Surface Preparation for DIY Plastering Projects

The key to successful DIY plastering is correctly preparing your surfaces. There are several steps you need to take to make sure your plastering project goes as smoothly as possible. Spending time on preparation is the only way to ensure a good finish later on, so don't be tempted to take any shortcuts.

In order to end up with a professional-looking finish, you need to start with a clean surface. The amount of preparation you will need to do to achieve this will obviously depend on the condition of your existing surface.

If there is any old plaster that is crumbling or damaged you will need to remove it. Before you start, make sure you cover any surfaces and furniture with dust sheets, as this is dirty work and plaster gets everywhere! Also, remember to wear a dust mask and don't allow children or pets in the area.

If your old plaster is in tact, use a stiff brush to get rid of any surface dust and then apply a weak solution of PVA bonding to seal it before skimming over the top - this is vital because if you miss this step, your plaster will crack.

When plastering over brickwork, you need to carefully check the condition of the bricks and mortar. You cannot plaster over any parts that are crumbling, so take time to brush the surface thoroughly. If you find that the general state of the brickwork is unsatisfactory, apply a thin layer of bonding agent so the plaster will have something to adhere to. Allow the bonding agent to dry fully before attempting to apply the plaster.

If you are preparing a wallpapered surface for plastering, first remove any old wallpaper by dampening it with a sponge dipped in warm water and detergent. Wait a few minutes and then use a scraper to see if you can lift the paper off without needing to repair the plaster wall . It is often helpful to score the paper first, so the water can penetrate the surface. Be careful not to dig into the wall with the scraper, as you will damage the plaster underneath and give yourself more work to do. If the wallpaper is particularly resistant you could consider hiring or buying a steam stripper, which will pay for itself very quickly if you are using it frequently.

If you are dealing with a painted surface you can plaster straight over the top, but make sure you take sufficient time to sand over any loose or peeling patches. Painted surfaces must also be clean and free from any dirt, grease, mould etc. Sugar soap is a very effective cleanser for this job and will even cut through nicotine stains. It will also etch the paint and act as a key for the plaster coat. Wear protective gloves because sugar soap can irritate your skin. After cleaning and rinsing thoroughly, apply a weak solution of PVA glue in the same way you would over plaster.

Plaster board is probably the easiest surface to prepare for your DIY plastering, but you still need to check there is no damage and all screws are sunk below the surface of the boards. You will also need to tape all the joints with scrim tape, ensuring the tape covers both sides of the joint as equally as possible. If you don't tape the joints properly, the plaster could easily crack later on. Don't forget to make sure you have all the right plastering tools to hand before you start.

Once you are happy with how you have prepared your surfaces, you can start your DIY plastering , confident that you have put in the effort needed to successfully complete your project.

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