiring a competent plasterer.
- A property with substandard interiors can often affect its saleability.
- Uneven plastering will result in a wobbly, uneven wall.
Although plastering may seem easy in DIY videos, it is not difficult to do without any training.
A competent contractor is required to make sure that all work involving live wiring, ladders or wet materials is done safely and properly.
Do you prefer to hire a professional plasterer or DIY plastering contractor?
We recommend looking at these common mistakes before you decide to try interior plastering in auckland.
The problem with DIY plaster is the inadequacy of the plaster. The plaster mix that is best suited for different types of damp will need to be used in different places.
Although home improvements are an exciting way to get involved, the precise nature of plastering and the blend required to create the best plaster mixture is not something that you can do without practice.
The Benefits of using a plastering contractor
We’ve already explained that it is highly recommended to use a qualified plasterer to get the look and quality you want.
An experienced professional can offer many benefits.
- Attention to detail is key. Plastering with bubbles and gaps is difficult to conceal, so pay attention to the finish.
- The skilled plastering contractors are quick to complete jobs. Our teams are efficient and can provide all the equipment you need to finish your job quickly.
- Plaster properly applied is durable and can last for many decades. In contrast, poorly applied plaster will usually need to be replaced in a matter of months.
Although plaster is a strong material, mistakes in the application phase can cause irreparable wall damage. The level of detail required to create plaster coving, ceiling roses, or cornices is difficult without the help of a skilled contractor who has worked on similar complex projects.
