How to do the finishing plastering of walls for painting with your own hands

Plaster finishing is a crucial step in getting walls ready for painting. When carried out properly, it results in a level, smooth surface that enhances appearance and promotes better paint adhesion for a longer-lasting finish. Although it may appear like a task best left to experts, you can accomplish professional-quality results on your own with the correct equipment and careful attention to detail.

We’ll walk you through every step of the procedure in this guide, from priming your walls to adding the last coat of plaster. Whether you’re painting a newly constructed space or remodeling an old one, these steps will help you quickly prepare your walls for paint.

We’ll go over the fundamentals, like what supplies you’ll need, how to properly mix plaster, and how to apply it smoothly. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have the skills necessary to confidently tackle finishing plastering and turn your walls into the ideal painting surface.

Requirements for the quality of the surface before painting

  • to rid surfaces of the old peeling coating;
  • to eliminate unevenness, distortions and roughness of the wall;
  • to seal seams and cracks;
  • to increase resistance to temperature changes outside and to humidity;
  • to strengthen thin walls, increase their strength.

The thin layer of paint that remains on the surface replicates even the tiniest imperfections, such as depressions or bulges. As a result, there are strict standards for wall plastering quality. You can paint the surfaces yourself or call in professional finishers to decorate the space.

  • seal and level all cracks;
  • smooth out uneven surfaces;
  • clean from dirt, dust and grease;
  • prime and dry the surface;
  • remove drips and marks from the trowel.

A preliminary coat of wall plaster will assist in reaching this state.

What is needed to level the walls for painting

Setting up the right instruments and supplies is essential before plastering the walls in preparation for painting.

  • a container for mixing the solution;
  • a stepladder;
  • rags;
  • a trash can;
  • a spatula;
  • a float;
  • a rule;
  • sandpaper;
  • a brush;
  • personal protective equipment.
  • primer;
  • ready-made plaster solution or dry plaster mix (starting and finishing);
  • reinforcing mesh (if necessary) to strengthen the plaster layer;
  • masking tape.

In the unlikely event that the prepared solution is not used promptly and dries out, it is advised to prepare all materials with a small reserve (up to 10%).

Before painting, finishing plastering walls is an easy task that you can do on your own if you have the necessary equipment and a little perseverance. To achieve a perfect finish, the most important steps are to prepare the surface, apply a base coat, and then smooth out the final layer. By carefully following these instructions, you can guarantee that your walls are perfectly level and prepared for painting, giving your space a polished appearance without having to pay for assistance.

Which mixtures are better to use

There is a wide variety of mixtures available in construction stores that are meant for plastering walls before painting. Their composition, purpose, and application and preparation features vary.

Gypsum mixture

  • light and safe;
  • economical to use;
  • has good sound and heat insulation;
  • easy to apply and dries quickly, leaving a smooth surface;
  • a good microclimate is created in the room after processing with this material, the walls absorb moisture and do not give it back.

In accordance with the included instructions, dilute the dry gypsum mixture with water. The solution is thoroughly mixed with a construction mixer to avoid lumps.

Gypsum has some drawbacks in addition to its benefits.

  • This mixture can only be used if the plastering for painting is carried out inside the building;
  • It cannot be used in a bathroom with high humidity;
  • High cost;
  • Low frost resistance;
  • You need to mix a small portion, because. . The mixture hardens quickly on the wall.

Cement composition

It’s a more reasonably priced composition. They purchase premium cement and combine it with water and sand. Producers have the option to incorporate elements into the final blend that enhance the material’s water-repellent qualities and plasticity.

The walls in the kitchen, basement, and other high-humidity areas can be treated with the cement composition. It is also appropriate for exterior building decoration.

  • Moisture-resistant;
  • frost-resistant;
  • durable.

Cement plaster’s lengthy drying period (at least 12 hours) is a drawback. Additionally, you will need to wait at least three weeks for the wall finish to become as durable as possible.

Polymer mixtures

This substance is primarily used to finish plaster, which is then painted on both interior and external surfaces. Synthetic components and artificial resins are used in the production of polymer mixtures.

  • acrylic;
  • silicone;
  • silicate;
  • siloxane.

  • homogeneous – the main component contains small grains;
  • relief – medium or small grains;
  • rough – large grains.
  • high strength at any ambient temperature;
  • the composition does not contain harmful additives;
  • universal, it can be used to treat internal and external walls.
  • the surface must be very smooth before plastering;
  • high cost.

Plaster for painting: work technology

Processing is done in a specific order. After the walls are ready, the surfaces are coated with the mixture. After that, they are puttied, primed once more, and thoroughly dried. Painting the walls can only begin once all the preparatory steps are finished.

Surface preparation

Extra care should be taken with this process. The old coating is entirely removed if it was of very low quality. The deficiencies are fixed if the damage is only partial.

First things first, you must remove all of the room’s furniture and belongings. Plastic film is used to cover the floor, windows, doors, and non-removable objects. Sockets and switches are disassembled and the wiring is de-energized if needed.

The walls are cleaned of any old wallpaper, paint, or whitewash, and any damaged plaster.

Special techniques are employed to eliminate any rusty or fungal patches present on the previous layer. Examine the walls closely, note any flaws, and, if required, enlarge any cracks.

Using a rag, dust is removed from the walls once all flaws have been fixed. In order to fully dry each layer, primer is applied twice, with breaks in between.

Plastering on beacons

There are two methods of preparation that can be used to smooth the surface of the walls: plastering on beacons or installing drywall. Auxiliary planes are installed for beacons, passing through the upper sides of the beacon strips.

After applying the prepared solution to the area in between the installed beacons, a leveling rule is used to smooth out the plaster. The coating and the beacon strip’s upper side should line up.

Following the application of the primary plaster layer, the strips are taken off, the voids that are left behind are filled with the mixture, and the surface is leveled.

Which putty is better to use

The walls have a rough, rather than smooth, appearance after plastering. After staining, tiny pores will become apparent. Putty can be used to align the walls. The putty mixture has a beginning and an end in its composition.

You can buy finished mixture or dry putty at a construction supply store.

  • cement;
  • gypsum;
  • Polymer.

Using polymer putty is advised because it is more resilient, elastic, and plastic-like.

Putty

Trim installation is likewise done in phases. If a dry mixture is purchased, it has first been thinned out to the consistency of sour cream. The putty will not drain from the ward once it is finished. It is best to dilute the starting mixture in small amounts, t. To. She becomes hard as nails.

When the primer is fully dry, the putty is applied to the wall surface using a spatula. Every new layer is put on with at least 5 centimeters of overlap with the one before it. Use a corner spatula to process corners.

Once the starting mixture has dried completely, the finishing putty is applied. After all surfaces have dried completely, at least 12 hours pass before surface sanding begins.

The final stage of preparation for painting

Special smoothness is not achieved when painting with textured paints. If a glossy finish is required for the walls, surface sanding is required. Sanding can be done by hand using sandpaper or with specialized discs.

After all the preparation work is finished and the surfaces are dry, the walls can either be vacuum-cleaned to remove dust or wet cleaned using a gentle cloth.

Step Description
1. Prepare the Wall Clean the wall from dust, dirt, and old paint. Fill any cracks or holes with filler and let it dry completely.
2. Apply Primer Use a primer to ensure better adhesion of the plaster to the wall. Allow it to dry fully before moving to the next step.
3. Mix the Plaster Follow the instructions on the plaster package to mix it properly. The consistency should be smooth and free of lumps.
4. Apply the Plaster Using a trowel, apply the plaster in thin, even layers. Start from the top and work your way down, smoothing it out as you go.
5. Smooth the Surface Once the plaster is applied, use a float or a wet sponge to smooth the surface, ensuring there are no bumps or uneven areas.
6. Let it Dry Allow the plaster to dry completely, which may take several hours to a day, depending on the thickness.
7. Sand the Wall After drying, lightly sand the surface to remove any imperfections and create a smooth base for painting.
8. Apply Another Primer Before painting, apply another coat of primer to seal the plaster and prepare the surface for paint.

Although plastering your walls in preparation for painting may seem like a difficult undertaking, done correctly, it can be a rewarding and economical process. You’ll be laying the foundation for a smooth and long-lasting finish by taking the time to prepare the surface, mix the plaster properly, and apply it evenly.

After you’ve gotten the hang of the fundamentals, the process is pretty simple. Patience and meticulous attention to detail are essential when working with freshly painted walls or restoring an older surface. This guarantees that the walls are precisely primed to hold the color and highlight your labor of love when it comes time to paint.

You can be proud of the outcome and have control over the finish quality when you do the plastering yourself. Additionally, you’ll avoid paying the fees that come with hiring a professional. Just keep in mind to prepare all of your tools ahead of time, pay close attention to each step, and take your time drying between layers.

Plastering your walls is ultimately more than just getting ready to paint. It’s about picking up a useful skill that you can apply to other projects in the future. You can attain a flawless, level surface that enhances the appearance of the final coat of paint with some practice.

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Andrey Ivanov

Experienced civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing in the construction of industrial and civil facilities. Author of many publications in professional journals.

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