Know about the various options for plastering old and new walls

Plastering walls is one of the finest and detail-oriented jobs that requires diligent approach application. The application of plaster not only gives you a strong and smooth wall finish but will also help to keep the interior walls in good condition. Good plastering provides the perfect base for paint and helps to soundproof your rooms.

There are different types of plaster and different ways of application. But all that will depend on the type of wall and surface you are plastering. Just like, plastering a new wall will be similar to plastering over plasterboard, but will be very different if you are plastering straight onto an old brick wall.

If there are small damages to your interior walls that need a ‘patching up’ job, you can try doing it yourself. But, if you need to cover up your whole house or multiple walls, it is often best to leave it to interior plastering professionals in Auckland.

Types of Plastering

Plastering new walls

If you are plastering walls in a new house, you will need a different approach. In this case, you can apply plaster directly to the present plasterboard.

• Before you start plastering your new wall, you must check if the plasterboard screw heads are countersunk. Also, make sure that they are filled with the joint between the boards taped.
• While applying the first layer of plaster, make sure that all blockwork walls are covered with a primary coat of sand and cement mix, also known as a scratch coat. Then, this coat should be left to set and dry.
• The first coat is now ready to be scratched in a swirling fashion with the help of a float with nails in it to provide a stable surface for the application of the next coat. This coat should be used to fill any indentations or to smooth out the irregular surface of the walls.
• At this point, it lies in the hands of the experienced plasterer to judge if the render is smooth without showing any signs of undulations or trowel marks on the finished wall surfaces.

Plastering Existing Walls

Prep work is crucial while plastering old, existing walls to ensure that the older walls are plaster-ready.

Making the room ready:

• Cover everything that can’t be taken out of the room including your carpets and cover anything that can’t be taken out of the room
• You also need to make ways for a water source as the plasterer will need access to a water supply.

Preparing the walls:

To freshly coat your old walls with plaster, you will have to prepare your walls first.

• Your walls should be cleaned of any damaged and crumbling old plaster.
• If there are too many damages on the walls, you need to add a plaster primer directly onto the walls.

Once it’s dry, your plasterer can now apply a skim coat of plaster directly onto the walls