Five expert tips on plastering your home
Are you a DIY expert planning to do some of the build yourself? Veteran of the plastering game Aaron Pearson shares his top tips for plastering your self-build home.
1. Patience is a virtue
Have patience and get the timings right. It’s all about preparation too.
2. Whisk the plaster to right consistency
You can run into issues if you overmix, more pockets of air go in and the plaster can go off quicker. Don’t overmix.
Finding a reliable builder or subcontractor can be difficult but having a good relationship with one is key. Learn more on how to find the right builder here.
3. Don’t bite off more than you can chew
Rule of thumb - whatever you lay with the first coat, the second will be half of the first. Apply the correct amount on high suction surfaces.
4. Protect your flooring
Take time to cover everything up, you don’t want to spend your time cleaning!
5. Be aware of temperatures
Changes in humidity and temperature can affect your plaster. Get the room temperature up to five degrees and take care in hot weather. You don’t want your plaster to “go off”.
Aaron Pearson has been a plasterer for more than 15 years. In 2018, he scooped a finalist prize in Jewson’s Building Better Communities Trade Hero category after giving up his time to build spaces for children with autism. He is also a British Gypsum Certified plasterer and On The Tools Plasterer of the Year 2018.
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