plastering

I've posted a couple of long articles on how to plaster in the past, as have a few other people. Use google to dig them out.

I would suggest finding some other area to practice first, like the inside of the cupboard under your stairs, a small wall of the garage, or similar.

One piece of advice is...DON'T BLOODY PLASTER IN HOT WEATHER...providing you dont want to sweat and work twice as fast.

Another is get a mixer attachment for your drill. And finish needs to be really well mixed.

-- Mike W

Also get someone to mix up for you, otherwise you'll be in panic city when doing large walls particularly with the skim coat

Cheers

Richard

pffft! no stamina then.

half an egg cup full of washing up liquid prolongs the cosistancy time of the mix.

I also add a splash of self levelling compund. Helps to flatten out the finish.

Err no, I never said it was tiring and I have plenty of stamina. For a beginner it is very difficult to mix up and plaster especially in this hot weather unless you have a tried and tested method which will only come after practice. This was my experience as a beginner anyway and it WILL make his life a lot easier

You jest, I don't. :-)

Ok I'll let you off :-) since I've been at it 8 years. I don't plaster in hot weather, but if its not possible I have a large blower fan pointing away from the work area.

p.s I dont use a drill mixing rod, jus ye olde mixing method of stick.

That might make you feel better, but it probably doesn't have any noticable affect on the plaster going off quicker in warm weather.

There's nothing wrong with a drill mixing rod. They are quite good at burning out cheap underpowered drills with no gearbox though -- watch that do don't overheat such a drill whilst running it at low revs.

See my post about Washing up liquid.

Thanks to everyone for advice on plastering and links etc. It all went well for a first attempt. Neil

You probably used the brush to lash water at the wall when smoothing the plaster.

Use a spray bottle next time. :-)

This website may help you

Or you could always go on a course at

Probably better off letting the tap run a while to get the coldest water possible if slow going off is what you want.

I once tried hot water from the boiler and the plaster sets in the bucket before you have chance to use it.