If you’re a rookie when it comes to plastering, there’s a good chance you’re making some common mistakes. To help you avoid these errors, we’ve compiled a list of the 13 most common mistakes made while doing plastering work in the home. Read more to know.
1. Not Wearing Protective Gear
One of the most common rookie mistakes is not wearing any protective gear while working with plaster. Plaster dust can be extremely harmful to your lungs, so it’s important to always wear a dust mask and eye protection when working with it.
Plastering can be a messy job, so you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Old jeans and a t-shirt are always a good choice.
2. Not Preparing The Surface Properly
Another mistake that’s often made is not preparing the surface properly before beginning the plastering process. It’s important to make sure the surface is clean, dry and free of any debris before starting.
3. Not Using The Right Tools
Another mistake you might be making is not using the right tools for the job. When it comes to plastering, there are certain tools that you’ll need to do a good job. These include a hawk, trowel, and darby. If you don’t have these tools, your job will be much more difficult.
4. Not Mixing The Plaster Properly
Another common mistake is not mixing the plaster properly. Plaster needs to be mixed with water in the correct ratio for it to be set correctly. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
5. Not Applying Enough Pressure
When you’re using a trowel to apply plaster, it’s important to apply enough pressure. If you don’t apply enough pressure, the plaster won’t adhere properly to the surface. This can result in an uneven finish or even holes in your plastering job.
6. Applying Too Much Pressure
On the other hand, you don’t want to apply too much pressure when you’re using a trowel. If you do, you might end up creating divots in the plaster. These divots will show up once the plaster dries and can ruin the finished product. When applying plaster to a surface, it’s important to use gentle pressure.
7. Not Using A Level
When you’re applying plaster to a surface, it’s important to make sure that you’re using a level. This will help ensure that the plaster is applied evenly across the surface. If it’s not level, it can create an uneven finish.
8. Not Letting The Plaster Set Properly
One of the most common mistakes is not letting the plaster set properly before starting the next step in the process. The plaster needs to be left to dry completely before sanding or painting.
9. Not Sanding The Surface Smoothly
Once the plaster has been set, it’s important to sand the surface smoothly. Any rough spots will be visible once the paint is applied.
10. Applying Paint Too Soon
Another common mistake is applying paint too soon after the plaster has been applied. It’s important to wait until the plaster is completely dry before painting over it.
11. Not Applying A Primer
If you’re planning on painting over the plaster, it’s important to apply a primer first. This will help ensure that the paint adheres properly to the surface.
12. Not Caring For Plaster Tools
If you don’t take care of your plastering tools, they won’t last as long. Be sure to clean them after each use and store them properly when not in use.
13. Not Following Safety Precautions
One of the most important things to remember when doing any kind of home improvement project is to follow all safety precautions. This is especially true when working with plaster, which can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
If you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master plasterer!