St James plastering services covering London & Surrey
James Lawlor
Established since 1993
Specialist in Modern and Traditional Techniques
Plasterer Covering Surrey and London
Professional Plasterer at Affordable Costs
Plaster and plastering
There are quite a few plasters but two main types - gypsum based and cement based. The latter are used mainly for outdoors, generally for rendering. Gypsum based plasters are used indoors only - damp will attack a gypsum based plaster and cause it to crumble. Cement based plasters can be used indoors for areas that are susceptible to damp and areas that require a greater thickness of cover. The most common gypsum plasters are browning, bonding, and metal lathing plaster. Modern plasters come already mixed with perlite, vermiculite and several other additives. These additives provide a greater degree of insulation and fire resistance. Other ingredients slow down the setting time and generally make the mixture more workable. Today the only additive we need to add is good clean water. When plastering materials with differing absorption, it is a good idea to key the surfaces to be plastered with a PVA bonding sealer. This prevents the plaster 'going off' (setting) at different speeds.Plastering FAQ
Q:-How long do I have to wait before I can paint my new plaster?A:- In general you should wait at least seven days or when the plaster has changed colour from a dark brown to a light pink.
Q:- Do I have to remove the wallpaper before the walls are plastered?
A:- Yes all paper should be removed to ensure a proper adhesion.
Q:- After removing the wallpaper I noticed the walls are all cracked and grazed do I need to get them replastered?
A:- Depending on the level of damage. In some cases they can be filled with a smooth filler, but to achieve a uniform smooth finish the walls should be replastered.
Q:- I have had a leak in my bath and the ceiling has sagged a little - do I need to have the ceiling totally replastered?
A:- In most cases the ceiling should be totally removed to achieve a professional finish.
Q:- Can I plaster over Artex or do I need to remove all the plaster back to the brick work?
A:- Artex can be easily covered over but requires more applications of plaster.
Q:- I have had water damage to my ceiling, can I get my insurance company to pay for repairs?
A:- Yes upon inspection of your property we would supply you with a written quotation for you to submit to your insurance company.
Q:-What do I have to do to prepare my room/work area before the plasterers arrive?
A:- All areas to be worked on should have all the furniture and fittings removed to enable the plasterers to have a good working area.
Q:- Do I need to remove my carpet?
A:- No, not as a rule, all carpets would be fully covered and protected.
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