Expert Plastering Tips

expert plastering

Here, at Gypsumtools, we know that many of you are looking to perfect your plastering finishing technique. That’s why we’ve put together some expert plastering tips to help you out. With these in mind, you will be professionally finishing a wall every time.

expert plastering tips

Our top tips

  • Our first tip that any plasterer worth their money will tell you, is any surface waiting to be plastered needs to be clean and any previous bits of wallpaper need to be removed to ensure a secure, smooth finish.

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  • It’s vitally important you check out and then appropriately manage the suction of the wall as it can make all the difference between the right result and a poor finish.

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  • Exceptionally porous masonry will cause the plaster to dry out too fast, which can lead to potential issues with the finish as you probably won’t have time to flatten out. If this is the case, wet the wall before you start to safeguard against the plaster falling away.

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  • Low suction walls won’t suck the water particles out the plaster very quickly meaning the use of a bonding agent is required such as PVA diluted with a bit of water. Sand can also be added to the mixture to give added adhesion. The exact mix varies from plasterer to plasterer but 4:1 is a general rule of thumb.

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  • Apply two coats of backing mixture and ensure it is flat. The skim finish can be smooth, but the backing mixture needs to be flat for this to happen.

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  • Ensuring your surface is ready to be plastered; plaster won’t stick to just any surface and you don’t want it to start falling away.

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  • We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again, “keep everything clean”! It makes all the difference as you don’t want your plaster to go off due to dirty buckets, trowels etc.

 

Plastering tips for the skim coat

As a general rule of thumb, there are six stages to applying the skim coat.

  • start with an even layer / coating of around 2mm.
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  • When this coat has gone ‘tacky’, or when you cannot remove the whole covering with your hand, just a little bit, then run your trowel over flattening all the ridges and bumps that stick out over the original 1-2mm.
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  • Next, apply a second coat of as close to 1mm as possible.
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  • After that’s applied, trowel it so it’s nice and smooth and when ‘tacky’ go over every hole/dent and to get it as smooth as you can.
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  • Leave it for a while and as the plaster starts to harden most of the ridges/trowel marks will even out on their own.
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  • If there’s any issues such as blistering as the plaster drys they should sort themselves out.
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Quality Plastering Tools Make the Difference

Good quality plastering tools make all the difference when it comes to the finish and they really don’t have to be expensive. If you find yourself needing a certain piece of equipment, check out our range online. We have one of the most comprehensive ranges of plastering tools on the market, and delivery is always quick and painless!

Contact us with any questions

If you need any more expert plastering tips or any other questions at all make sure you give us a shout. Our professional and courteous staff are always on hand to offer help and advice when you need it most.

Dry lining and Rising Damp

drywall mold

We often get asked about dry lining a wall where rising damp has previously been treated with a damp proof course. The relationship between dry lining and rising damp is one to be carefully considered, as salts dragged up from the ground become present in the masonry and plaster. These salts increase the ability of the wall to absorb water, which can be worsened by other effects such as condensation and humidity.

The below information may help answer some common questions around this:

drywall mold

THE ISSUE OF DAMPM

The issue of damp is a complex one. When completing dry lining, you may regularly find a damp proof course has been used to treat damp. Damp exists in buildings when moisture enters the structure; predominantly through humidity / condensation, rain penetration and rising damp, and can lead to masonry or plaster smelling.

HUMIDITY AND CONDENSATION

Humidity and condensation is borne out of a lack of ventilation within a property, resulting in water vapour becoming trapped within porous walls, known as interstitial condensation. This can usually be spotted through steamed up windows. If condensation and humidity is causing walls to look damp, a dehumidifier should be installed to combat the problem.

RAIN PENETRATION

Rain penetration occurs most often in single-skin walls. It can also happen in cavity walls, too, through the process of tracking across wall ties, so keep an eye out. Brickwork with cracked pointing, and any exposed porous stones and bricks can all lead to issues. A simple re-pointing of the external walls can fix this.

RISING DAMP

Indoor moisture commonly starts at the base of walls, potentially from defective ground and surface drainage, however this can also be caused by heightening ground levels and the failure of ground drainage systems. Leaks and flooding from defective drainage and plumbing are also sources of moisture occurring on the base of walls in buildings.

When confronted with the issue of having to dry line a previously damp wall, after a damp proof course has been used to treat damp, double check the masonry to make sure the damp proof course is doing its job. After this, you can use our Gyproc plasterboard along with our Thistle Multi Finish plaster to ensure a good finish.

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Contact us to find out more

Need to know more about the hazards of dry lining a previously damp wall? Don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more, or ask any questions you might have. Our professional and courteous staff are always on hand to help out.

Frame Fixings vs Hammer Fixings

hammer fixings

Here, at Gypsumtools, we aim to be your one stop shop when it comes to drylining and taping tools. However, we’re not just one of the fastest growing online drylining tool superstores. We aim to be a one stop shop that caters to all your plastering needs. That’s why when we are aware of an area of uncertainty within the industry, we want to help out.

Our blog on some common plastering problems aims to try and teach you the difference between them by presenting you the pros and cons of each. If, after reading this, you are still unsure of anything or need to find out more go to our website or be sure to contact us. These FAQs only scratch the surface when it comes to common misconceptions.

hammer fixings

Frame Fixings vs Hammer Fixings: The Pros and Cons.

Are you unsure of the difference between frame fixings vs hammer fixings#? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! To begin with though, let us remind you of the benefits of through fixing more generally. The biggest and most important reason for through fixing is that removes any worry of damaging the chosen surface. Plus, it removes the need for marking and re-positioning.

Hammer fixings are specifically designed to have the screw hammered in. The threads share some similarities with one way valves, they fold over when the fixing is hammered in but spring back when the trough is detected in the thread. The minor screw on them is only on there to aid removal.

The positives are that it’s quicker to fit as hammering is a lot quicker than screwing in, and there’s no damage done to the thread. No screwdriver is needed either and when you’re onsite this is always a bonus. The cons are that they are more widely seen as

Frame fixings are more heavy duty and often used for attaching uPVC, wood and metal frames to wood or PVC masonry. There seen as a relatively stress free spacer assembly screw for wood metal and plastic window frames.

How to spot a Frame fixing

Always wanted to know how to spot a frame fixing? Well here’s the answer! A through fixed frame can usually be identified, as the head of the fastening will usually be visible on the surface of the frame. This is often referred to as the visible fixing. Otherwise, you can’t spot a frame fixing as the head of the fastening is hidden behind a strip which is set into the face of the frame section. This is known as concealed fixing.

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Contact us to find out more.

Our professional, friendly and courteous staff are always happy to answer any questions you might have. So, if you’ve got any more queries regarding frame fixings vs hammer fixings or any other common plastering problems, contact us to find out more. If you’re just after some of the best drylining and taping tools on the market be sure to browse through our products online.

Huge 5% discount on all NorthStar taping kits!

northstar drywall tools

Are you a professional plasterer or drywall taping expert looking to make your life a whole lot easier? No matter who you are, it makes sense to have the best taping tools for the job. That’s exactly what’s available through Gypsumtools. A huge 5% discount on all NorthStar taping kits and products!

We can guarantee the lowest prices in the UK with next working day delivery if you order before 12pm.

northstar

Why NorthStar taping tools?

So I hear you ask. Why NorthStar taping tools? Well, for a while now, contractors have come to realise NorthStar produces the most durable and reliable taping tools on the market. Renowned for their straight out of the box usability, the discounted NorthStar taping kits will make your dry lining life a thousand times easier.

The NorthStar brand has long since set the standard for quality with ergonomic, lightweight fully adjustable systems to suit your every need. With 40 plus years of experience in the field, NorthStar products are designed with you in mind. At Gypsumtools, we know that with these kits, excellence and innovation come as standard.

northstar drywall tools

5 reasons to buy our discounted, all-in-one, Northstar taping kits.

  • A better consistency of finish is something you will no longer have to strive for. The NorthStar starter finishing set will have you spreading joint compound quickly and easily, across any given surface. Don’t forget that all the flat boxes on our NorthStar kits are easy clean too, so you won’t have to spend ages cleaning up after the job is done.
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  • The NorthStar mega bundle gives you the best value for money. The list of selling points is mightily impressive with 10″ & 12″ flat boxes, corner roller, applicator, finisher and automatic tapers. (No S) NorthStar exudes quality and all tools are designed with attention to detail. That’s why the activator plate has been heat treated and then given a heat treat nickel plating for durability.
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  • The Northstar pro premium set really separates the men from the boys. Boasting increased functionality, the 8”, 10” and 12” flat box sizes have a leading angle on the trowelling bar to help eliminate fisheye. This offers you an effective shortcut to what can be a long, and sometimes arduous task.
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  • All the Northstar taping toolkits will make your job easier and safer. Forget wobbling around on top of a rickety stepladder, the ergonomic, anodized aluminium handles extend from 36 to 60 inches allowing you to get to those previously unreachable corners without risking your neck.
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  • Finally, the Northstar pro performance set caters to your every need. More loading boxes, finishers and handles mean you will finish the job in record time and of course, to the highest standard.

 

Order Now online

Contact us to find out more about our NorthStar taping tools.

Our good natured, knowledgeable and professional staff are always available to give you further advice and assistance when you need it most.

At Gypsumtools, we take a lot of pride in delivering you the best drywall taping and finishing tools available fast! That’s why with all our products, speedy delivery from our UK warehouse comes as standard (Next working day delivery on orders made before 12pm).

As the exclusive UK stockist of NorthStar products, contact Gypsumtools to order your discounted NorthStar drywall tools at a huge 5% discount today!