ChrispyUK
Well-Known Member
stick with it…it’s fine. It takes time to break a new trowel in and bigger doesn’t equal better when you’re a beginner.Brace yourself - A Wickes basic trowel
Plastering over fresh plaster
- Thread starter zomex
- Start date
zomex
Member
Ah man that sounds rough! Can't imagine the pain of that. Every story I read said the same about the hospital treatment. My mate said it's the lime that is the big cause? Bonding must have no or little lime in it as I had no issues after washing out with water. Or I got lucky.
I did get a bad concrete burn on my legs in the past. Got in the wellies and the friction caused it. No time to stop of course but nothing like the eye I'm sure.
Sound advice. It was the smallest area I have plastered so far but also the hardest. Lots of angles and the first time I have plastered above my head. Also first time not on plain plasterboard, I did feel the gear going off faster than before. Good news is that was the least plaster I have dropped so far so I am getting better at the process.
Nice one, I will take your advice and watered down PVA everything. Fair comment and I completely agree. I will use my straight edge again and see where I am at then flatten it more with a weak coat.
So far I have only plastered 1 section/wall at a time, it takes all my focus to do one following all steps. I am not skilled or quick enough to do 2 yet. I used the bonding to try and help make the plastering easier. Like for the tappered edge joint I have bonded flat so I don't need to think about filling when plastering. Bonding the window reveals was a good move as I didn't have to fill any low points.
ChrispyUK
Well-Known Member
Just do what you feel comfortable with, as the race is only with yourself so to speak.
Don’t try and skim over bonding too early though. Just because it’s gone off doesn’t mean it’s ready for skim as you’ll get blebs, which are like large pimples that you’ll struggle to flatten. When it starts to go dark, you’re usually ok, but to play it safe, do bonding first thing in morning, then skim after lunch. Best to pva it again or at least a good soaking with water.
Reg the eye, it’s not so much the pain but the discomfort and the disorientation. A bit like a van journey from John O' Groats to Lands End with Spit and Polish...well that would prob be the first ten minutes tbf.
Anyway, stick with it
zomex
Member
Today I went for it and it was a complete disaster.
Used the half time stuff and found it was too slow. I think I would have better better off without it on this section.
Got the first coat on and then used the speed scim and it was pulling off areas. I think my wall wasn't flat and these were high points maybe?
There is also 1 tennis ball size area where the plaster has almost popped out. If I were guessing it seems like it's failed to bond to the wall. I kept flattening it and it kept expanding out. Could always cut this out and fill.
I worked my ass off and could not for the life of me get a flat finish on this wall. It's all over the place. Will have to spend a lot of time sanding and filling. When I say bad I mean real bad. Better than my first attempt as I got 2 coats on but my other 4 walls come out so much better than this.
Used the half time stuff and found it was too slow. I think I would have better better off without it on this section.
Got the first coat on and then used the speed scim and it was pulling off areas. I think my wall wasn't flat and these were high points maybe?
There is also 1 tennis ball size area where the plaster has almost popped out. If I were guessing it seems like it's failed to bond to the wall. I kept flattening it and it kept expanding out. Could always cut this out and fill.
I worked my ass off and could not for the life of me get a flat finish on this wall. It's all over the place. Will have to spend a lot of time sanding and filling. When I say bad I mean real bad. Better than my first attempt as I got 2 coats on but my other 4 walls come out so much better than this.
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Spitandpolish
Well-Known Member
Just learn by it mate, think your over thinking it and trying too hard there !
Try and not give as much of a f**k and it will probably come out great !
zomex
Member
Just learn by it mate, think your over thinking it and trying too hard there !
Try and not give as much of a f**k and it will probably come out great !
Haha you're right mate. I am a over thinker.
Will see how it looks tomorrow
Cockney
Well-Known Member
Release your sockets it’s good work practice.
zomex
Member
Cheers for the support lads.
Went from a plastering high where every wall was getting better to a low with this sh*t attempt.
But there's a reason why plastering is avoided by most DIY guys. It's hard as f**k to do so fair play to you guys who make a living plastering.
I did have the socket released on the first attempt, tried it set this time to see the difference.
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What do you guys recommend for a wall full of dips and valleys?
My thinking is to sand and fill to get it as flat as possible. Learn from it and move onto the next wall. It is better than my first attempt as I at least got 2 coats on and there are sections of smooth/flat.
Went from a plastering high where every wall was getting better to a low with this sh*t attempt.
But there's a reason why plastering is avoided by most DIY guys. It's hard as f**k to do so fair play to you guys who make a living plastering.
I did have the socket released on the first attempt, tried it set this time to see the difference.
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What do you guys recommend for a wall full of dips and valleys?
My thinking is to sand and fill to get it as flat as possible. Learn from it and move onto the next wall. It is better than my first attempt as I at least got 2 coats on and there are sections of smooth/flat.That’s the least of his problems …
Every one needs to Stop cheer leading
Op @ just stop know @ best advice is work with a pro for free / or do a plastering course of sorts it will be highly beneficial if you like diy tasks …… plastering It is a highly skilled profession ..
zomex
Member
That's a fair comment and I don't completely disagree. But in my case I am prepared to get better by doing, I have nothing to loose but time and the cost of plaster which is negligible.
I have learned a lot of DIY skills over the years and plastering is by far the hardest. I am not expecting to smash out perfect walls. If after sanding/filling I can get the walls at 80% where they pass the average person glance then it's a win.
So far I've done 5 walls. The one one you saw is sh*t the other 4 come out decent.
Also I learned web development by doing. No courses/training. I managed to build a business and buy a house from that knowledge.
Monkey Boy
Well-Known Member
If you really want to do it
stop now
do a one week plastering course
and then start on your loft again after that
stop now
do a one week plastering course
and then start on your loft again after that
Spitandpolish
Well-Known Member
Looks your running out of space regarding the door frame architraves going back on that mate, you could give it another coat and wait till it picks up and is ready to finish, you could then fit thin pine strips around the door to pack it out for the architraves. Or sand the f**k out of it, give it a mist coat and fill anything that's obvious with easy fill mate.Cheers for the support lads.
Went from a plastering high where every wall was getting better to a low with this sh*t attempt.
But there's a reason why plastering is avoided by most DIY guys. It's hard as f**k to do so fair play to you guys who make a living plastering.
I did have the socket released on the first attempt, tried it set this time to see the difference.
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What do you guys recommend for a wall full of dips and valleys?
Always, as Cockney stated, loosen the sockets. I duct tape them on the inside over the terminals to avoid the dreaded "BOOM" !
Spitandpolish
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately .that process won’t happen with a skilled trade ….however good luck - @ some of the clowns on here, are not even plasters .
Spitandpolish
Well-Known Member
zomex
Member
Looks your running out of space regarding the door frame architraves going back on that mate, you could give it another coat and wait till it picks up and is ready to finish, you could then fit thin pine strips around the door to pack it out for the architraves. Or sand the f**k out of it, give it a mist coat and fill anything that's obvious with easy fill mate.
Always, as Cockney stated, loosen the sockets. I duct tape them on the inside over the terminals to avoid the dreaded "BOOM" !
I took a look today and I think i can save it
It's gonna take sanding and filling but that's the cost of learning. Will send a photo of the finished job but won't be able to continue with it until next week.As for doing a course it's a fair point. But the truth is that I don't have the time or the money so I will keep pushing forward.
JessThePlasterer
Queen Jess Elizabeth I
Im having PTSD flash backs to @ChrispyUK ’s house diaries here! 
zomex
Member
Back again ready to finish the plastering in my house 
Started today with bonding out the area where less thick plasterboard was used. Haven't plastered in a good few months but this was my neatest work so far. Maybe I had a good mix for what I was doing. Did 2 tiny mixes for this area as it's been a while.
I know, I know. Hire a pro but I'm willing to accept a average DIY finish for the sake of learning. Also willing to spend time sanding/filling where needed to get a good enough finish.
Started today with bonding out the area where less thick plasterboard was used. Haven't plastered in a good few months but this was my neatest work so far. Maybe I had a good mix for what I was doing. Did 2 tiny mixes for this area as it's been a while.
I know, I know. Hire a pro but I'm willing to accept a average DIY finish for the sake of learning. Also willing to spend time sanding/filling where needed to get a good enough finish.
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Spitandpolish
Well-Known Member
Spoken like a true cowboy ....That’s it, back on the horse
zomex
Member
Great to be back
Quick question for you pros.
I've got a new stud wall and door frame. For some reason after plasterboard there is a good 5-7mm gap around the door frame. So the door frame of the stud wall is sticking out 5-7mm either side of the plasteboard. Maybe the guy who did it used the wrong size door frame? Maybe it's due to timber being smaller?
Either way what's recommended? Should I install the architrave flush with the door frame and fill the 5mm gap the other side with chalk? Or feather out the gap using bonding on the edge?
Can send photos tomorrow if needed
Quick question for you pros.
I've got a new stud wall and door frame. For some reason after plasterboard there is a good 5-7mm gap around the door frame. So the door frame of the stud wall is sticking out 5-7mm either side of the plasteboard. Maybe the guy who did it used the wrong size door frame? Maybe it's due to timber being smaller?
Either way what's recommended? Should I install the architrave flush with the door frame and fill the 5mm gap the other side with chalk? Or feather out the gap using bonding on the edge?
Can send photos tomorrow if needed
ChrispyUK
Well-Known Member
Great to be back
Quick question for you pros.
I've got a new stud wall and door frame. For some reason after plasterboard there is a good 5-7mm gap around the door frame. So the door frame of the stud wall is sticking out 5-7mm either side of the plasteboard. Maybe the guy who did it used the wrong size door frame? Maybe it's due to timber being smaller?
Either way what's recommended? Should I install the architrave flush with the door frame and fill the 5mm gap the other side with chalk? Or feather out the gap using bonding on the edge?
Can send photos tomorrow if needed
Common problem with chancers. A table saw would have sorted it.
zomex
Member
It's a shame as a mate of mine I train with. He installed the stairs to the loft when no one else wanted to do it.
Rest of his work was really good but this was a fu*k up for sure.
What would you recommend? I'm thinking fit architrave and fill the gap with chalk is my best option. Will all be painted white so shouldn't be too noticeable.
ChrispyUK
Well-Known Member
It’s a compromise where the arc isn’t sitting perfectly flat on the lining and caulking what’s left.
Steve Brown
Well-Known Member
Better off with a decent sander than a speed skim. I'm not taking the piss either.
zomex
Member
Thanks that is what I will do.
Before I re-did the loft room it was done with plasterboard filled and painted and it looked dreadful
Even with my DIY plastering I will achieve a much better finish than that although it will also require some filling/sanding.Will do my best and fill the rest as they say.
zomex
Member
Been focusing on bonding any dips/low areas which has been great for time using the trowel without the pressure of finish. Stopped using any sheets on the floor now. Anything I drop which isn't too bad with bonding I just clean up after (laminate flooring).
This was my best patch yet. Not perfect but took a lot of the dip out of the end of the ceiling.
Did about 5-6 patches like this to flatten the loft room. Loft room finished for bonding so will move onto the hallway.
End wall and ceiling were painted so I applied pre-grit. It was a good year old/found on marketplace for free. Would it be wise to go over it with PVA just to be double safe before finish plastering?
This was my best patch yet. Not perfect but took a lot of the dip out of the end of the ceiling.
Did about 5-6 patches like this to flatten the loft room. Loft room finished for bonding so will move onto the hallway.
End wall and ceiling were painted so I applied pre-grit. It was a good year old/found on marketplace for free. Would it be wise to go over it with PVA just to be double safe before finish plastering?
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zomex
Member
Last question. I've heard how bad getting multi finish in the eyes is.
I ended up getting bonding in my eye (few months) and my heart sank but no issues at all. Was like concrete, quick wash of the eye and I was fine.
Does bonding not contain lime? Is it still as dangerous for the eyes as finish?
I ended up getting bonding in my eye (few months) and my heart sank but no issues at all. Was like concrete, quick wash of the eye and I was fine.
Does bonding not contain lime? Is it still as dangerous for the eyes as finish?