From Plat to Place
The Step By Step Home Construction Site
Step 37 - Plastering
Learning to Plaster: The Simple Way
The art of plastering is a natural tendency for some chosen few. They are called 'gifted' in this field since they can learn the craft as quickly as they are born to it and with an outstanding outcome. In spite of this, this should not create discouragement nor bring dismay to many others who are not born to it. It should always be remembered that most things can be learned, if not inherently acquired. All it takes is the determination to learn, patience, the proper tools and materials and a few instructions to get you by.
For the former, it solely depends on you. While for the latter, this article can be your fundamental manual for learning the basics.
Plastering know-how can be regarded as the epitome of any drywall undertaking. As such, for small and menial fixing jobs, expertise on plastering is not of very huge importance since anything small is sometimes not that complicated, especially when it is known that it can be covered. Yet on the other hand, if the project is big, proficiency really matters. It is like akin to treating an open, ugly wound improperly, thus it resulted to a keloid scar. This scar's ugly appearance thus remains. With this instance, we therefore tend to surrender our ground and pass the quandary to the experts.
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Learning to Plaster: The Simple Way
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For the project, one of the first materials you will need to purchase is joint compound- you can choose between the drying type of joint compound, also known as drywall compound and the setting type of joint compound, drywall tape- there are also two kinds of tape, one is paper drywall tape, while the other one is the fiberglass mesh tape, a utility knife, a few taping knifes, a drywall patch kit (if necessary) and sand paper or sand blocks.
If it is a big hole that you are working on, cut it in a rectangular shape by using a utility knife. Be sure to read the label for instructions before inserting the patch drywall kit into the hole. There is no need to apply drywall tape in here, however, instead fill it up with joint compound using the taping knife. Level the surface by scraping off the lump of excess compound. Leave it to dry thoroughly. This may take up to 24 hours to dry.
On the other hand, if you are working on a crack, cut a neat line on both sides of the gap. Remove the remnant to clear the crack. If you are using paper tape, bed the crack first with joint compound before layering the paper tape. Let it dry. Cover it with joint compound. Remember to read the operational instructions of the product before using it. If, however, you are using the fiberglass mesh tape, you can directly stick it to the crack and then coat it with joint compound. Do not forget to put more pressure on the 'hollow' area of the crack when applying it so that the compound will come through the net, thus creating a solid and hollow-free area.
Spread the plaster evenly by feather-brushing the lumps and excesses with the use of the taping knife. Let the surface completely dry before sanding it. Should there be an absence of foreign materials and remnants, you can skip this method, and proceed to applying the second coat immediately. Drying may take up to 24 hours for the drywall compound and 5 to 90 minutes for the setting joint compound. After sanding the surface, follow it up with a second coat. Follow the same steps with that of the first coat. Let it dry. Again this could take from 5 to 90 minutes to 24 hours depending on the type of drywall mud that you chose to use.
Once the area is dry, sand it, leveling it with the rest of the entire wall.
After this step your plastering process is now complete. The average homeowner can plaster a wall as long as they have the right tools and materials needed for the job. Use your local hardware store experts to guide you throughout the process. The job can turn out to be a success if you take your time and do it right!
This plastering know-how only outlines the basic steps in carrying out a plastering job. For others, it can easily be mastered, however, for some it is advised that practice and a little more practice is necessary to rapidly excel in the craft.