Hi, Just thought I'd follow up on my attempt to skim the plasterboard utility room (2 walls 16X8ft each).
I'd never skimmed plasterboard before, but with a wedding to pay for pounds notes are tight so I thought I'd have a go. Well its taken me 2 weekends but I've finally completed it and let me tell you....I think its pretty good (I know self-praise is no praise!!!!). Its reasonable flat, smooth and there are no cracks. All my family and friends who have seen it can't believe I've actually done it myself as it looks pretty good.
So my thoughts in case anyone feels the urge to try skimming.
1) Just as recommended, buy a few sheets of plasterboard to practice on. Its worth seeing if you can do it, if not you just lost a few sheets of plasterboard and a bag of plaster about £10, big deal.2) Keep everything CLEAN. After every mix/application wash ALL tools, buckets, hawk, spot-board. What I did was this:- Mix about a 1/4 of a bag, my girlfriend then washed the bucket, drill-mixer tool while I applied finish to board. Then while I mixed the next load, the girlfriend was washing the Trowel, hawk and spot board. Perfect!
3) Use Multi-finish plaster on plasterboard you have more work-able time.4) When getting the plaster on the plasterboard don't worry about how flat it looks, just get it on! Then come back to it in a few minutes when it's started to slightly 'set' and get it abit flatter, then leave it again for a few minutes and come back again,etc.
5) Use Water when polishing but not too much.....keep the trowel and finish nicely wet but not soaking!!!6) Use big sweeping strokes when polishing.
7) Its hard work!!!!!!Only tips from an amateur who's plastered once, so take will a pinch of salt.
Thanks JAK