Like most things in life, the better you prepare for the plastering process, the more chance you have of achieving plastering success. Ask any professional plasterer and they will tell you that they are frequently called out to repair plastering where inadequate preparation has led to a failure in the plaster. Reputable, professional plasterers will not make these types of simple mistakes as they realise that there are 

several basic steps that need to be taken to ensure that the plastering job is successful and they ensure these steps are always executed. A good plastering company would always make sure that the required preparation had taken place before the start of the plastering project, even when they are hired on a labour-only basis.

The amount and type of plastering preparation required will differ from job to job, dependant on the building and its structure. New homes and commercial constructions, for example, are easier to prepare because the fabric of the building is brand new. Under these circumstances the plasterer simply needs to ensure that the designated area is clean and that the plaster can bond to the surface before beginning the actual plastering process. In older properties, however, the circumstances may result in a more detailed preparation of the plastering process needing to be undertaken. In this case, the designated plastering areas may take longer than expected, and if the project is a complete renovation, the preparation work can take days or even weeks. Here are some of the things the professional plasterer will have to consider before undertaking the plastering process:

Plastering Old Plaster

If the old plaster is crumbling, damp or damaged, it will all need to be removed. This is a dusty and time-consuming job. Plaster dust gets everywhere, and if the room cannot be cleared of furniture, then everything will need to be very well covered. The plaster should be removed back to the brickwork or underlying structure wherever possible before the plastering can begin.

Plastering Brickwork

Your new plaster will need to bond to the brickwork, so before the plastering process gets underway, the plasterer must check the mortar joints and remove any crumbling mortar that could interfere with the plaster. The plasterer will also check the general quality of the brickwork to ensure that the plaster will go on smoothly. If there is a problem with the brickwork, or if the underlying structure is concrete, which is difficult for plaster to stick to, a thin layer of bonding agent can be applied before the first coat of plaster goes on.

Plastering Construction Type

The plasterer should always look at the construction of the building before beginning the plastering process, as this will determine what type of plaster is used and how many coats or layers are required. The plasterer should also make sure that any concealed plumbing, electrical cables or other objects have been installed before the plastering begins.

The first step in your project is to hire the right builder. Use www.findalocal-builder.co.uk to get a list of builders in your area, and then look at our other advice articles to see how to make sure you choose the best builder for you.