Plastering is a task that requires precise technical skill and experience, your will-power and a little determination will help you when learning how to plaster. It may appear to be an uphill task but if you learn the proper techniques with the best plastering tools then you stand a high chance to carry out your own “do it yourself” plastering project.

When learning how to plaster, start with the very basics with regards to repair work and preparation for actually plastering. One of the key elements behind a successful plastering job is meticulous cleaning. To achieve this you must plan everything regarding the materials you are going to use, know-how about kinds of plastering mixtures required, and preparation of the surface even before you start applying the plaster. This is very important as once you mixed the plaster, it gets dry rapidly meaning you have very little time for the applying the plaster.

Preparing the surface

•    Remove the loose particles/ mortar from the surface you are going to apply the plaster on and clean the surface. Remove the screws or nails below the surface.
•    If you are plastering over plasterboard then do not forget to join them using scrim tape. This will create strong bond between the boards and avoid any future cracks.
•    Use non-shrinking filler (bonding) to fill the wide gaps/ cracks present in the wall with the help of a trowel. If you have filled such gaps then you must leave for the required drying period, at least one day.

Mixing the plaster right way…

You plastering mix needs to be of a smooth consistency, like whipped ice cream. To achieve this consistency, you have to master certain skills whilst learning how to plaster. For example, pay attention to the mixing procedure of plaster. You should never add water to mixed plaster. Try to mix correctly in one go. The appropriate way is to half fill a Gorilla bucket with clean water and start adding your plaster until you get required consistency of the mixture. Avoid lumps in the mix by stirring it continuously but don’t over stir. The desired consistency should be one that is creamy but not too runny.

Learning to use trowel and hawk correctly while plastering

Your next step entails the correct handling of trowel and hawk. Although this can be a difficult part, you can master the art with correct technique and practice. Don’t get dishearten if you are spilling a lot of plaster on ground. This is where practice and time will help. Focus on getting an even, smooth first coat on the surface of the wall. Once the wall is completely covered reapply a second coat and fill where necessary. Do not forget to cover the floor with plastic sheet.

Always try to hold the trowel in right hand and hawk in left hand (if right handed). Hold both of them at comfortable chest height. Use upwards movements of trowel to apply the plaster. Your trowel should be at tilting angle of 450 or less to the wall. Tilt the hawk downwards while working on the plaster. Cover the entire wall by applying your first plaster coat; make it smooth while moving from bottom to up. Once the first coat of plaster is at the right constancy apply your second coat.

Learning how to plaster is quite tricky and it requires lots of practice and attention to detailing to master the art. Fortunately, today you have many options when it comes to learn the plastering process. You can learn more by joining one of many plastering courses or by grabbing plastering DVD to learn more things.