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| 22/12/03 |
Don't be scared...plaster! |
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| If you can plaster, you can truly finish any job profesionally. And it's not as difficult as you think. Today I plastered the downstairs lavatory! |
Plastering is one of those skills that's shrouded in mystery and DIYers are inimidated into not trying it. I've seen people go to any lengths to avoid having a go - including sanding down acres of filler! In the sidebar you'll find the tutorial that got me started. Though I don't claim to be a plasterer yet (I'm still learning) the results I achieve on plasterboard and smaller walls and ceilings are now very acceptable. I would recommend any serious DIYer at least give it a try before deciding it's not for them. It's such a handy skill to have in your arsenal! My new downstairs cloak was ready to plaster, so I PVA'd the rendered section where the wall was bricked up with a sealing coat mixed 5:1. While that was soaking in, any sections of original plaster were scored heavily to give something for the new top coat to get hold of. Then these and the rendered area were treated with a strong 1:2 PVA mix to further improve adhesion. While the PVA was going tacky, the plaster was mixed up to a creamy consistency with a mechanical whisk (far easier). Thistle Multi-finish is the plaster I always use. Then came the best bit - the plastering itself. It's so relaxing. I used to get really stressed about it going off while I was still trying to get it on the wall, but that's the worse thing you can do Stay calm and relaxed; work carefully and methodically. Don't avoid edges, corners and the like - you'll hate yourself when you have a beautifully smooth patch of plaster surrounded by a mess of gaps and holes that need filling. Once you've got the plaster on and reasonably level, don't be afraid to let it go off properly before trying to trowel it up. Then don't use too much water (I use a plant sprayer) but work it hard; over and over is the only way, I'm afraid. There is no better sight than fresh plaster - especially when it's your own. In a day, a space has been transformed from a hotch-potch of different colours and textures to a delightful salmon-toned room. Smashing.... |
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