You might find yourself with some free time and still have things to do around the house. Maybe there’s an opening in the wall, or a hole in the ceiling. This guide is for people who want to do it themselves.
It takes patience and experience to master the art of plastering, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it if you’ve never done it.
This guide will help you to plaster your ceiling.
1. you’ll need the right tools
Check the list of necessary tools before you start. Many of these can be found at local hardware stores such as Bunnings and Mitre10.
The following are the essential equipment and materials for plastering ceilings:
- Sandpaper;
- Ladder;
- Clean water and a sponge;
- Plastering trowel;
- Plaster;
- Mixing stick
2. Prepare the area
Plastering ceilings can be messy and requires you to balance on a ladder while applying the plaster. It’s impossible to avoid making a mess in the area where you are working. Plaster will certainly fall on the ground.
Also, make sure you cover the furniture with drop sheets (it’ll get dusty), and place anything that you do not want to be dirty. Wearing a mask or old clothes is also a good idea. It gets dusty later when you have to sand the plaster.
3. Prepare the surface to be plastered
Sand down any uneven patches of your ceiling. After you have finished cleaning the ceiling, use a sponge with warm soapy water to remove any dirt (and cobwebs). After you’ve finished, ensure the surface is completely dried and ready to plaster.
4. Purchase pre-mixed plaster or mix your own plaster
Mixing plaster is easy. Mix the plaster with equal parts plaster and water. If you are plastering just a small section of the ceiling, and especially if it is your first time, we recommend buying pre-mixed plaster.
5. Plastering ceilings
Now you are ready to plaster the ceiling. When you are plastering the ceiling, have someone hold your ladder securely. This may take some time.
Pour a more convenient job, add a small amount of plaster on the edge of the trowel that contains the plaster you will be applying to the ceiling. Spread the plaster in rows. When applying, keep the thickness thin and uniform.
Spread the plaster using the rough edge on your trowel. This will help you create scratches or scrapes on the plaster. Once you have applied enough plaster (it doesn’t need to be perfect, just enough), allow it to dry for 48 hours. After the plaster has dried, you can apply a second layer using the skim-coating technique. After your plaster has set, you can apply a second coat using the skim-coating technique.
6. Sanding the surface
You won’t be able to get an even surface, but there will still be some irregularities. Sandpaper will help you to smooth out any bumps or thicker areas of plaster. Continue sanding the surface until it’s smooth. For more info about – plasterers in Auckland.
