subject: How To Apply Plaster [print this page] For many beginners, plastering seems a very daunting job. Well, it is true that plastering is difficult if it is your first try. But as you work with plasters regularly, you will be able to develop the right skills for the job.
There are two key principles that you have to remember when you plaster a surface. First, you have to make sure that the plaster will stick to the background. Second, your application should be smooth so that you can produce a refined and flat finish. By grasping these two principles, you can slowly learn the art of applying plaster.
Start with Easy Jobs
The level of difficulty for applying plaster depends on the type of background that needs to be plastered. Obviously, plastering ceilings and walls is more challenging compared to plastering the floor.
For starters, you might want to consider plastering the floors first because this is a less complicated job. You can also start by plastering cracks and small holes. These jobs are pretty straightforward and do not require expert skills.
Getting the Job Done
The first thing you need to do is to ensure that the background or the surface that needs plastering is thoroughly cleaned. You have to remove dirt, grease, oil, and solid debris. If there are loose plasters on the surface, you have to remove them completely.
If you are plastering a small crack or a small hole, you have to enlarge these cracks or holes by at least a quarter of an inch wider. This is important so that you can easily fill the cracks and holes with fresh plaster.
Before applying the plaster, you need to dampen the background surface first. You can use a sponge or a damp cloth for this task. A damp surface facilitates faster adhesion and stronger bond between the background and plaster.
After preparing the background or the surface, you can now apply the plaster. You need to prepare a small amount of plastering compound just enough for one application. Make sure that you are using the right tools for applying the plaster. Applying icing on a cake and applying plaster on a cracked surface would be similar. Just make sure to fill the gap completely and to finish the surface smoothly.
You have to work fast because plaster dries quickly. Try to flatten the surface as much as possible by not leaving excess plasters on the surrounding areas. You may need to use a sander if there are excess plasters left on the surface.
