How to plaster ceilings and walls at home
Whether it's the ceiling or the walls, good preparation is the key to a successful DIY plastering job. It doesn't have to be a drama – just make sure you prepare well, clean as you go and give yourself enough time!
Plastering tools of the job - Make sure you have all the necessary equipment before you mix up the plaster. You'll need a large mixing bucket, a finishing trowel, a spot board (a smooth board used as a table), a hawk (a square board with a handle underneath) and something to scoop the plaster out of the bucket. An electric drill fitted with a paddle attachment is perfect for mixing the plaster.
Take it slow and safe - If you're a novice DIY plasterer, allow several hours to do the job and only tackle one wall at a time. To plaster a ceiling, you'll need to allow longer still. Make sure you clean all equipment as you go – this is essential, as old plaster can contaminate new batches. Also, turn off the mains power to avoid potential disasters caused by the watery plaster mix getting into power points.
Types of plasters - There are different varieties of plasters available for different kinds of surfaces. You can generally separate plasters into undercoat and finishing plasters. Finish can only be applied to walls that are completely flat and that have no areas that 'suck' the plaster. If your walls are not flat, you'll need to apply an undercoat plaster first.
Mixing plaster - In a bucket, add the plaster to the water (not the other way round). Mix them together thoroughly using the electric drill fitted with paddle attachment, starting slowly and gradually increasing the speed. A tip for beginner DIY plaster masters: the final mix should be firm and be able to stand up on its own, like thickened cream.
Applying undercoat plaster - Empty the bucket of undercoat plaster onto the spot board, and wash the bucket and paddle. Scrape some plaster onto the hawk with the trowel, and use the trowel to scrape the plaster onto the wall. Make sure that the plaster is generally flat; once it starts to dry, scratch a diamond pattern into the surface at 10 or 12 centimetre intervals to help the finish grip, and leave to dry.
Applying finish plaster to ceiling or wall - Mix out all lumps from the finish plaster, then apply the first coat quickly. It doesn't have to be perfect, just consistent. When the plastered wall is dry enough to leave a finger mark but not pull away any plaster, use a wet trowel to flatten out any lines or peaks and use some of your existing plaster to fill up any holes.
Are you ready to get started?
Find a local store for plastering supplies and equipment in Yellow™, so you can get started on your home plastering project. Here you’ll find sanding tools, plastering hand tools, power tools, as well as the materials you’ll need, including mortar, slurry, concrete and cement. Browse plaster supply stores in your area:
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