Whether you are just starting on this DIY journey or still trying to hold tight to the ropes, there are more than a few ways to improve your plastering skills. The average layman would think that plastering is complicated, and many would be tempted to leave that task for the professionals. The truth is, just like any other DIY task, once you master the basics, the rest will be more of a smooth glide. So, for those looking to save those extra bucks and master this professional skill, here are some useful tips that should pull you through.
Prepare the wall.
The mistake some DIY plasterers make is going straight to mixing and applying the plaster instead of taking time to prep the wall. It may seem irrelevant, but it’s quite essential if you want to achieve a smooth finish. If there’s already plaster on the wall, it’s important to use a firm brush to take out loose areas to smoothen the entire wall out. That way, the wall will be free of any rough-looking streaks when the applied plaster dries out.
Get the mix right.
If you mess up the mix, it’s possible to mess up the whole application; that’s why it’s important to get it right from the onset. Many people make the mistake of pouring water into the plaster when it should be the other way round. Put the water first before pouring in the same ratio of plaster so that the mixture doesn’t congeal. The plaster mix should always have a balanced and smooth consistency after it’s been stirred.
Use the right tools.
If you want to practice on a small wall space, getting a regular or cheap trowel may not significantly matter. However, if this project is more professional, or the wall space is more vast, then the right plastering tools will be required. Investing in professional-grade tools is always better when you think about quality and durability in the long run.
Other essential plastering tools needed for a DIY project would include a hawk to hold the plaster, a paintbrush to smoothen the and apply finishing coats, a bucket trowel to transport the mix from the bucket to the hawk, two or three mixing buckets, and a paddle. Plaster beads are also a necessity when plaster walls to get your corners precise.
Cut out the suction.
You have to know before even mixing the plastering solution because the wall in question matters. If the wall is too dry, it will suck in all the moisture from the mix that’s applied, which would make it hard to spread or smoothen after a while. So, depending on the type of wall you’re working with, you may need to dampen the wall with water first before putting on the first coat. Here are more tips to help you through the process.
Keep practicing.
With any DIY project you take on, patience will be required to get things right. Many beginners get discouraged the first few times they get it wrong and may be tempted to throw in the towel altogether. However, rather than giving up, find suitable areas in your house, and keep practicing on small parchment or boards to perfect those skills. Keep watching YouTube videos, and follow the step-by-step tutorials repeatedly to really get the hang of it.
