How to plaster a wall

Plastering is a job which takes time, so it’s important to use the right equipment. Choosing good quality tools which feel comfortable in your hand will make the job easier. The most important tools are:

• Plastering trowel, preferably a quality stainless steel one. It will last a long time and provide an excellent finish.

• Bucket trowel - use this to scoop plaster from the bucket to the hawk board.

• A hawk board, which holds the plaster. Wooden hawk boards are durable, but a plastic board is much lighter, and ideal for beginners.

• A plaster mixer - saves a huge amount of time compared to mixing by hand. Also results in smoother, more consistent plaster.

• A good quality brush - essential for keeping clean edges and applying water to your plaster.

Steps

1. Preparing the walls for plastering

2. Applying PVA glue

3. Mixing the plaster

4. Applying the plaster

5. Smoothing out the plaster

6. Applying the second coat and finishing off

Thorough preparation, such as removing old plaster and cleaning the walls, is vital for this job. You will achieve a much better and longer lasting finish if you prepare correctly.

• Make sure all your tools are spotlessly clean before you start, with no plaster residue from any previous use. Keep a clean bucket of water handy, so you can periodically brush down your trowel and hawk board with water as you use them.

• Remove all furniture from the room, and also any curtain rails, dado rails and even radiators if they will be obstacles. Tape up any sockets to prevent plaster from getting in them.

• Lay down protective sheets on the floor, securing them with tape if necessary. If removing old plaster, then you need two sets of sheets – the first set for the removal of old plaster and the second set for when you apply new plaster. This helps prevent dust contaminating the new plaster.

• Clean and wash the wall thoroughly, removing any wallpaper, adhesive, loose plaster, grease, and dust. This is very important, as any debris remaining on the wall will prevent the plaster from sticking properly. Run your finger down the wall to test that it’s ready. If your finger still has lots of dust on it, the wall isn’t ready.

PVA glue is essential for holding the plaster to the wall. It also adds a little moisture, which helps prevent the plaster eventually drying out and cracking. 

• The glue needs diluting before application - a ratio of 1 part glue to 4 parts water is usual but follow any manufacturer’s instructions.

• Roll or brush the glue onto the wall, aiming for complete coverage. Once it has dried to be a little sticky to the touch then you can start applying your plaster.

• Don’t allow the glue to dry completely.

Mixing plaster follows the same general process, although measurements vary depending on how much plaster you need. Never use any plaster that’s out of date – it won’t adhere as well as fresh plaster.

• Choose a clean large bucket and fill it with fresh clean water according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Always add the plaster mix to the water, never the other way round.

• Use the power mixer at a steady low speed, and keep stirring until the mixture is smooth, free from lumps, and has the consistency of thick cream.

• Occasionally scrape the sides of the bucket to loosen any drying plaster.

• Power mixers are ideal for larger jobs, where a lot of plaster needs to be applied in a short time.

• For jobs that need a small amount of plaster, hand mixing is perfectly suitable. The plaster will set more slowly, giving you time to work accurately.

• When you’ve finished mixing, clean any tools before the plaster sets on them.

Once your walls have been cleaned, the glue applied, and the plaster has been mixed, you can apply what will be the first of two coats of plaster. The aim of the first coat is to create a level base for the second coat.

• Wet the trowel and plastering hawk slightly. Use the bucket trowel to transfer some plaster from the bucket to your hawk board. Use a small amount to start with if you’re not used to handling the hawk.

• Scoop some plaster from the hawk board using the plastering trowel.

• Spread the plaster firmly onto the wall, using an upwards stroke with the trowel angled slightly away from the wall. Flatten the trowel at the end of each stroke to smooth the plaster down. This can be a tricky technique, but it becomes easier with practice.

• Apply the plaster in a sweeping motion, like an upside-down semi-circle. Use shorter sweeps to begin with, then longer sweeps to smooth out.

• Start in the bottom left-hand corner of the wall, working upwards and outwards, from bottom to top.

Allow the first coat of plaster to dry for 15-20 minutes. Then go over the plaster again with the plastering trowel to smooth out any trowel lines and excess plaster. Work in different directions across the entire wall. If necessary, spray a little water on the plaster which will make it respond better to the trowel. Remember to smooth out corners and edges, using a wet brush to even out.

Apply a second coat of plaster by repeating the process detailed above. Don’t wait until the first coat has dried completely before applying the second coat.

• The second coat should have a much smoother finish. You may have to apply a bit of extra pressure with the trowel to achieve this.

• For the second coat the plaster mix needs to be a little thinner – refer to manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

• Once the plaster has set, you need to polish off your work. Skim over the surface lightly with a clean trowel, dampening the surface with a spray bottle as you go. Angle the blade so the edge smooths over the plaster, removing all trowel lines.

• Use a wet brush to gently smooth over the plaster in the corners and along any edges.

Allow the plaster to set fully before applying paint or wallpaper. Plaster can take between 2-5 days to harden.

Required skills

• Plastering a wall is a technical skill which requires patience. Practice makes perfect.

• Start with a smaller, more achievable section of wall if you’re a beginner.

• Use a lighter hawk board to start with, as you’ll be holding it for a long time.

Time required

Anything from 3-4 hours up to 1-2 days depending on the size of the project.

Number of people required

• 1 person; 2 for larger walls and projects.

Tools and equipment

• Plaster mix

• Plastering trowel

• Bucket trowel

• Plasterer's hawk board

• 2 large buckets

• Plaster mixer

• Paint brush

• Paint roller

• PVA glue

• Dust sheets

• Spray gun

• Plaster tape

• Retractable knife

• Protective gloves

• Workwear

• Dust mask

Please note: this list is non-exhaustive; be sure to match your PPE to the job at hand.