Let’s talk plastering – the unsung hero of every building project and, let's face it, the
culprit on the snag list. If you want a finish that’s smooth as silk and won’t come back to haunt you, make sure your plasterer follows these golden rules. Remember, no plaster job is ever 100% flawless, but with a little prep, it can get pretty darn close!
1. Pre-Plastering Prep: Set the Stage
Before your plasterer even lifts a trowel, they should check that the masonry and timber framework are level and plumb. Plaster can’t fix a wonky wall! If things aren’t up to scratch, it’s time to call the previous trades back for a touch-up before the plasterer gets to work.
2. Create the Perfect Environment
A quality plaster job needs the right setting: clean, dry, well-lit, and free from people wandering through (sorry, no spectators!). Oh, and keep that temperature above 5°C – plaster hates the cold.
3. Get Those Plasterboards in Order
All plasterboards should be flat and fully loaded out before work begins. If you’ve got any boards lying around that aren’t installed yet, pop them up ASAP to avoid warping. For large areas, stagger the joints to prevent cracking – it’s all about spreading the load!
Pro Tips for Fixing Plasterboards:
If screwing into timber, use at least 36 screws per board for even support.
If using adhesive, be generous! Apply a solid ‘dab’ of adhesive around the edges and openings. Boards should be plumb with no more than a 3mm deviation over a 1.8m length – precise is nice!
Finish by ensuring no gaps are left between boards – they should be snug as a bug in a rug.
4. Ready to Skim? Tape It First!
Right before skimming, tape over all joints with scrim tape to keep them solid. This ensures the adhesion stays fresh and strong. And remember: don’t start skimming without suitable lighting and the right temperature – visibility is everything when you’re going for that perfect, glass-like finish.
5. The Art of Skimming
Now comes the magic. A good skim coat should be smooth to the touch, with sharp, straight corners and no lumps or bumps. Once the plasterer’s done, let the walls dry for a week or two until they fade from dark brown to a light, even tone.
6. Spot the Snags with a Mist Coat
Before diving into full-on paint mode, apply a single mist coat of white paint. This light layer acts like a spotlight for imperfections – any little dings or rough patches will stand out, ready for the plasterer to return and perfect with a little sand or filler. It’s their job to make it right, not the decorator’s.
Wrapping Up
Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with plastering that’s smooth, polished, and practically perfect (at least by construction standards!). A bit of extra attention now will save you time, money, and stress in the future – and make for a top-quality finish that won’t let you down.
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