Professional plastering: flawless finishes for your walls

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When it comes to enhancing your home, the importance of quality plastering cannot be overstated. It not only adds aesthetic value but also provides a solid base for paint and wallpaper. Whether you are renovating or starting from scratch, achieving flawless finishes is essential. In this article, we will delve into the different plastering services available to you and, crucially, explore the techniques professionals employ to ensure your walls are not just functional but truly visually stunning.

What about plastering services?

Professional plastering encompasses various services aimed at creating smooth and even surfaces. From the delicate art of skimming to the robust application of rendering, each service plays an essential role in the overall look and longevity of your walls and ceilings. Let’s explore these services and the professional touch that elevates them.

Skimming: the art of creating a glass-like surface

Skimming is a technique used to provide a flawless, almost glass-like finish to your walls and ceilings. This process involves applying one or two thin layers of finishing plaster over existing surfaces, be it old plaster, plasterboard, or even textured walls.

Professionals meticulously prepare the surface by ensuring it’s clean, dry, and primed for optimal adhesion. They then use specialized trowels and techniques to apply the plaster evenly, working it to eliminate any imperfections and achieve a perfectly smooth and polished look, ready for painting or wallpapering. The key to a professional skim lies in the plasterer’s ability to control the consistency of the mix and apply it with consistent pressure and movement.

Boarding: laying a strong and even foundation

Before any plastering can take place, a strong and even foundation is paramount. Boarding involves the precise installation of plasterboard sheets, creating a reliable and stable backdrop for subsequent plastering work.

Professional plasterers ensure boards are securely fixed, with joints taped and filled using joint compound. This crucial step minimizes the risk of cracking later on. They understand the importance of staggering joints and using the correct fixings to create a seamless and robust surface ready for skimming. This meticulous preparation is what distinguishes a professional boarding job.

Rendering: protecting and beautifying your exterior

Rendering provides a durable and attractive finish to your exterior walls, protecting your property from the elements while enhancing its curb appeal. This service involves the application of high-quality render, often in multiple coats, to create a weatherproof and aesthetically pleasing surface.

Professionals understand the different types of render available (e.g., sand and cement, acrylic, silicone) and choose the best option based on the property’s location and the desired finish. They employ techniques like scratch coats and topcoats, ensuring proper drying times and using specialized tools to achieve the desired texture and a long-lasting, protective layer.

A well-rendered wall, applied by a professional, can significantly extend the life of the building and enhance its visual appeal.

professionnal-plasteringWhy choose professional plastering? The expertise advantage

Investing in professional plastering services comes with numerous advantages that go beyond simply applying plaster. Here are some compelling reasons to consider engaging skilled plasterers:

  • Ensures a truly high-quality finish: Professionals possess the skills and experience to achieve a level of smoothness and evenness that DIY attempts often cannot match.

  • Provides durable and long-lasting results: Correct preparation and application techniques ensure the plasterwork withstands the test of time, protecting your investment.

  • Delivers a solid foundation for decoration: A professionally plastered surface ensures paint and wallpaper adhere properly and look their best.

  • Enhances the overall value of your property: Flawless walls and ceilings significantly contribute to the perceived quality and value of your home.

  • Saves time and reduces the risk of costly mistakes: Professionals work efficiently and know how to avoid common pitfalls, saving you time, money, and frustration.

  • Access to specialized tools and materials: Professionals have the right tools and access to high-quality plastering materials that may not be readily available to the general public.

  • Expertise in handling complex situations: Experienced plasterers can tackle uneven walls, intricate designs, and other challenging plastering scenarios with confidence.

Cost comparison of plastering services

Understanding the costs associated with plastering can help you make more informed decisions. Below is a simple comparison of common plastering services. Keep in mind that these are average costs and can vary based on location, the complexity of the job, and the specific materials used.

Service Type

Average cost per m²

Includes

Professional Techniques Highlighted

Skimming

$8 – $12

Preparation and application of finishing layer

Surface preparation (cleaning, priming), plaster mixing consistency, even application with specialized trowels, techniques for eliminating imperfections.

Boarding

$20 – $30

Installation of plasterboard

Precise fixing, staggering of joints, taping and filling with joint compound to prevent cracking, ensuring a level surface for skimming.

Rendering

$25 – $35

Application of protective exterior layer

Selection of appropriate render type, multi-coat application (scratch coat, topcoat), achieving desired texture, ensuring proper drying times for durability and weather resistance.

 

Professional plastering services are indispensable for achieving truly flawless finishes for your walls and ceilings. By entrusting your plastering needs to skilled professionals, you benefit not only from their expertise in techniques like meticulous skimming, robust boarding, and protective rendering but also from their commitment to quality and lasting results. Their know-how ensures that every surface is meticulously prepared and finished to perfection, transforming your house into a home with stunning, durable walls.

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