Plastering Process

Hume Cement
 OBJECTIVES
1. To find out properties of plaster preferred by
consumers
2. To identify tools and materials used in
plastering process
3. To point out the method of doing a plastering
work.
4. Summarization
 INTRODUCTION
Plastering process is defined in various definition.
Mostly, it will be considered as a 3-layered
plasters with different methods and plasters for
each layer. However, in this presentation, focus
will be on the plastering process of the first layer,
which is the base layer.
This presentation will cover about cement plaster,
the most commonly used plasters around the
world.
 PROPERTIES OF PLASTER
Durable - Resistance to moisture penetration. Plaster
serves as a protective layer, which prohibit water
particle from penetrating through the layer, and thus
causing cracks between the layers.
Workable Enough water inside mixture of cement
and sand. Water used must be drinkable, free from
chloride and impurities. Workable plaster will able to
cover all irregular surface of the brick wall, increasing
bonding surface area, thus improving bond strength
between wall and plaster.
*Ratio of mixture:
* Source: http://www.rdso.indianrailways.gov.in/ & http://www.muralist.org/fresco/plastering.html
 PROPERTIES OF PLASTER
Situation Ratio (C/A) Thickness (mm)
Internal wall 1:6 10 - 15
External wall 1:4
Drainage 1:3 13
Septic Tank, Reservoir 1:2 19

Thickness Suitable range. Too thin, the plaster will have a weak strength,
and higher probability for penetration of water particles. Too thick, will
result in heavier plaster, which could result in falling off plaster before it
reach setting time. Also, thicker plaster will use more cement, and thus is
not economical.
Adequate/acceptable setting time Around 1 to 3 hours (initial setting
time). Provides time space for worker to plaster the wall in time, without
compromising on the quality of the plaster. Too soon, the plaster will start
to lose plasticity before worker manage to paste it onto the wall. Too late,
it will consume time, and restrict some follow-up work such as secondary
finishing plaster, or painting job. Also, it might get damaged, if the plaster
situated outside, caused by weather such as sudden rain, storm and other
possible things that could occur.
 TOOLS AND MATERIALS USED
TOOLS
1. Plasterers Trowel Tools to scoop the plaster, and apply it
to the wall.
2. The Hawk To hold or act as small reservoir for the
plaster, while plasterer applies it to the wall.
3. Large bucket For mixing of plaster to take place
4. Mixer For mixing purpose. Better if it is an electric
motorized mixer, for a better mixing process.
5. Angle - bending For a much easier and neater corner
6. Scrapper - To roughen the plastered surface for
preparation of finishing plaster (Sometimes, workers tend
to use their trowel to roughen the plaster applied)
 ANGLE BENDING

TROWEL
ELECTRIC
MIXER

HAWK

BUCKET
 TOOLS AND MATERIALS USED
MATERIALS
1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
2. Water
3. Sand
4. Plasticizer (optional)
5. Lime powder
 PLASTERING METHOD

Preparation Finish
of tools (Treatment)

Preparation Applying
of plaster Plaster
 PLASTERING METHOD
1. Ensure the wall surface is clean and free from dust, and any loose part of
mortar/plaster from brick laying process. Sprinkle water over the surface to
ensure better sticking of the plaster.
2. Mix appropriate amount and ratio of cement with lime, water and sand. This
is done inside the bucket, with the help of the electric mixer.
3. Using trowel, scoop an amount of plaster which could be hold by the hawk.
4. Then collect half that amount from the hawk, onto the trowel, using a slice
(into the middle) and then a flick of the wrist to scoop it up, with the mortar
mixture facing upwards.
5. Then starting at the bottom of the wall, use nice and smooth strokes with
the trowel and press the mortar onto the wall and try and distribute the
plaster on the trowel evenly over a certain area.
6. Always keep that trowel at a slight angle when laying up (applying) plaster or
the trowel will stick in one spot on the wall, by the suction effect that the
wall has when the plaster is drying. (Suction defined as capillary suction)
 PLASTERING METHOD
7. Repeat the process with the other area until the wall is
fully covered with the plaster. Wall corners should be the
last to be plastered.
8. Allow the plaster to dry. Increase ventilation if possible,
such as opening windows for air to come in.
9. Scratching should be initiate after some hardness is
achieved within the plasters, usually within few hours, if
another layer of plaster (Usually finishing plaster) is needed.

Source: http://www.neverpaintagain.co.uk/
 DEFECT IN PLASTERING
Cracks: Appear on the plastered surface in the form of hair cracks
or wider cracks. Its due to old surface is not properly dressed,
bad workman ship, and due to expansion and shrinkage in plaster
coat during drying.
Efflorescence: Some time soluble salts are present in plaster
making materials or bricks. They appear on the plastered surface
in whitish patches and produced ugly appearance. It may remove
by brushing and washing the surface several times.
Blistering of plastered surface: Small patches swell out beyond
the plastered surface like boils.
Falling out of plaster: Due to excessive thermal variation in
plaster, Inadequate bonding between coats of plaster, and due to
imperfect adhesion of the plaster to the background.
 PREVENTION METHOD
Cracking Continuous damping of plaster, in order to slow
down any rapid drying, to prevent cracking from happening.
Blistering Usually caused by uneven mixing of plaster,
which could be prevented by ensuring a sufficient mixing
between cement and its components to form plaster.
Falling out of plaster Thermal variation could be minimized
my the means of water sprinkling method on the surface of
the wall to reduce excessive thermal differences. For the
case of inadequate bonding, it can be prevented by ensuring
the plaster are plastic enough (workable) to stick into the
wall. Imperfect adhesion could be minimized by the act of
good workmanship/carpentership. Ensure to apply enough
pressure to the plaster while plastering, to ensure the plaster
mortar goes into any deep irregular surface, and cover any
holes as much as possible.
 CONCLUSION
Some main properties of plaster that was
highlighted by consumers are the durability,
workability, thickness, and setting time.
Also, the tools and materials used in plastering
process was listed.
In addition, the method to do plastering was
explained.
Finally, the problem for common plastering
process and their suggested solution.
Thank You!