Plastering a wall is one of the final steps in finishing the interior or exterior wall that you need to be familiar with. One of the damages that can occur due to improper wall plastering is the appearance of hairline cracks on the wall.
On that note, it’s important to know how to apply wall plastering correctly. If you are interested to learn more about plastering a wall and its application, this article is for you.
The Purpose of Wall Plastering
Wall plastering is a finishing stage carried out after the installation of bricks for the wall. This stage is essential before proceeding to the next stage which is painting. Therefore, wall plastering should be done carefully.
In addition, wall plastering can also serve as a sound insulator. It should be noted that the ability to dampen sound with plastering is not that effective. However, this is sufficient to dampen the sounds of activities in the house so as not to disturb the neighbors.
Tips for Applying Wall Plastering
To get good results, you need to pay attention to several things, such as wall conditions, plastering mixture, and the application. Here are some tips for applying wall plastering that you need to know:
1. Ensure the Brick Wall is Ready
To ensure the plaster adheres properly and gives maximum results, make sure your brick wall is completely dry. Additionally, ensure that holes, such as ventilation holes, electrical cable access, water pipe access, and other installation accesses are ready.
After that, you can start cleaning the wall from dust or debris so that the plaster can adhere perfectly. Use a broom or other tools to clean the surface and pay attention to certain areas with heavy buildup.
If you are using lightweight bricks or concrete as the wall, you can make small scratches on the surface. These scratches can strengthen the adhesion.
2. Use the Right Plastering Mixture Ratio
Making wall plastering is quite easy as you just need to follow the guide for the right ratio between cement and sand for optimal results. Generally, the ratio of cement to sand used for the wall plastering mix is 1:4.
You also need to ensure that the sand used in the mixture is free from soil contamination and other foreign materials. Contaminated sand can affect the quality of the cement mixture. Therefore, sieve the sand before mixing it with cement.
Additionally, pay attention to how cement is stored. Make sure to store it in a dry place because cement can absorb water. Use pallets or cardboard to avoid direct contact between cement and soil if necessary.
To further ensure the cement quality, pay attention to several things when buying it from the store. First, make sure the package is not damaged. In addition, press the cement packaging to check the quality. If it feels hard, the cement has been stored for a long time, meaning its quality might decrease.
3. Create Plastering Headers
Plastering headers are wall plaster made vertically as a guide in smoothing wall plastering. Although it looks simple, making good plastering headers requires sufficient skill. Generally, plastering headers are made with a thickness of 1-2 cm.
You need to throw the plastering mixture that has been made onto the wall to make good headers. Make sure the width of the header is approximately 5 cm. Repeat this process until the plastering header has a shape like a speed bump.
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4. Ensure the Plastering Thickness is Correct
The next step is still related to the previous point as you need to pay attention to the thickness of the plaster. To create the same thickness, use nails and threads as boundaries. As a general rule of thumb, the plaster thickness usually needs to be around 1-2 cm.
The thickness can be even thinner at around 1 cm if you use lightweight bricks. Keep in mind that the thread and plastering headers have the same function as a benchmark. Therefore, make sure the distance between the plastering header and the threads is not too thick.
5. Use Appropriate Tools
Prepare the tools you need for wall plastering. In this step, trowel and straightedge are the most important tools that determine the final result of the wall plastering.
A trowel is used to smooth the wall plastering mixture. After sticking the mixture to the wall, you can use a trowel to smooth it.
After that, use a straightedge to level the surface of the plastering. It’s worth noting that you can make your own simple cement leveling tool. But if you want something more practical, you can buy it at the nearest building store.
6. Use a Layered Application System
You can use a layered application system for wall plastering. It’s easy to apply and promises good final results. The first thing you need to do is to throw the plastering mixture onto the wall.
If you missed some parts, patch those areas by throwing the mixture again. Second, smooth the mixture using a trowel with the plastering header as a benchmark. In the last step, smooth the surface again using a straightedge to make an even surface throughout the area.
7. Removing Stains After Plastering Process
In the last step, you might see some stains that stick to the wall surface. Be careful when cleaning these stains as you might damage the plastered wall.
Mix warm water and mild detergent to clean the stains. Use a sponge or soft cloth to clean the stained surface. Alternatively, you can mix water and vinegar in a ratio of 1:1 if the stains are difficult to remove.
Read also: 3 Unique Cement-Based Creations to Beautify Buildings
That is the information about wall plastering that you need to know. In addition to following the above tips, make sure to use high-quality cement for better results. In that case, use Semen Merah Putih which has been guaranteed for its premium quality.
Semen Merah Putih has met the requirements of the Indonesian quality standard, the SNI 7604:2014. Therefore, its quality is unquestionable. If you have further questions about the products of Semen Merah Putih, fill out this contact form. Make a sturdy and safe construction building with Semen Merah Putih.
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