Preparing walls for decorative plaster: how to do it yourself

Decorative plaster adds a distinct texture and personality to walls, transforming any space. But the preparation of the surface underneath is crucial to getting a perfect finish. This is an important step that if skipped or rushed through can result in uneven application, cracks, and an imperfect appearance.

Even though preparing your walls for decorative plaster may seem difficult, you can successfully complete it on your own if you take the proper approach. You can make sure that your walls are prepared for the gorgeous new coat of plaster by following this guide, which will take you through all the necessary steps.

Every stage, from priming to cleaning and smoothing, is essential to the outcome. In the end, it will be worthwhile to take the time to properly prepare, regardless of whether you’re working with new walls or updating an old surface.

Rules for preparation

There is a specific order in which to prepare a wall for plastering. The passage of time has tried everything. It is important to keep in mind that plastering is the last step in finishing work. After all windows and doors are installed and the floor covering is fully laid (see Facing the floor with ceramic tiles – correct cladding), plastering can start.

The steps involved in surface preparation are as follows:

  • First, the surface to be finished must be cleaned of the old layer of putty and paint, remove the remains of the old wallpaper;
  • Then the wall surface is treated with a special primer mixture, which performs a restorative and strengthening function;
  • If the humidity in the room is very high, then, along with priming, you should additionally treat the walls with a product that has an antifungal effect;
  • If there are cracks on the walls, then they are expanded and filled with a special repair compound. Very large cracks are filled with a repair compound in several approaches;
  • Only after the walls have been completely primed should a putty layer be applied to them, which completes the stage of their alignment and is the basis for finishing the surface with a decorative plaster coating.

Note: Puttying the walls is not required in this situation if you intend to apply a thick layer of plaster coating with a distinct structure in the future.

  • If the decorative coating will be applied in a thin layer, then the preparation should include all stages without exception. Otherwise, it will not be possible to hide all the flaws of the base under the decorative layer. This will also lead to an increase in the consumption of finishing material.

Once the puttying is finished, you can start sanding the surfaces of the walls (see. how to properly sand walls after puttying; fine sandpaper is used for this purpose.

Priming the wall surface

On the primer, the walls are prepped for decorative plaster. It guarantees the longevity of the coating and greatly improves surface adhesion. Since you are handling everything by hand, the cost of the work will be lowered to the cost of the supplies.

Pay close attention to this step, as a well-mixed primer can help to prolong the life of the repair. You don’t need to be concerned about the plaster falling in this instance.

  • A primer for plastering is an opaque liquid that does not have a characteristic odor, priming is the work of applying and distributing the primer over the surface of the treated area. Once dry, it becomes like a film that strengthens the surface and improves the adhesion of the plaster.
  • The primer penetrates deep into the wall, improving its adhesive properties and preventing metal corrosion. The waterproof film prevents moisture penetration, provides protection against bacteria, preventing the formation of mold and rot on the plasterboard surface. You can hide small stains and traces of drips under it. Applying the primer mixture in several layers enhances the properties of the composition.
  • It is advisable to buy a high-quality mixture with deep penetration, this will reduce the cost of finishing materials. It is good if the primer brand matches the plaster mix brand. Each manufacturer produces its products in entire lines, where all the components are perfectly suited to each other.

Which primer to choose

This plastering wall preparation video will walk you through the entire process. However, the primer selection is equally important. based on the coating’s structural makeup. These days, a vast array of primer mixtures can be found on the shelves of construction supply stores. To make the best decision, you must understand which primer is appropriate for different types of surfaces.

  • Alkyd primer is perfectly applied to untreated wood, leveling its structure, and creates a smooth surface for plastering. The advantages of this mixture include quick drying. You can use polystyrene primer, it is allowed to apply it to plastered surfaces. But it should be taken into account that it contains substances that are harmful to health.
  • For metal surfaces, a primer is used that is specially produced based on the type of metal. Usually these are mixtures with zinc additives. It is possible to use an alkyd primer mixture with zinc additives, which provides anti-corrosion protection. The use of glyphthalin mixture is complicated by the fact that it has a long drying period.
  • The use of perchlorovinyl primer mixture is recommended for concrete and brick surfaces. It dries quickly, but has a pungent odor. Therefore, it is better to carry out work with open windows.
  • Acrylic and emulsion primers can be applied to any surface. They are practically odorless, and their drying period is 5 hours. Acrylic primer can be applied even to an old layer of plaster, due to its composition, it provides its strengthening. Also, acrylic mixture is perfect for plasterboard surfaces.

Method of applying primer mixture

The application of primer with superior quality is part of the technology used to prepare walls for plastering. After making all the required material purchases, you can start priming the walls in preparation for plastering. Primers are available for purchase in three distinct states: dry, concentrated, and diluted.

  • Diluted mixtures can be used immediately. Before starting work, the diluted primer is thoroughly mixed so that all the sediment rises from the bottom and is distributed throughout the entire volume of the mixture.
  • Dry and concentrated mixtures are first diluted according to the proportions recommended in the instructions.
  • Before starting priming work, you need to clean the surface of the walls. You should remove grease and oil stains, wipe off all dust and dirt.
  • To prevent the mixture from getting on painted areas, they should be sealed with a special film or tape. The primer leaves glossy spots on the paint.
  • On plasterboard surfaces, it is necessary to seal the joints with a special mesh. Work should be performed only with gloves, because these mixtures have a detrimental effect on the skin and are not easy to wash off.
    Now let"s look at the priming technique itself.

Plastering walls with a primer requires the availability of a specific tool, and the following supplies are needed for the task: A container for the primer and the primer mixture itself, rollers with long and short handles, and a brush for hard-to-reach places are all needed.

  • First, you need to apply the mixture to easily accessible areas of the wall with a roller on a long handle. Then, use a smaller roller to evenly distribute the primer, moving it up, down and in both directions.
  • Next, you can move on to hard-to-reach places, corners and joints. To do this, you need to use a construction brush. After finishing applying the primer, you should let it dry. Drying time is indicated in the instructions for the solution.

Note: The plastering walls preparation video will walk you through the steps of doing the work. However, if the surface area is large, you should buy a sprayer to help expedite the process and ensure an even coat.

It is not advisable to use a single coat of primer. Reapplying the mixture is required to improve its properties. It is imperative that you thoroughly examine the wall’s surface to ensure that no tiny detail is overlooked. Plastering the walls can begin as soon as the second layer of primer mixture dries.

Useful tips

A number of crucial factors that influence the caliber of the work done must be considered when priming walls for plastering:

  • All applied putty layers must be thoroughly dried. Drying time should not be less than 2 days;
  • to prevent the formation of cracks, you can use a special self-adhesive mesh. In another way it is called “serpyanka”;
  • after the putty layer has dried, it is recommended to prime all wall surfaces with an acrylic primer mixture, due to its penetration far into the wall, ensuring good interaction with the decorative coating;
  • You can increase the strength of the primer and protect it from separation into layers by using a special impregnation. It is necessary to take into account that the selected putty mixture must have good absorbent properties. Oil and alabaster bases are not allowed.

Expert advice should be followed when applying the primer mixture for decorative plastering:

  • The primer layer is applied to the wall surface with a thickness of approximately 2 centimeters, a smaller thickness will not allow you to obtain a decorative coating of uniform composition and high quality;
  • When rubbing the primer layer, it is imperative to carry out measures to compact it;
  • After completing the priming work, it is necessary to periodically moisten the treated surface. This should continue for a week. Moistening is carried out using a sponge moistened with water.
  • After all the above procedures, decorative plaster can be applied to the treated surface.

If you want to decorate your own walls, start by giving them a thorough cleaning, taking off any old paint or wallpaper, and caulking any holes or cracks. To guarantee improved adhesion and a smoother finish, apply a primer after that. For your decorative plaster to look professional and last a long time, proper wall preparation is essential.

Step Description
1. Clean the walls Remove any old paint, wallpaper, or debris to ensure a smooth surface.
2. Repair any damage Fill in cracks, holes, or imperfections with filler, then sand them down.
3. Apply a primer Use a suitable primer to seal the surface and improve adhesion.
4. Level the surface If the walls are uneven, apply a leveling compound and sand it smooth.
5. Ensure dryness Make sure the wall is completely dry before applying plaster.

It’s important to take your time and thoroughly prepare your walls before applying decorative plaster. Even if you do it yourself, it guarantees that the finish adheres well and looks its best, giving you a professional-looking result.

To begin, give the walls a thorough cleaning to get rid of any debris, oil, or dust that can prevent the plaster from adhering properly. Following that, make sure to fill in any holes or cracks that may have occurred because these can lead to problems in the future.

Lastly, priming with a plaster-specific primer will help prepare the surface perfectly for your decorative finish. Despite its apparent simplicity, this step can have a significant impact on the plaster’s adhesion and final appearance.

You’ll put yourself in a successful position and make sure your decorative plaster not only looks great but also endures over time by following these steps.

Video on the topic

REAL GOLD + GROTTO On the wall | Environmentally friendly plaster | GuraDecor ELLETO

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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