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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Sep 12
If you have just had a new drywall built, the finishing off is easy enough to do yourself – assuming of course you have the basic know-how. However if you are still to build your drywall, you need look no further than Mr-Skill, where you can find a plastering and drywall expert to do the job for you perfectly. A drywall is an easy and neat way of partitioning or dividing a given area, and if space permits, you could gain an extra room by planning carefully.
Finishing Your Drywall 
Once your new wall is complete, you will need to sand it to provide a smooth and perfect surface for later painting or wallpapering. Wet sanding is far preferable to dry, simply because of all the dust and mess the latter method creates. In fact, one of our regular London plastering and drywall specialists far prefers the wet method of sanding as it makes for a much cleaner and healthier environment too. Let’s see what is involved:
- The first step is to pop down to your local hardware supplier and buy a sponge specifically designed for the wet sanding process. It’s not that expensive, but it is manufactured with an abrasive edge for sanding purposes, while the flip side is a sponge for wiping sludge away.
- Once you have your sponge, you need to dampen it, but don’t saturate it in water because this will quickly soak into the plaster surface which will make life very difficult if not impossible. The aim is to moisten the sponge just enough to gather the sand and dust effectively.
Wringing the Sponge
As you work, you will notice that your sponge is gathering increasing amounts of powdery residue from the drywall, so you will need to wring it out quite regularly. The wringing process maintains a clean and clear sponge face for further wet sanding work. Don’t forget to re-moisten the sponge after wringing it!
Message form our Sponsors! 
If this is all sounding too difficult or messy you could also get a plastering and dry wall quote from one of the many members signed up with Mr-Skill. Remember to ask for that special discount too!
Clean up Time!
Whether you are doing the wet sanding yourself, or using one of Mr-Skill’s experts, be sure to clean up properly when finished. Use a facemask and rubber gloves to protect your face and hands. Hopefully, you remembered to cover furniture and electrical appliances to prevent them from becoming dirty!
Tags: basics, design, drywall, dust, find a plastering and drywall expert, furniture, gloves, hardware, london plastering and drywall specialist, manufacturer, planning, plasterer, plastering expert, plastering-and-drywall quote, process, sanding, space, specialist, sponge, surface
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Jul 25
Once you have installed two drywalls meeting at right angles to each other, you are going to need to finish the join where they meet at the ceiling, using flexible correctly mitred cornice lengths. Cornice (or coving) of course comes in many shapes and sizes and is even available in easy-to-use light-weight polystyrene these days. This attention to detail will not only finish off the job nicely, it covers up ugly gaps and imperfections too. 
What You’ll Need
- Sandpaper
- Jointing compound to bond the cornice
- Putty knife
- Cleaning cloth
- Suitable lengths of cornice with correct mitre angle
Although not a difficult job, we are of course assuming that your drywalls are in place and that it’s just a matter of adding the ceiling trim to hide the gaps and join-lines.
Been There, Done That!
Fred is one of our long-standing London plasterers, and he always cringes when he receives an enquiry to quote on a plastering job that’s a botch up. While Fred appreciates that there are a number of very able-bodied DIY-types around, he also knows that finishing the gaps where wall meets ceiling is a skill that takes time to master.
Finishing First
You’ll need to smooth any rough edges on the drywall sheets by sanding them finely. Then, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove the dust and dirt. Allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly.
Time to Glue 
Read the instructions on the bonding agent carefully and then apply as required to the inward-face of the cornice. Remember to run the glue right across the corner – that’s where the two cornice lengths will interlock neatly.
Mounting the Cornice
After observing any recommended waiting time for the bonding agent to dry, mount the cornice in position and press down gently across the full length. Wipe off any surplus glue. Once the glue has dried, you can fine-sand the surface prior to painting.
Call in the Experts
Here at Mr-Skill we fully understand that not everybody is DIY-minded, and may very well need professional help with such jobs. No problem at all, because that is the name of our game. So, rather find a plasterer with minimum fuss, and the good news is that we have some eye-catching specials running right at this moment too. You could even get as much as 30% off, but hurry!
Tags: bonding compound, ceiling, clean, cornice, dirt, drywalls, dust, find a plasterer, gaps, glue, london plasterer, mitre, paint, plaster, plastering quote, rough edges, smooth, specials, wall
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Jun 11
When it comes to rendering finishes, there are a number to choose from and you need to decide which is the most suitable for your purposes. Starting at the top, ceiling plaster and skimming is probably the most difficult finish to perfect, and that’s simply down to gravity and the fact that a fibrous ceiling plasterer works upside down.
The good news is that Mr-Skill has many plasterers on board as members, and we carefully screen them before we let them join up. So you need look no further – find a plastering-and-drywall specialist right here on this website.
Artex Ceiling Plaster
Have you ever wondered how the expert ceiling plasterer manages to achieve that stippled effect on your ceilings? In truth, the textured finish that we call the artex-look arrived on the scene simply because it required little skill to apply. It was hugely popular in the 1970’s and 1980’s. One drawback with the artex finish is that repairs and seam-matching are virtually impossible.
Plain Plastered Ceilings
Just about anyone can plaster a ceiling – that is after a good deal of practice and establishing a rhythm! Basically it’s much the same as wall plastering, except you are working upside down too. Success lies in the plaster mix and then the correct application. Run your float across the ceiling board in smooth, even strokes, and don’t apply it too thick, because there is a good chance the plaster will crack as it dries. If that all sounds complicated, rather get a plastering-and-drywall quote right here on Mr-Skill.
Drywall Plaster
Not as easy as it looks on that video! Again, it takes practice and there’s a definite technique involved too. If at first you don’t succeed…well, if you manage to botch up you can remove it all, and start all over again.
It’s In the Finish
One of Mr-Skill’s regular London plasterers tells us a little about the various plaster options: 
Browning Plaster – So called because of its colour, this is the initial plaster coat applied directly over an underlying structure of brick or masonry, and is quite thick as a coating.
Bonding Plaster – As the name suggests, this is an adhesive coat applied to the underlying structure in preparation for the final finishing plaster coat.
Finishing Plaster – This is the top plaster coat that produces that silky smooth finish. Typically, it is thin in application, to enable final skimming for that million-pound look!
With all these choices and different skills, isn’t it nice to know that you could save up to 25% on regular plastering rates with Mr-Skill, and not have to spend a penny to benefit?
Tags: application, artex ceiling, bonding plaster, brrowning plaster, ceiling, coat, find plastering-and-drywall specialists, finishing plaster, float, londonplasterer-and-drywall expert, plaster mix, plastering-and-drywall quote, renderers, rendering, rythm, silky finish, smooth finish, wall
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on May 09
Here at Mr-Skill, we aim to promote skilled tradespeople. We also like to provide useful tips for the DIY lobby. Drywall finishing is certainly not the easiest job to get right on your own. It takes a lot of practice to get that professional look, and it is not as easy as it may seem.
It’s all about eye-to-hand coordination, and just as some folk are better at kicking a football, others simply cannot get plastering right. Drywall plastering really is an accomplished skill, and quite frankly we suggest you find a plastering and drywall specialist right here on Mr-Skill.  Leave this one to the professionals, and enjoy their handiwork.
Drywall plastering is a messy job at the best of times. Dan – he’s a regular London plasterer and drywall expert – is going to offer a couple of really valuable tips for those brave enough to tackle this job themselves right here. Over to Dan then!
“Drywall plastering is literally a touchy / feely process,” says Dan, “and this skill takes time to acquire. Rather like driving, you need to practice under genuine road conditions. So too with drywall finishing – you have to develop a feel for certain tools, as well as know how to mix a perfect compound for joint covering.
“It all starts with the correct hanging job in the first place, says Dan. ”Your drywall has to be dead-flush against the wall and ceiling joints. Each screw hole should be countersunk to the precise depth, so as not to tear the drywall paper. You should also use sufficient fasteners there.
“As a guide, I insist on a screw every sixteen inches along the walls, and each twelve inches along ceilings.  I allow a quarter-inch gap on corner and other joints, although I try to aim for a flush seam where possible”.
Moving on to the compound, Dan says that “most folk mix in a bucket or basin and end up with plaster that’s too stiff for use. You need to add sufficient water to make the mix the same consistency as creamy sponge cake icing. And it has to be lump-free for obvious reasons too. Don’t be tempted to over-whip the mix, as you will introduce too much air. This will show as tiny air bubbles in the application. Try to mix it gently and thoroughly”.
That’s as far as Dan is prepared to go with his secret-sharing. He feels passionate about his work and would far rather see you getting a plastering and drywall quote and a professional job.
Tags: ceiling, compound, counter-sink, fasteners, find a plastering-and-drywall specialist, hanging, joints, london plasterer-and-drywall expert, mix, plaster, plastering-and-drywall quote, screws, seams, walls, washers
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Apr 12
Most of the internal brick surfaces in our homes these days are plaster-finished. This allows many options when it comes to choosing the final decorative touch, such as papering, tiling or even simply painting. As with any DIY task, achieving a smooth finish comes with practice. It may pay you to find a plasterer and see how they go about plastering your wall first – sort of paying for your education in a way!
The plaster mix is as important as having the right equipment. It is well worth investing in a good set of plasterer’s tools, especially if you plan to do several jobs. A good start point is always planning and preparation. Make sure the surface is clean and properly prepared to receive the plaster. Remove any loose material, and clean off dust with a damp cloth. If you are getting nervous about what lies ahead, consider getting a plaster quote from Mr-Skill instead. 
Now, you are ready to start the job. Begin by mixing the quantity of plaster-mix you will need in a plastic bucket or a basin, following the maker’s instructions carefully. Adding the plaster to the water helps prevent lumps and air pockets forming. Use a wooden spoon or paddle to mix to the right consistency. Apply clean water with a block brush to dampen the surface you are about to plaster – this assists greatly with the bonding process.
Load up your trowel and apply the mix to the wall surface, keeping the tool at an angle to spread it easily. Using a strong upward stroke, flatten the angle of the trowel to the wall as you work. After the surface has semi-dried out, apply a long ruler or straightedge to the surface to level it, beginning at the bottom and working from side to side and upwards. 
When the plaster coat has dried solid, scan for any hollows or imperfections from your first attempt, and fill them with fresh plaster before levelling off again. You may need to repeat this process several times until you get the hang of it. The final skin of plaster should be left to stiffen and almost dry before sanding smooth.
Here’s a useful tip from one of our London plasterers – always rinse your bucket thoroughly before mixing fresh batches. This will prevent lumps of old dry plaster getting into your new mix. Don’t forget to clean up nicely when finished!
Tags: basin, block brush, brush, bucket, cracks, DIY, find a plasterer, london plasterer, mix, paint, paper, plaster, plaster quote, plasterer, rule, skin, smooth, straightedge, tiles, walls, wet
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Feb 01
Damp is an on-going problem in many homes in Britain, and that’s not just in the older ones either. Water, especially when forced by wind can find its way inside an outside wall through the tiniest of cracks. After the leak is fixed, it’s time to Find a Plasterer to fix the evidence that alerted us to the damp in the first place.
The Problem
The water has leached the cement away leaving weakened plaster that will eventually come off. The only solution is to hack it out and replace it. You have a choice, though. You could Ask Mr-Skill to Arrange a Plaster Quote, or you could have a go at it yourself.
 Repair Stage One
You have to get rid of the damaged plaster at least a foot above any visible damage or residual salts. If the damp was low down, then you must in any case remove the plaster to three feet above floor level. Brush away every grain of loose material. Complete the job with a vacuum cleaner – you may wish to do this when the wife is out shopping.
Repair Stage Two
This is a tip a London Plasterer taught me years ago. Put on a pair of disposable latex gloves. Make a slurry of cement powder and water with a cup of bonding liquid added – the final consistency should be like runny porridge. Brush this firmly over the space where the old plaster came out. This will allow the new plaster to adhere properly. Wash your hands and tools immediately. Allow the slurry to dry for a day.
Repair Stage Three
Make up a stiff plaster mix of 3-Parts sand to 1-Part cement. Apply this with a wide paint scraper or steel float across the entire surface roughly, and leave it alone for two hours to set. Apply a fresh mix of plaster that stands just proud of the surface. Work this off with a straight edge later the same day.  Leave the job to cure for a week.
Repair Stage Four
Apply a moist mix of Polyfilla over the entire surface. When it’s totally dry and the surface has gone a little powdery, finish the job off with an a sanding block or orbital sander, using medium-grit paper. After that, you are ready to decorate!
That’s all very well in theory, but do you really have the time to spend on this? If not, that’s where Mr-Skill comes in. We provide a matching service between customers and tradespeople. Unlike some others, we don’t add a penny to the cost of jobs.
Tags: adhere, bond, brush, cement, clean, consistency, crack, cure, damage, damp, dry, dust, exterior, find a plasterer, float, get rid of, glove, grit, hack, london plasterer, mix, orbital, outside, paint scraper, plaster, plaster quote, polyfilla, powder, remove, replace, salt, sand, scraper, set, slurry, stick, straight edge, tip, wall, water
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Jan 26
From time to time we find jobs posted in the wrong category on Mr-Skill. When this happens, we duplicate the listings in more appropriate categories. Plasterers are a case in point because decorators  attend to damaged plasterwork. We decided to clear up the confusion, and make it simpler to Find a Plasterer here.
The main job of plasterers is to mix, and then apply various types of plaster on internal walls and ceilings. From time to time they also coat outside walls with sand / cement render, pebble-dash, and stone-effects. Notice that plasterers do their work in bulk, and that there’s little point in asking for a Plastering Quote where it’s just a small repair.
Within these broad brush strokes, plasterers generally work in one of the following three sub-disciplines:
- Solid Plastering – Applying wet finishes to interior walls and ceilings, and sometimes pebble-dashed effects on outside walls
 Fibrous Plastering – Creating ornamental cornices and ceiling roses using special plaster reinforced with fibre
- Dry Lining – Installing interior drywalls on frames, for others to decorate later.
Larger firms, especially Plasterers in London may take on all three kinds of work.
Plasterers earn their wings in two different ways. Some learn by watching others and develop skills suited for straightforward jobs. The better ones hold qualifications like the City & Guilds (6217) Certificate in Basic Construction Skills (Plastering). It’s important to understand the difference in qualifications when assessing the quality of Plastering Quotes. This information is provided by Mr-Skill.
Tags: apply, ceiling, City and Guilds, cornice, damage, decorator, dry, dry lining, dry wall, drywall, exterior, fibrous, find a plasterer, interior, internal, mix, outside, painter, pebble dash, plaster, plasterer, plasterers in london, plastering quote, plasterwork, rose, solid, wall, wet
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Dec 05
After a builder installs a window, or a window fitter replaces one, there’s usually a gap between the window and the wall on either side. Experienced London Plasterers know how to close this in with rendering. In this article though, we focus on a more modern  technique that uses strips of plasterboard instead
This job is nominally within the target range of anybody who is good with their hands. It does require a fair degree of patience though, and those with delicate chests might prefer to avoid doing it on account of dust. Should you decide to go ahead yourself, then these are the essential steps:
- Cut sufficient strips of plasterboard to complete the job. lf the gap is deep, consider using several layers of board as opposed to balancing a single one on large blobs of glue, and being able to finish off the job immediately. When discussing Plastering Quotes you receive on Mr-Skill with bidders, find out how they propose to the job too.
- Apply proprietary dry-wall adhesive to the brickwork on one side of the window. Push a
 plasterboard strip into place using a square edge and spirit level to keep it true.
- Add further layers of strips using the same proprietary dry-wall adhesive, until you have built up to the desired level and flush with the window frame.
- Repeat the process on the other side. Now you can add the angle beading where your work interfaces with the wall, tidy up generally and redecorate.
Of course the third method would be to Find a Plasterer on Mr-Skill, and get on with something else that you’d prefer to do instead. We select contractors with extra-special care, to make sure that each and every trades person we introduce is the best.
To benefit from their expertise and brilliantly lower prices, all you need to do is to Post Your Job for free!
Tags: adhesive, angle, angle beading, bead, brickwork, builder, decorate, dust, find a plasterer, finish, flush, gap, glue, layer, level, london plasterers, new, patience, plaster board, plasterboard, plastering quote, process, push, repeat, replace, square, strip, tidy, wall, window, window fitter
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Sep 27
A visit to a Victorian building such as a Shopping Arcade or City Hall evokes admiration for the skill of plasterers of yesteryear. Embossed ceilings, covings and wall mouldings are all examples of a forgotten craft, and we doubt you’d Find a Plasterer to match them anywhere in the United Kingdom these days.
 Thanks to the modern magic of fibrous and even plastic imitations though, it is still possible to replicate their art, and here’s how you go about doing so.
• Start with something relatively simple like decoration around a door frame or a ceiling rose, and make sure that if you use a ladder, it will be secure and safe. If in any doubt at all, have someone hold the ladder for you.
• Purchase your moulding from your local hardware store. Before you do so, get all the answers that you need. Buy the adhesive the moulding manufacturer recommends, and do not skimp by choosing a cheap alternative instead.
• Have a friend hold the moulding in place back home, and move it around until you are satisfied about where it should go. Mark a pencil line all around the perimeter of the moulding so you know where to attach it later.
•  If the moulding is made of lightweight polystyrene or plastic then you may get away with simply gluing it in place (possibly temporarily secured with tiny nails or painters tape). If not, then you will need to create some type of elementary formwork to hold in position until the glue dries. If this sounds too complicated, perhaps you should Request a Plasterer Quote on Mr-Skill instead?
• Apply the adhesive to the moulding in a rippled manner to the density the instructions specify, and press it into place within the pencil line you drew. The secret is to get it right first time, and not to fiddle with it afterwards. Tidy up the adhesive when it is fully dry, and you are ready to decorate!
We have London Plasterers on Mr-Skill (and in all other areas too) who are on standby, and waiting to fit mouldings for you should you prefer. Our unique method of combining rated craftsmen with internal competition, is your assurance of best value for money anywhere.
Tags: adhesive, ceiling, coving, decorate, door, emboss, fibrous, find a plasterer, fit, fix, glue, line, london plasterer, moulding, nail, pencil, place, plasterer, plasterer quote, plastic, press, ripple, rose, skill, tape, victorian, wall
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Posted in Plastering & Drywall on Aug 09
After you remove outdated paneling from a room you may be horrified with what you find. This is especially likely to be the case if it was fitted over raw brickwork to save time and money. In this case you probably have  no choice but to Find a Plasterer at Mr-Skill. Here’s short description in layperson’s terms of what you are entitled to expect.
o Plaster has a way of getting into everything and is designed to stick to most things too. So do yourself a huge favour first. Present the plasterer with a few rolls of blue painter’s tape and a pair of sharp scissors you won’t mind spoiling. Then ask them to mask their work area off thoroughly before they start. Make sure their drop sheets are firmly taped into position too.
o Expect them to start plastering at the top of the wall and to work down. There are several reasons for this, including not messing on the work they have just done.  The first layer will have a rough finish to it but don’t worry – it’s just the base coat.
o An experienced London Drywall Builder may be able to apply the second plaster layer later the same day, while others may prefer to return the following morning. The job of this coat is to fill in all the hollows in the base coat. This may be sufficient, or a third final skim coat may be necessary.
After the plaster has dried out thoroughly you could finish off any imperfections with a light sanding. After that, it’s time to seal, undercoat and paint. It’s not as easy a job as it sounds though. May we recommend a few competitive Plastering Quotes on Mr-Skill instead? You may find that the extra cost was well worth your while, as you visualise what you had there before. Now how’s that for a fairly radical improvement.
Tags: base, brickwork, coat, drop sheet, dry, find a plasterer, finish, imperfection, job, layer, london drywall builder, mask, mess, money, paint, panel, plaster, plastering quote, raw, rough, sand, scissors, seal, skim, start, stick, tape, time, top, undercoat, work
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