Greetings,
Does anyone know of any good books or websites that show you how to plaster. I've been trying to get a plasterer for about 6 months with no luck and have consequently decided to have a go myself.
I know that is one area of Diy most peolple shy away from, but I've no choice as I need to get the work done within the next 2 months (so I do have time to practice).
TIA
Jon
Have a look in the back numbers here (Google groups uk diy search plastering sort of thing.)
Post photos of what you want done and where you want to do it. Or supply a very good description.
Mike, I've already done this and had no luck.Do you know of any other newsgroups with more helpful people?
Haven't got a digital camera or scanner.
and where you want to do it
In my house, the living room to be precise
. Or supply
I live in a 1930s house. The walls are covered in old plaster which may need to be hacked off prior to replastering. Thing is I don't know if this is the case hence the post to this newsgroup asking if anybody knows of any good websites or books on how to plaster.
Jon
The Knauf DIY site has some advice and tips
Cheers Peter, that's a good site, tells me most of what I want to know.
Regards
Jon
I think it is an excellent site too ta. I haven't checked it out though, yet.
What I would suggest for a complete novice is to clear out a room not in much use or out of the way and practice there with a miture of sand and lime. A garage wall with interior corners would be ideal.
Use 5 parts brick sand to 1 part lime. You only need one mix to play with all day as it can be scraped off and remixed until you are confident. (I suggest brick sand to play with, the ideal rendering is plastering sand. It's not so common in use now with plasterboarding & etc.)
Keep the floor clean to allow the mess to be picked up sans big debris. The main trick to get just before starting is to play with the hawk and trowel for a while. I suggest you mix a shovelful and mess around with that for a few minutes first. Getting that poised transfer from hawk to trowel is half the job.
Half the rest is the fluid movement at the wrist when spreading it on the wall. It's a kind of measured twist. Quite relaxing if you are not under pressure.
Have fun, or let the wife have a go.
Cheers Michael,
I'll do as suggested and experiment in the garage. I have tried plastering before, but I was using a poor quality trowel/float and home made hawk. To say it was a stressful experience would be a huge understatement. However I am now 5 years older and hopefully a lot wiser/experienced so I'm prepared to give it another go.
If the old plaster is still well bound to the wall is it ok to pva the walls and then skim a new top surface, or should I scratch a key and then skim a new top surface, or worse still do I have to hack the old stuff off?
Jon
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.