Exterior Plastering
Solid plastering was traditionally a sand and cement mixture applied to an external substrate e.g. brick, block, concrete walls, stone, etc.
A very common method is to plaster over a variety of backing boards fixed to a wooden frame. Steel mesh is applied to backer board over a building paper and 2-3 coats of plaster are applied to achieve the desired texture/finish.
Plastering over blocks or bricks requires a splash coat for adhesion and 1 or 2 coats of plaster.
Plastering can also be effective over various forms of existing cladding. Weatherboards have been successfully plastered and maintained over time. Some garden sheds with various forms of cladding can also be plastered.
Steps and Floors
Poured concrete steps can be plastered to smooth out the formwork and create a softer walking platform.
The same method is also used for floors. Coloured oxides are a common additive to make an attractive finish over concrete.
Alernative Plastering Products
Exterior Plastering
Various thin coat wall claddings exist as an alternative to the traditional sand and cement solid plaster method.
Stuckateur Plastering has had experience with various forms and application of thin coat exterior plastering.
These systems are usually less labour intensive than solid plaster and therefore more cost effective whilst achieving a similar finish.
Fireplaces
An old fireplace often dates a room but we can transform fireplace to any shape or texture to enhance the whole room.
Brick, tiles, clinker brick were often used as finished exterior for fireplaces but these can be smoothed out and levelled to make a fireplace look very easy on the eye. As far as redecorations go fireplace plastering and skimming of old wallpapered walls have the biggest impact of lightening and lifting the mood of the room.
Interior Plastering
Wallboard Stopping
There are many different types of plasterboard available for different applications. Stopping finishes the product ready for painting. There are different levels of finishes for different requirements.
Level 5
Level 5 is a complete covering of all surfaces so a discrepancy between the plastered surface and the non-plastered surface cannot be distinguished, especially in high artificial light, e.g. wall lighting and feature walls and where strong sunlight shines along a wall on a steep angle.
Different gloss levels also affect the level of finish required. Bathroom ceilings often require higher gloss, so a better level of finish is needed. Ceilings often require more attention when high windows cast light of a ceiling to reflect light to the eye. Sloping ceilings are particularly susceptible to this reflection.
Level 4
Level 4 is used in normal situations where sidelight and critical light are not present. The use of matt and low sheen paints also are factors in choosing in level 4 finish. Some thin high quality wallpapers require level 4 finish to be used. Other lesser levels for textured wallpaper or backing paper can be employed.
Fibrous Plastering
Traditional plasterboard with fibreglass reinforcing is often used in ceilings where a very high quality finish is desired. The methods of fixing allow the ceiling to flex and are very resistant to cracking.
Fibrous ceilings are used in conjunction with cornice as they are made from the same material. Fibrous sheets are manufactured in many different sizes and thicknesses to minimise joins. Some advantages of the extra thickness and density of fibrous is that it has a good fire rating in firewalls.
Cove
Cove is a cheaper alternative to timber scocia and is available in 55mm, 75mm and 90mm projection sizes. Different sizes are used according to ceiling height and house style. The higher the ceiling the larger the cove. Cove gives a very classy and classical look to both new homes and existing homes rather than timber scocia, which is generally square and not as soft looking.
Cove has gained popularity in the past 7-8 years.
Cornice
Cornice is a centuries old plaster of Paris mould making technique, which creates a grand and classical look for ceilings. There is a huge range of patterns, styles and sizes of cornice ranging from the small and simple to the large and castle like. Cornices can also be matched to any existing pieces and recast. With the resurgence of fibrous plaster ceilings cornice is also becoming more popular as the two are used traditionally in conjunction.
Skimming
A popular trend in renovations to transform old wallpaper walls to a modern clean painted finish.
Wallpaper is stripped off (we can do this for you!) and walls are plastered over the entire surface to achieve high-level paint finishes. Often there are many layers of wallpapers, sometimes painted and very difficult to remove.
Stuckateur Plastering can transform any room in any condition to a quality modern surface.
Skimming is one of the single, most effective ways to dramatically enhance any room.
Specialist Finishes
Recently we have participated in a course run by American Clay plastering manufacturers.
The product is a two-coat application designed to go over almost any substrate. This product is 100% natural and non-toxic, non flammable, mold and pest resistant, breathable natural clay, which does not attract lint or dust, like paint.
There are 32 standard colours in three different finishes and a major benefit of the product is it doesn’t need to be painted, yes no painting.
In 2004 American Clay received the National Association of Home Builders New Green Product Award.
For a free no-obligation quote and product samples, please contact us and we will be able to answer any queries you may have.
