Master the Art: How to Plaster a Wall Quickly

Using Eazymix's Halftime Plaster Accelerator

Learn how to plaster a wall quickly with expert tips. Master your plastering skills for a perfect finish. Discover simple techniques today!

According to British Gypsum, the setting time of multifinish is between 90 minutes and two hours. But what if you could reduce the time by 60 minutes for time critical projects or smaller areas without sacrificing the quality of the finish? 

Learning how to plaster a wall quickly is essential for trade plasterers. With the proper plastering techniques and products, you can speed up your work and still do a flawless job.

Here, we discuss quick wall plastering tips to help you take control of your mix, your timing, and your results.

Prepare Your Surface Properly

Plaster adheres well to clean, dry surfaces that are slightly textured. Use a wall scraper to remove anything already on the wall, like:

• Old paint

• Wallpaper

• Dust or loose bits of old plaster

If your wall absorbs water quickly, it's a good idea to prepare it before you plaster with pre-grit, PVA or SBR.  Doing so will control the suction of the substrate, stopping the wall from soaking up all the water from your plaster mix, which can make it set too quickly and crack.

Smooth, concrete surfaces and previously painted walls can be tougher to plaster. Prepare such areas by scratching the surface with a Stanley knife. You can also use a bonding agent to help the wall plaster stick.

Choose the Right Plaster Mix for Quick Setting

Selecting the right plaster gives you more control of your project. Invest in a quick-setting plaster mix can reduce the setting times.

Such an option will help you move on to painting or decorating sooner. It's also great for small jobs or when you're in a hurry.

Use a Plaster Accelerator

Using a plaster accelerator will save time if you're on a tight deadline or working on a small area. The product will make the plaster set faster, so you don't have to wait hours before moving on to the next step.

Consider the EazyMix Halftime accelerators, which are available in two options. The Halftime 4bonding plaster is perfect for patching or smaller repairs using gypsum bonding plaster. It speeds up the setting time to just 20 minutes.

The Halftime Plaster Accelerator works with all types of finishing plaster. It can reduce the setting time by up to 60 minutes, helping you finish your job in less time.

Mix the Plaster Correctly

Mixing plaster properly ensures it sets well and leaves a high quality finish. Always read and follow the manufacturers instructions on the plaster packaging, since different brands might have unique steps and ratios.

When you're ready to mix, pour the plaster powder into the water, not the other way around, to avoid lumping. Afterwards, stir the mixture well until it's smooth and creamy and the correct consistency for applying to the wall.

Apply the First Coat Quickly

Plaster can dry quickly, so you should apply the first coat before it starts to harden. Begin at the top of the wall and move downward for flawless plaster application.

When spreading the plaster, use even strokes and keep the layer about 2 millimetres thick. Doing so will create a smooth base for the next coat and ensure a perfectly smooth finish.

Wait and Apply the Second Coat

After you lay the first coat of plaster, you need to let it sit for a little while. The duration can differ depending on the finishing plaster and accelerator you're using. Once the first coat feels firm but slightly damp, your wall is ready for the next application.

Your second plaster layer should be thinner than the first, ideally about 1 millimetre thick. Use your trowel to spread the plaster in smooth, sweeping motions, and try to keep the surface flat and even.

Plastering Tips: Master How to Plaster a Wall Quickly

Are you looking for ways to plaster your walls quickly without making costly mistakes? Here are some helpful tips.

Work Smart in Warm and Dry Rooms

When working in a warm and dry room, your plastering mix will naturally dry faster than usual, which can be an advantage. However, you will also have less time to spread the mixture and even it out. If you're not quick enough, the plaster will dry too soon, leaving imperfections, cracks, or a rough finish.

Work in small sections, gain more control over your application and mix smaller batches so your plaster stays fresh while you use it.

On a warm day you can open the windows to speed up the setting process, however this needs to be done with caution as very warm air blowing over the surface can cause crazing. If you don't want to further speed up the setting process keep windows closed and consider using a fan.

Keep Your Tools Clean

Old dried plaster stuck to your tools can scratch the new plaster and make your wall look messy. It may also slow you down and cause you to waste products. Always clean your tools, especially your trowel, before you start the application process and after finishing each layer.

The precaution will help you spread your mix smoothly and save time you would spend fixing plastering mistakes.

Use the Right Plastering Techniques

The plastering technique you choose will affect your speed and the quality of the finish. The top options to consider are:

• The flattening pass

• Cross trowelling

• Edge finishing

  
  

When you choose the flattening pass, you'll go over your first coat with your trowel after the application. It's ideal for creating a flat base for another layer, so you have a professional finish. Use the technique while the first layer of plaster is still slightly wet but firm.

Cross-trowelling involves moving the trowel in different directions to catch uneven spots and blend lines. You should also use it when your plaster is starting to set, but it's still workable.

Edge finishing will be a suitable plastering technique when you want clean, professional-looking corners and borders. You can use it at the end of each coat or in tight spots, like around windows and outlets.

Apply Plastering Best Practices With EazyMix

Mastering how to plaster a wall will save time and money while helping you avoid frustration. Prep your surface so the plaster adheres better, and choose the right mix. Further, use a plaster accelerator and apply coats using proper techniques to get the best results.

EazyMix has products to help you tailor the setting of your plaster finishes. All our products meet British and European standards and are verified by UKAS-accredited laboratories. Shop from our collection today.