Plastering is a method used to cover uneven surfaces and bumpy walls with plaster material.
A mixture of cement, sand and the right amount of water is what forms the plaster.
Plastering protects the walls against atmospheric elements and gives the wall a fine surface.
The brick wall plastering is a complex technique that needs proper planning and preparation.
Below are some of the procedures you can follow when you want to plaster a brick wall.
Prepare the Work Area and Materials
Have your work area well prepared by setting up clean tools that will be used for plastering.
Lay down some drop-cloths that will collect any plaster that drops down. This will keep your work area clean and also save you time during the clean up later on.
Clean the wall from top to bottom to get rid of dust, debris, make the brick wall smooth and clean ready for plastering.
Use PVA glue to scratch the wall and prime the stained area for the plaster to adhere firmly.
In case of any crack in the walls, repair them before plastering.
The walls and ceilings should be plumb and flush to avoid bumps and indentations on the finished wall.
Run your fingers on the surface to make sure the wall is smooth and ready.
The Best Products to Use for Plastering
Technology has introduced many products and materials to choose from.
One of the best-recommended products is the British Gypsum Hardwall, which is a fast-drying plaster product designed for masonry background including brick Walls.
Its ease of use has made it highly recommended by contractors.
Mix the product with cool clean water and stir using a rod to incorporate it until it forms a mound.
Remember to add plaster mix to the water, not the vice-versa. Stir the plaster mixture to ensure it’s in perfect condition.
You can determine if the plaster is thick enough and ready by putting a wooden paint stirrer straight down into the mixer.
If the stirrer stands on its own, the plaster is ready for use.
Plastering the Brick Wall
Once the plaster is prepared well enough it is now ready for plastering.
The plaster is applied to the wall with the help of a trowel.
When the plaster is mixed properly, it can not stick on the hawk during the application, you can also wet the hawk slightly to help it release.
Always make sure the plaster is sitting directly in the centre of the trowel for accuracy and efficiency.
Smear the plaster as you go from corner to corner then rule it off using a straightedge to get a flat nice finish.
It is recommended to apply the thick coat of Hardwall roughly to the thickness of 11mm. Once this is done you can use the feather edge to obtain a flat straight finish.
Tips of Wall Plastering
Use plaster on interior walls because it decomposes with a lot of moisture.
Plaster does not shrink much; this makes it easy to sand flat.
When plastering, practise on a small section of the wall, doing this helps one to get the technique right.
Beginners are advised to use sand-based plaster as a first coat.
Always clean your tools once the job is accomplished.
Up to You
Working with plaster for the first time can be a race against time. You will need to be extra careful to avoid making mistakes.
Do not be too slow to allow the plaster to dry before you finish.