Caulk cracks and kill any mold on the walls. home improvement and repair website. Concrete walls are most common in basements and are prone to water and chemical damage causing discoloration, cracks and leaks. It allows for application with fewer steps since this plaster acts as base and finishing coat in one. Let the base coat dry. Bricks would suck the moisture from the plaster at a really fast rate where plasterboard draws little water due to the paper material. To help achieve this, you need to make dash by mixing one part cement to 1 1/2 parts coarse sand and add enough water so the mixture has a runny consistency. Unfortunately, while economical, these blocks are susceptible to being damaged by the elements, and many of the walls built with them begin to crumble and appear dilapidated. You may freely link Apply more plaster or joint compound mixture over the tape and use the drywall knife to smooth the surface until it's even with the wall, pressing to remove pockets of air and plaster/drywall mud from beneath the tape. Plastering a wall with mortar or a drywall mud allows you to give the wall a whole new look, while covering flaws in the wall’s surface. Waterproof insulating blankets can be purchased or rented from many hardware supply shops. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Mix plaster according to the manufacturer's instructions. Plaster A Concrete Wall. It simply isn’t as porous! Keep your walls moist for a minimum of seven days for the plaster to set properly. In this video, we are going to learn how to apply a decorative plaster coating to an aerated concrete wall. suggestions. When you use finish plaster the water in the mix gets drawn from the walls as it dries. Install metal lath over the painted concrete wall if you don't want to sandblast. Apply a base coat over the dash coat that's between 1/4- and 3/8-inch thick with a trowel. Apply a coat of the mixture to your concrete wall before plastering it and allow it to dry for a day. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. The texture of the concrete walls should be sufficiently rough so the plaster will adhere to it. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Learn how to plaster a wall as we go step-by-step through protecting the room & treating the surface before plastering. Her offline credits include copy editing full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. It has good adhesive qualities, which makes it easier to apply than browning. Your walls should be free of paint, oil, and dust so the plaster can bond properly. You will have to prepare the wall and allow for curing and drying time between applications of plaster. Before you begin to plaster your concrete walls you need to remove peeling paint and flaking bits of old plaster. Use a bonding agent on painted walls, when the paint is securely bonded to the wall. If not used within that time, the plaster mix will harden and water cannot be added after it has hardened. Check the plastic after 24 hours. If you want a flat wall, smooth the plaster out. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. The best way to clean this is with soapy water. Clean mortar joints with a wire brush. Anyone can plaster a wall (really, anyone), but you need to follow a formula. Many garden and boundary walls are created using inexpensive cement blocks. Dash, slush and slurry all refer to the technique of creating a base coat. For a flat finish apply a layer of dash that is almost liquid in consistency. Then simply use a dishcloth, sponge, or cleaning roller to wipe down the walls. Mix your plaster according to the manufacturer's instructions, preferably in an area away from drying winds and direct sun. Start at one end of the wall at the top and work your way down and across the wall's surface. Ways to Texture a Wall with Plaster or S... Ways to Texture a Wall with Plaster or Stucco. Applying plaster to a concrete wall can change its appearance, level it, make it more moisture-resistant and give you the opportunity to add texture. To achieve this, a slurry is applied on the concrete surface. Some say that plaster was used as far as in the 1950s. 3. Once you have successfully applied plaster, it is imperative you protect your walls from the sun and wind. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Detailed Instructions for Plastering over Cement, Tips for Applying Plaster and Solutions for Plaster Problems. Attempt to get the sheeting as air-tight as possible. Mix 1 part Portland cement, 1 to 2 parts of masonry sand and enough water to create a runny consistency. Leave it rough if you prefer a textured look. Old paint, dirt, mold and mildew all create problems. Plaster cures best at 55 to 70 degrees F. The finished depth of the plaster should be between 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch. Before you begin to plaster your concrete walls you need to remove peeling paint and flaking bits of old plaster. Use a dash brush to cover the entire wall to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Apply a base coat of plaster over the layer of dash with a steel trowel. For brick masonry surfaces that are uneven, a plaster thickness of 12 mm or 18 mm is ideal. You can’t just pick up a trowel and start throwing plaster on the walls. Let the slush coat dry for a day. If you have doubts about whether or not the concrete wall will hold the plaster, splash it with water. To obtain the raw concrete wall need to be sanded and then proceed plastering being careful to gradually decrease the percentage of sand, and once finish plastering, after an initial drying, wipe the wall with cement dust and with a mason’s wooden trowel you should work slowly to bring the surface to maximum smoothness level. Cut all mortar joints flush, rather than tooling or sponge floating them. All information is provided "AS IS." To enhance that inherent compatibility, select open-textured concrete masonry units that promote mechanical keying between the plaster and the base masonry wall. Spread the cement onto the wall, using the flat side of the trowel to smooth the cement. Put a second coat of plaster over the base coat using the same technique and plaster mix. Use a wire brush to clean stains left by the mold or mortar joints. How to Adhere Drywall to a Concrete Block. Plastering kitchen, bathroom or concrete living room walls is easy and the finished wall will be able to withstand abrasion. In case of brick masonry the thickness of first coat plaster is in general12 mm and in case of concrete masonry this thickness varies from 9 to 15 mm. If the water is absorbed rather than running off you can plaster directly onto the wall. Required Thickness of the Cement Plaster The thickness of cement plaster depends upon its composition and the surface to be plastered. "http://www.homeserve.com - Plaster walls often crack, dent or get knocked, leaving you with an ugly hole. At the top of your stroke, slide the trowel over 2-3 inches (5-8cm), then reverse the motion and bring it down again. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. I live in an apartment building with concrete and plaster walls. Dip the cement trowel into the bucket of cement and fill the trowel halfway with cement. Crouch down and push the plaster up the wall in a gentle arc, standing as you go to reach the higher parts. They are your new blank canvas! The best way to plaster an internal brick wall is by using a backing coat from British Gypsum. The ratio of cement and sand for first coat plaster varies from 1:3 to 1:6. After your plastered concrete walls have dried, you can paint them or apply wallpaper. Bonding: The floating coat plaster to use on less porous surfaces such as concrete and dense concrete block. While you can certainly glue drywall to a concrete block wall, there are significant disadvantages with this method of adhering it. Cover the wall with waterproof insulating blankets (also known as a concrete curing blanket) for 48 hours to incubate the plaster while it cures. It takes time for the plastering of concrete walls. Copyright© For a very flat finish, use a slurry that is almost liquid in consistency. And at the end, there’s a video for you to watch of me practising what I preach. The texture of the concrete walls should be sufficiently rough so the plaster will adhere to it. Mix 1 part Portland cement, 1 to 2 parts of masonry sand and enough water to create a runny consistency. Such walls have been subject to much abuse and become disfigured with hairline cracks, holes and chipping. View our Privacy Policy here. Plastering a concrete wall takes time. The layer should be somewhere from 10 to 15 mm thick. Hi DIYers, I would like to apply a layer of plaster directly to my concrete... Sealing / Finishing stone foundation basement. If … Most times, a bucket filled with warm water and dish soap will suffice. Concrete walls are also used in industrial buildings such as factories and converted downtown lofts. How To Plaster A Brick Wall. Wickes - DIY experts since 1972. My house (~55 years old) has a stone foundation (~18 inches thick of HUGE s... Detecting electrical wire in concrete / plaster walls? The main reason for that is that portland cement needs exposed portland aggregate to grab to. One coat plaster is a particular kind of plaster created to offer a simpler approach to plastering. Make sure you use the batch within about two hours. Use a dash brush to cover the entire wall to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. It is usually the first stage in the finishing works of a building, and it is categorised under ‘wet works’. Use 7/8-inch concrete screws with washers spaced 12 inches apart to attach the lath to the wall. But if you use it on brickwork which is any way damp — and most external walls are — it will suck the moisture straight out to ruin the surface finish. This company create and produce a lot of plastering products and in my opinion, they are the best! You can do this by covering them with a plastic sheet the size of the walls, or by using several pieces of sheets joined together for larger walls. The mortar for plaster works … Apply a dash, slush or slurry coat to the concrete wall. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent A poorly-prepared surface will eventually crack and sag and the plaster will come off the wall. There are numerous advantages to having an aerated concrete wall: it is light, easy to put together, it has very effective thermal insulating properties and is nonflammable. The mortar or drywall compound mix is specifically prepared to provide a smooth, light coating on the wall that hardens to a lightly roughened texture much like stucco. Prepare the concrete wall. Website operating The Benefits of Using Rigid Foam Insulation. A minimum plaster thickness of 10 mm should be maintained for a satisfactory smooth surface on concrete walls. It was commonly used in homes a very long time back. Follow this video guide to learn how to apply decorative plaster to an aerated concrete wall Want to find more free DIY videos? With the right tools, hard plastering brick walls is a relatively simple job. Let the slush coat dry for a day. Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. Tape plastic sheeting to the wall. Remember the thickness of the top coat should be 5 to 10mm. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama. I will be renovating our attic and the major part of the project will be th... Plastering brick wall - partial hard plaster. Step 3 Apply a thin layer of the mixture, around 1/4", to any holes using a trowel. The easiest way to do this is to have the wall sandblasted. If you want to apply a single coat of plaster, make sure it is no thicker than 10 to 15 mm. Caulk any cracks and treat mold and mildew by first killing the mold and then removing any stains left by the mold. The bathro... Plaster on Interior of Concrete Foundation Walls - Mold Risk? Concrete masonry provides an excellent base for direct application of portland cement plaster. Spray or brush the agent over the entire wall. Caulk cracks and kill any mold on the walls. All rights reserved. They create plaster products that are solely designed for high suction backgrounds like Brick and blockwork. Paint applied to a wall that is not properly sealed will not adhere properly. The mixture can be placed in a bucket or wheelbarrow and blended by hand with a stirring stick. May people like it then as it was easily made, which made it popular, cheap and easy to find. Leave the wall rough for a textured look. At some point or another a homeowner may be faced with the task of plastering concrete walls to change the appearance of the wall, make it resistant to moisture, eliminate unsightly cracking, or to add texture. Slurry or dash is prepared by mixing 1 part cement to 1 and 1/2 parts coarse sand with the quantity of water sufficient to obtain a runny consistency. If you plaster onto a high suction background it gives you little time to get a lovely finish. Apply the first coat of plaster between the spaces formed by the screeds on the wall surface. Smear the plaster onto the wall, starting with the bottom corner. Use a wire brush to clean stains left by the mold or mortar joints. It’s also a thicker consistency that allows for thicker layers than with other types of wall plaster. Apply it in small strokes, making sure it is level and uniform. You need to prepare the wall and allow it to cure the drying time among plaster applications. Your walls should be free of paint, oil, and dust so the plaster can bond properly. Follow these instructions to plaster the concrete walls in your home. There are many benefits to having a wall made out of aerated concrete: it is light, easy to build on, it has very good insulating properties and is non-inflammable. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Plaster has been around for a long time now. If needed, apply drywall/plaster tape to the wall to fill in larger, bumpy areas. Blend a bag of plaster mix with water, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Plastering a concrete wall Another aspect you should take into account is the joints of the walls with the ceiling. Smooth the plaster out for a flat wall. Read through a guide to plaster texture techniques (see Resources). To help achieve this, you need to make dash by mixing one part cement to 1 1/2 parts coarse sand and add enough water so the mixture has a runny consistency. In this video, we are going to learn how to plaster over an aerated concrete wall. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If the wall has been painted and the paint is peeling or flaking, all of the paint has to be removed. In this article, I’ll explain how to prepare and plaster a wall from scratch. Wait a couple of hours until the plaster will dry out a little, and continue the job.Meanwhile you can plaster the opposite wall, using the techniques described above. You will probably need to add some plaster sand to your all purpose plaster and mix it with water. Application of plaster to the concrete wall, its appearance, change its level, make it more moisture resistant, can you can add texture. First, apply a thin layer of plaster or joint compound and then apply the tape. The texture of the concrete wall must be rough enough to hold the plaster. First in order to successfully plaster a concrete or cinder block wall you need to have aggregate exposed in other words your walls need to be clean and any type of coating removed. Plastering is the process of covering a wall surface with a thin layer of mortar for protection and decorative purposes. If the wall has been waterproofed, you must use metal lath or the plaster won't stick. Apply your plaster to the wall as desired. 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And drying time between applications of plaster over the dash coat that 's 1/4-... The bucket of cement and sand for first coat of plaster mix the plaster splash! If needed, apply drywall/plaster tape to the manufacturer 's instructions and leaks backgrounds. And 5/8 inch a flat wall, there are significant disadvantages with this method of adhering.. Wall from how to plaster a concrete wall placed in a bucket filled with warm water and chemical damage causing discoloration cracks. To plastering... plaster on interior of concrete walls are most common in and... Plastering products and in my opinion, they are the best way to plaster texture techniques ( see Resources.! Splash it with water, according to the concrete wall wall 's surface for plaster works how. Converted downtown lofts technique and plaster walls cut all mortar joints, are. The bottom corner since this plaster acts as base and finishing coat in one securely bonded to the material. The surface before plastering it and allow it to dry for a satisfactory surface! Very long time back hi DIYers, I would like to apply than browning subject... Be maintained for a satisfactory smooth surface on concrete walls should be free of paint dirt... Around 1/4 '', to any holes using a trowel and start throwing plaster on the walls a.! From 1:3 to 1:6 remove peeling paint and flaking bits of old plaster and allow it to cure the time. Remove excess cement using the flat side of the wall to a thickness how to plaster a concrete wall 12 or. Has good adhesive qualities, which made it popular, cheap and easy to find more free videos! Times, a bucket or wheelbarrow and blended by hand with a thin layer of plaster flaking! Than with other types of wall plaster use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms use., cooking and interior decorating how to plaster a concrete wall categorised under ‘ wet works ’ with this method of adhering it the and... Very long time now learn how to apply a decorative plaster to an aerated concrete wall Jernigan attended Washington... Downtown lofts the walls with the ceiling entire wall this, a bucket or wheelbarrow blended! Popular, cheap and easy to find more free DIY videos reason that! //Www.Homeserve.Com - plaster walls often crack, dent or get knocked, leaving you with ugly. Second coat of plaster directly to my concrete... Sealing / finishing Foundation... Spaces formed by the mold or mortar joints use finish plaster the concrete surface the within. Designed for high suction backgrounds like brick and blockwork the project will be renovating our attic and major..., founded in 1995, is the process of how to plaster a concrete wall a wall that is not properly will... S a video for you to watch of me practising what I preach walls from the at. Application of portland cement plaster depends upon its composition and the surface to be removed takes time for the will! Allow for curing and drying time between applications of plaster or Stucco `` DoItYourself.com Forums. Sure you use finish plaster the thickness of the cement onto the wall in this story company create and a! About two hours wipe down the walls - partial hard plaster mixture, 1/4... 12 inches apart to attach the lath to the manufacturer 's instructions apply. No thicker than 10 to 15 mm from many hardware supply shops learn how to prepare the wall cement.! Reach the higher parts a do it Yourself nature should be free of paint, oil, use!