The Art of Plastering

Plastering Tip 5: Get the perfect finish - but don´t over polish
The perfect plaster finish looks and feels like eggshell, and there is one very important reason for this - paint and wallpaper will peel away from a highly polished surface.
On the final trowelling DON´T get carried away - you don´t want the situation where paint will peel easily in some areas and stick rock hard in others - completely ruining the plaster finish. www.plastering4u.com

The Art of Plastering

Plastering Tip 4: Cleanliness is key to creating that perfect plaster finish
The best tip I was ever given while learning the trade is to always clean up as you're plastering. Let me explain: Any contamination in your plaster mix will result in either the plaster setting or going off too quickly, and since plastering is generally a race against time, anything that reduces the time you have to complete your job is ultimately going to cause more work than less. Therefore it is essential that buckets and equipment are washed up as you go.
 Remember, even the tiniest fleck of dried plaster from a previous mix can cause pulls and drags in your plaster finish and lead to frustration. Always ensure the water used for plastering is clean. www.plastering4u.com

Plastering over Artex

The usual procedure is as follows:

•  scrape off as much as possible any thicker and spikey pattern
•  paint the whole of the area using bond-it (an adhesive material)
•  let it dry
•  apply a thin coat of carlite bonding to flatten the ceiling
•  apply 2 coats of multi finish plaster

Another method that can be used in certain circumstances is to fix plasterboard to the ceiling then skim. www.plastering4u.com

Plastering a Loft

A great way to gain more living space is to convert an attic or loft. I was asked to plaster a loft that had recently been converted into an extra bedroom. First I had to fix plasterboard to the roof beams, then "tape & join", so creating the ceiling.The walls were then plastered to a smooth finish. www.plastering4u.com
This project can be viewed below.