THE *ULTIMATE* DIY GUIDE TO PLASTERING | STEP BY STEP

Step 1:
- HAVE CONFIDENCE (honestly though just believe you’ve been doing this for years, it helps)
Real Step 1: PREP
- Remove all wallpaper/ flaky paint from the wall. (This might include washing the wall over to remove any backing paper)
- Use the tape mentioned on any cracks/ channels for electrics & around any angle beads.
- Mix the PVA with a 70:30 water to PVA ratio & apply two coats. (If the wall is extremely dry from wallpaper stripping, you can PVA the day before also).
- Apply a thicker coat of 50:50.
Step 2: 1st Coat
- Use the instructions on the bag to determine how much water to use.
- If using plaster retarder, add to the water first & mix.
- Add the plaster in increments to mix.
- Apply the plaster, Top first (or bottom) to about a 3rd way down. Making sure that it’s thinner at the bottom.
- Then apply from the bottom in one motion, going past the line slightly.
- Once applied & starting to set, go over the wall again with a clean trowel to smooth out.
- Use a brush on the corners & on any imperfections.
Step 3: 2nd Coat
- Mix the plaster so it’s slightly thinner than the 1st coat.
- Apply the plaster but fade at a lower point than the 1st coat. (Instead of a 3rd, go half).
- Take a little extra care as this is the final coat.
- Go over the wall again (once starting to set) & brush the corners & imperfections out.
- Starting from the beginning, smoothen out at wall length if possible, using minimal water.
- When you come across imperfections, either brush them out, or fill with the excess.
- Admire your smooth wall 😁
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Coming up in the next few weeks: building our own media wall; installing an outside tap & more…
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[@tobynewman6405]

Good video and clear explanation 👍
For making your life even easier when plastering i would 100% recommend using a sponge float once you have second coated the wall. It brings all the fat of the plaster to the surface and once troweled up creats a beautiful finish with half the effort trust me!
Im a plasterer myself and use a sponge float for every set!
Also refina trowels are the best make of trowel but thats just my opinion

[@reno_with_us]

Thanks mate I’ll try that next time 👍

[@TheCreatorSupreme15]

Try putting your thumb more under the handle so it goes over your index finger. You’ll have more range to your wrist. I was taught that by the tutor. But very good effort. Well done son.

[@reno_with_us]

I’ll give that a try next time, thanks mate.

[@user-DANWALKER1066]

You can get a bladed scraper that holds a blade I find those more better for scraping walls seems to get more of the paint off too on those silky walls…screwfix sell them they come with a long handle and you can change the blades very effective at getting every thing off the walls instead of traditional scraper…just an idea

[@reno_with_us]

I’ll look into that mate, they sound better than my crusty old scraper🤣

[@MMG_MoonManGuitar]

Good work! Well done on the finish too.

[@reno_with_us]

Thanks mate!😁

[@simbrit7970]

Very nice work and really easy to follow for diy guidance.
One bit of advice i would give anyone is dont use pva use SBR. Its so much better. Its more money but you only need one coat and dont add water. Wait 10-20 mins to dry and it will kill the suction, also as soon as you seal the wall with SBR you wont have to add any more coats even if you dont plaster the same day.

[@reno_with_us]

Thanks mate, might give that a go next time👍

[@CAR_SOLUTIONS]

😉 think this can be your second trade to get into after the auto technician

[@reno_with_us]

I would be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it🤣 it’s hard graft to do day in day out

[@MarcusT86]

Great video buddy. I need to start practising plastering more if I'm to do my own house. It's the one thing I'm not confident in doing myself fully. But then it's because I'm a perfectionist and getting an absolutely perfect finish plastering requires years and years of experience.
One minor thing, but have you considered getting a wireless mic to record your voice? I had a bit of trouble listening to you in this one mate.

[@reno_with_us]

Thanks mate!
I will look into getting one of those, appreciate the feedback 👍

[@ros879]

Hi. Thank you for this vid.
Can you use the blue grit for sections of exposed grit?
Also, how do you prep the wall to get it ready for plastering? Do you clean it with any chemicals or just sponge and water?

[@reno_with_us]

Hi mate, no problem 👍
Warm water with a little soap usually works best to clean the wall.
What do you mean by exposed grit?

[@ros879]

@reno_with_us sorry I meant exposed brick. 🫣😅
And thank you for the advice on how to clean wall.
Is the aim to remove every bit of old paint and wallpaper? Or is it ok if there's residual bits here and there?

[@ayyygeee]

For exposed brick use hardwall or sand & cement as an undercoat. Then plaster on top of that.
Blue grit is more for plastering over paint or existing old plaster.

[@reno_with_us]

@ros879 I would say to remove all of the wallpaper residue, as once plastered it can peel off. Also with the brick you can clean it all up, apply PVA and then use thistle bonding. Then you can skim over that👍

[@ros879]

Thank you guys! Really appreciate it. 🙏🏾

[@ewanwillis1095]

😁