Plastering Tip 3: Don't try to take on too much!
When attempting to plaster for the first time - it's good to start on a small wall - i.e. an area that can be covered with a single coat in 20 minutes or less.
Don't try and get the surface perfect during this first coat. Allowing the plaster to dry before applying the second coat will greatly improve the final finish. Using this technique not only makes plastering quicker but you will end up with a better finish every time. www.plastering4u.com
Monday, 29 November 2010
Friday, 19 November 2010
The Art of Plastering
Plastering Tip 2: How to mix your plaster perfectly
Mixing plaster is not "rocket science" but there are some basic rules to follow. Always use clean water to mix the plaster as any contamination can cause the plaster to go off before you've applied it. You MUST always add the plaster to the water (on roughly a 50:50 basis so half a bucket of water will make a full bucket of plaster).
My top tip is to first add just enough plaster so that it heaps on top of the water and mix in until lump free. Then add smaller amounts of plaster by hand until the consistency is smooth and lump free ("like melting ice-cream")
A great way to test the consistency of the mix is by standing a stick in the mix....if the stick can stand on its own then the plaster is mixed perfectly. www.plastering4u.com
Mixing plaster is not "rocket science" but there are some basic rules to follow. Always use clean water to mix the plaster as any contamination can cause the plaster to go off before you've applied it. You MUST always add the plaster to the water (on roughly a 50:50 basis so half a bucket of water will make a full bucket of plaster).
My top tip is to first add just enough plaster so that it heaps on top of the water and mix in until lump free. Then add smaller amounts of plaster by hand until the consistency is smooth and lump free ("like melting ice-cream")
A great way to test the consistency of the mix is by standing a stick in the mix....if the stick can stand on its own then the plaster is mixed perfectly. www.plastering4u.com
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
The Art of Plastering
Plastering skills
After years of experience, I can make plastering a wall or ceiling look easy and effortless. When done well, smooth creamy plaster glides onto the surface and dries out evenly and perfectly flat. Hers's the first of 5 top tips that won't turn you into a Master Plasterer overnight, but will make plastering a wall or ceiling less tricky in the future.
Plastering Tip 1: Ensure your surface is properly prepared before plastering
Plaster will not adhere securely to any surface that is damp, dusty, wallpapered or unstable without some prior preparation. You must remove any loose areas of existing plaster, dust or paper. Next, the surface must be treated with a mixture of PVA glue and water (this should be 3 parts PVA to 1 water). Allow to dry until the surface becomes tacky, then apply the first coat of plaster www.plastering4u.com
After years of experience, I can make plastering a wall or ceiling look easy and effortless. When done well, smooth creamy plaster glides onto the surface and dries out evenly and perfectly flat. Hers's the first of 5 top tips that won't turn you into a Master Plasterer overnight, but will make plastering a wall or ceiling less tricky in the future.
Plastering Tip 1: Ensure your surface is properly prepared before plastering
Plaster will not adhere securely to any surface that is damp, dusty, wallpapered or unstable without some prior preparation. You must remove any loose areas of existing plaster, dust or paper. Next, the surface must be treated with a mixture of PVA glue and water (this should be 3 parts PVA to 1 water). Allow to dry until the surface becomes tacky, then apply the first coat of plaster www.plastering4u.com
Monday, 8 November 2010
Private Dungeon - Built, Plastered, Tiled
One of the most unusual projects I've been involved in , was when I was asked to create a Private Dungeon.
I'd previously carried out some projects for a customer who one day asked me to build a dungeon in his basement! My first impression was "Are you serious?" He most definitely was. His only wish was that I use materials to make the dungeon as authentic as possible.
The area for the proposed dungeon was a circular room with concrete block walls, approx. 12 metres across by 3 metres high. There was one electrical point that had been installed in case the area could be converted in the future.
My first job was to enlarge the access and insert a large doorframe. All the rubble was removed, a membrane laid and concrete poured to create a level base on which to work. Then the electrics were installed: cables, wall lights, centre light, wall sockets and underfloor heating.
Private dungeons require a cleaning/washing area where clients/victims can he showered or hosed down after their "painful/pleasurable torture experience". This I achieved by knocking through a section of the circular wall; laying a concrete base; building block walls, then tiling the new walls and floor.
In the dungeon area I laid some rustic stone blocks to create an authentic dungeon floor. The ceiling was plastered & painted, the "torture rack" and other dungeon essentials installed.
If you, like me were fascinated by this project and now want your very own private dungeon then please get in touch. Your privacy will be respected. www.plastering4u.com
I'd previously carried out some projects for a customer who one day asked me to build a dungeon in his basement! My first impression was "Are you serious?" He most definitely was. His only wish was that I use materials to make the dungeon as authentic as possible.
The area for the proposed dungeon was a circular room with concrete block walls, approx. 12 metres across by 3 metres high. There was one electrical point that had been installed in case the area could be converted in the future.
My first job was to enlarge the access and insert a large doorframe. All the rubble was removed, a membrane laid and concrete poured to create a level base on which to work. Then the electrics were installed: cables, wall lights, centre light, wall sockets and underfloor heating.
Private dungeons require a cleaning/washing area where clients/victims can he showered or hosed down after their "painful/pleasurable torture experience". This I achieved by knocking through a section of the circular wall; laying a concrete base; building block walls, then tiling the new walls and floor.
In the dungeon area I laid some rustic stone blocks to create an authentic dungeon floor. The ceiling was plastered & painted, the "torture rack" and other dungeon essentials installed.
If you, like me were fascinated by this project and now want your very own private dungeon then please get in touch. Your privacy will be respected. www.plastering4u.com
Friday, 5 November 2010
Plastering Skills Required
Although I've been involved in the trade for many years now, I still have the same passion and enthusiasm for plastering as when I first picked up a trowel. The question I am asked by clients and apprentices alike is "what skills are required to be a top-class plasterer?". Well here's the answer:
- have good co-ordination and practical ability
- be physically fit
- be able to work quickly and as part of a team
- have numeracy skills for calculating surface areas to be covered and volume of materials needed
- be aware of health & safety issues
For more advice & information, get in touch www.plastering4u.com
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Plastering and Tiling a Luxury Apartment
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