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Plastering

The process of plastering walls has been used in building construction and renovation for hundreds of years.

The method of using backing plaster with a skim coat is today generally only used for property renovation as new build houses typically use plasterboard for dry lining walls.

One of the most common reasons for carrying out plastering work in old houses during renovation is to complete a course of damp proof treatment. Whether one is treating rising damp or waterproofing basement walls the direct bonding of plasterboard on walls prone to dampness should be avoided unless an air-gap membrane is used to create a physical barrier between the wall and the plasterboard.

When plastering after the insertion of a new damp course it is important to use either a renovating plaster mix that has been specially formulated for the purpose or, if using backing render with a skim coat, a waterproofing admixture that permits evaporation of water vapour but inhibits the movement of salts.

Waterproof plastering, used for example to hold back dampness in below ground areas, basements and cellars, is more commonly referred to as tanking.  Tanking slurry is generally sandwiched between a dense render coat and top coat of renovating plaster.

Tips for plastering damp proofed walls above ground

  • Use renovating plaster or two coats of backing plaster with waterproof additive topped with a skim coat or
  • Use a mesh faced damp proof membrane having an air gap and either plaster or dot and dab plasterboard on top

Tips for plastering basement, cellar or below ground walls

  • Use tanking slurry sandwiched between a dense render coat and top coat of renovating plaster or
  • Use a fully sealed cavity drain membrane system and either plaster, dot and dab or dry line on top (drainage may be required).

Plastering requires a great deal of skill to get a pleasing finish.  Dry lining with plasterboards require less skill, though the final coat or top coat of plaster, or skim, can still be tricky for DIY enthusiasts

7 items
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Renovating Plaster

Renovating Plaster

A lightweight renovating plaster pre-mix with perlite, fibres & water repellent additives. For use following damp proof treatments or in conjunction with cementitious tanking coatings. 20KG
Price excl. VAT
£22.63
Price incl. VAT
£27.16
Universal Mortar

Universal Mortar

Universal mortar is fibre reinforced. It cures rapidly to produce a high performance levelling coat, cementitious render and profiling mortar. Sold in 25kg bags.
Price excl. VAT
£23.05
Price incl. VAT
£27.66
NMD High Impact Plaster

NMD High Impact Plaster

No More Damp High Impact Plaster finish ia highly durable providing a long-lasting finish over Renovation Plaster. Used as part of a re-plastering system following the installation of a damp-proof course. Sold in 25kg bags .
Price excl. VAT
£22.50
Price incl. VAT
£27.00
Render Additive

Render Additive

A waterproofing additive for use in sand & cement renders following damp-proof injection treatment. An essential part of effective chemical damp proofing. 5 Litres
Price excl. VAT
£20.95
Price incl. VAT
£25.14
SBR

SBR

SBR is a liquid latex admixture that improves the characteristics of cement mixes such as render, screed and mortar and can be used as a bonding primer to improve adhesive characteristcs 5L
Price excl. VAT
£20.95
Price incl. VAT
£25.14
SBR Latex Bonding Additive

SBR Latex Bonding Additive

SBR bonding additive that has been modified to improve the properties of render, screed and mortar mixes. A liquid latex formulation - compatible with cementitious materials. 25L
Price excl. VAT
£73.50
Price incl. VAT
£88.20
Tanking Membrane

Tanking Membrane

A cost effective high density polyethylene tanking membrane with 3mm studs formed on one face of the product and a mesh welded to the other side. Available at a special trade price in a 1m x 10m , 1m x 20m or 2m x 20m roll
Price excl. VAT
£48.00
Price incl. VAT
£57.60