Tips and tricks for a flawless plastering and cost

If you aim for a flawless result, you must understand the tips for preparing your wall, the types of plaster finishes attainable, common causes of plaster cracks, and every other detail in between.

This article will expose you to all the necessary information on wall plastering and every applicable tip and trick.

Lets get right in.

1. What is cement plaster and plastering?

To start from the basics, cement plaster and plastering is the process of applying a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water, called mortar, to protect the surface of a wall and give it a smooth finish. Although plastering adds aesthetic ambiance to your wall, it is more of a protective means of preserving it.

To make a fine cement plaster, you need a mixture of water, Portland cement, and sand, all in a certain quantity. The process may seem easy to replicate, but plastering a wall requires expertise to maintain the walls and save money.

2. Benefits of cement plastering

What are the benefits of plastering? Why should I plaster my walls before painting? These are a few of the many questions you may ask.

Wall plastering will not be crucial if its impact is negligible. Lets look at a few of the importance of cement plastering.

2.1 Durability

Plastering improves the lifespan of your surfaces. Cement plaster is known for its long-lasting properties. If only you get it right, you will enjoy a flawless surface for decades.

2.2 Weather Resistance

Plastering is an excellent choice if you want your walls to withstand harsh weather conditions. In water-prone regions, good cement plastering will keep your walls from absorbing unnecessary moisture.

2.3 Versatility

Cement plastering is not selective with surfaces. You can it to any surface or wall, such as brick, block, or concrete.

2.4 Smooth Finish

Cement plaster is famous for providing smooth and even surfaces. It is easy to paint over cement plastering.

3. How to Prepare a wall for plastering

3.1 Clean thoroughly

This is one crucial step before plastering. You may have to scrap and clean the wall to remove dirt and any unwanted debris.

3.2 Fill the cracks

Especially after scrapping the wall, you must fill any holes or cracks. Find a suitable filler, which can also be your cement, water, and sand mixture.

3.3 Apply a primer

The priming stage is negotiable but essential. Applying a primer improves adhesion and provides you with a uniform surface.

3.4 Wet the walls

A good amount of moisture is necessary before plastering. Wetting your wall can also enhance adhesion and prevent cracks from rapid drying.

4. What do I need to plaster a wall?

Before embarking on this journey, you should know the essential tools required. Ensure you go for quality tools.

4.1 Trowel

A Trowel is a core tool for applying and smoothing the plaster to a wall. They come in different shapes and sizes.

4.2 Hawk Board

A hawk or plastering board is a flat surface for placing your plaster mixture. The hawk board provides convenience by allowing you to scoop the plaster when suspended without going down.

4.3 Mixing tools

Some essential mixing tools include a bucket, a shovel, and a mixing paddle.

4.4 Brushes

First, a brush is essential for cleaning the wall before priming. Also, you need a quality brush to achieve clean edges or apply a little water to your plaster. Finally, a brush is necessary to create a specific pattern or texture.

4.5 Power mixer/mixer machine

A power mixer is only necessary when working on a sizeable plastering project. However, if you are working on a small project, feel free to mix the plaster by hand.

5. Types of plaster finishes

There are different types of plaster finishes in construction, and they all achieve distinct aesthetics. Here are the common ones.

5.1 Smooth cast finish

The smooth cast finish is the standard plaster finish, especially in Nigeria. It has a sleek and even surface without any texture. The cement and sand should be 1:3. You need a trowel or skimming float to smoothen the plaster.

5.2 Roughcast finish

If you have seen some plaster finish with an uneven, tactile, and textured appearance, thats a rough cast finish. It is the best finish for a rustic aesthetic. You need a coarse sand, water, and Portland cement mixture to achieve a rough cast finish.

5.3 Sand faced finish

You need Portland cement, coarse sand, and water to make a sand-faced finish. The ratio of cement to sand is 1:4; you need one part of cement to four parts of coarse sand. Typically, you must apply a second coat of ratio 1:1 of cement and sand and some sand with a skimming float for a perfect sand-faced plaster.

5.4 Pebble dash finish

The Pebble Dash finish is beautiful and unique. Unlike the smooth or rough cast finish, youll need to plaster and press in small sizes of pebbles between 10mm and 18mm to the wall.

6. What causes the cracking of cement plaster on a wall?

6.1 Curing technique

For instance, insufficient curing time can lead to cracks. You need to allow the plaster enough time to cure.

6.2 Poor preparation of the wall

Neglecting the preparation stage before proceeding to plaster is another cause of cracks.

6.3 Exposure to excessive moisture

Yes, you need some moisture when plastering and curing, but too much of it before the plaster sets will destroy the wall.

6.4 Imbalanced mixture proportions

Mixing cement, sand, and water with your discretion alone can compromise the plasters strength and durability. This is why you need a professional.

6.5 Lack of expertise

Flawless cement Plastering requires a certain level of expertise. An amateur will mix in the wrong ratio and apply the plaster in the wrong way, making it susceptible to cracks.

Daibau.ng has professional artisans to cater to your plastering needs. If you are searching for experts near you, we have them for you.

7. What is the cost of plastering a 4-bedroom house in Nigeria?

Many volatile factors determine the cost of plastering a 4-bedroom or 3-bedroom house in Nigeria for instance, the current price of a cement bag and sand. For a three-bedroom house, you will need approximately 80 to 130 bags of cement, depending on the houses size and area of walls.

The estimated cost of plastering a 4-bedroom house in Nigeria is NGN500,000. Please note that this price can be lower or higher than this based on the market trend.

The perfect plastering can instantly elevate the aesthetics and durability of your walls. Its also crucial to maintain your walls after completion.

At Daibau.ng, we have experienced contractors available to give you the best service within your budget.

Click the link below.