Any Tips for novice plasterer?

Question

Hi all :D

Was hoping for some good advise off all you plastering experts. I am a joiner and recently had a go at plastering a wall, which was pretty good. even shocked myself. But was wondering if you girls/guys could give me more help to make me better. The steps i did was as follows:-

sorry don't know tech terms used

1.) put on first cost from top left to bottom right

2.) Run over with dry trowel

3.) Put on 2nd slightly thinner coat

4.) Run over with dry trowel

5.) Run over with slightly wet brushed trowel.

I had 2 problems that i noticed. First was I didn't seem to get chance for a brew lol cos I am a bit slow putting coats on at the moment and second was when i was spreading coats on I found it hard to spread near even on first arch movement. What angle should i have the trowel. I had edge about 10mm from the wall but had to go over several times to get it even. Should I start with 10mm from wall then go flatter as less plaster is on trowel when i do my arch movements?

Answer 1

You are virtually spot on, don't put too much pressure on the trowel at the early stages. First apply to the edges by running the trowel sideways to the distance you will be infilling. When starting from top left work down approx 3ft work up and down again feathering out on the down stroke. Carry this out along the same span. When working lower, Apply down up down and again up to the feathering you originally applied and so on you should find the plaster lays more flat. Apply the remaining as your listing. No you do not need to apply unibond etc to plasterboard the ivory side should be facing out and the plaster is applied to this side. Good luck you done well.

Answer 2

Good for you mate. I tried plastering a wall once. My son in law who IS a Plasterer came by next and laughed that much he nearly peed on my new 'almost' fitted carpet. I am not much good at carpets either.

He has always said that plastering is all in the wrist action.

Answer 3

Dont lean against the walls.

Answer 4

when you are plastering just take your time and don't over trowel because you'll get frustrated and loose interest. the first coat should be the thick one at about 3mm thick and the second should be about 1.5 mm thick. also another good tip that i can give you is get a trowel that has been "broken in" IE worn edges. when trowelling the last coat, use little water to set the plaster and finally, when the plaster has nearly dried, go over ti with a dry trowel, this will polish up the wall.

Good luck