PLASTERING - METHODOLOGY

1. CHECKS PRIOR TO START OF WORK

• Ensure all the checks after block work is compiled with.

• The blockwork should have been cured for 7 days and dry before plastering is started.

• Button mark the surface to be plastered keeping the bull min. 12mm plaster is the desired thickness. Distance of button marks should be within an aluminium straight edge length.

• Plastering mesh should be 8” wide and fixed rigidly before plastering on the junction between concrete and masonry surface with steel nails/wooden plug and nails. This strip has to be plastered and cured for minimum of 3 days before the entire wall is plastered.

• Get the plastering specifications like lime finish, trowel finish, sponge finish, rough plaster and zone of application clarified from architects.

• In case of external plaster grooves, it can be incorporated to break the day’s work without creating an uneven joint. The proposal should be cleared for aesthetics from architect.

• Do not plaster for a thickness of more than 15mm. In case it is required, the plastering should be done in 2 coats. The first layer applied should be cured for a day before applying the subsequent coats.

• Cement of 43 grade OPC within 90 days old, Sand - FM 2 to 2.2, clean, fine silt content low (<5%) and potable water should be used for mixing mortar.

• All surfaces in concrete should be hacked (80 hacks per sq. ft) before plastering.

2. CHECKS DURING PLASTERING

• All surfaces to be plastered must be wet to prevent absorption of water from plaster. 

• Mix shall be generally CM 1:4 for ceiling and 1:6 for wall plastering.

• Mix mortar on MS sheet using Farma for volumetric batching and measure mortar to mix for consistency

• Mix thoroughly for uniform mix and the CM should be used within ½ to 1 hour of the mix.

• After plastering check the surface for undulations using halogen lamps. Yellow light thrown on the plastered wall from one-side shows undulations, if any, rectify immediately while the plaster is still fresh. All cutouts such as fan, junction box, electrical box and skirting line should be finished to perfection.

• Grooves and mortar bands should be given while plaster is wet.

• If lime rendering or punning is required, do it within 3 to 4 hour of setting of cement mortar after plastering.

• Write down the date of work in paint on the element for plastering, concrete & monitor the curing accordingly.

3. CARE TO BE TAKEN AFTER PLASTERING

• Cure the works for a minimum of 10 days. Write the date of plastering on the wall/ceiling with permanent marker.

• All mortar spillage stuck to walls, floor and MS works shall be cleared after the day’s work.

4. INSPECTION METHODOLOGY

Internal Plaster

• Check of smooth finish using spirit levels for undulations, cracks and evenness/ straightness in vertical and horizontal directions

• Ensure plastered surface is cured for entire recommended period

• Ensure the 1 metre level markings are made along all walls. Measure the ceiling from this level – it should be even at all points. [Check for ceiling plaster]

• Ensure plastering/ POP thickness is even at all points during plastering.
• Ensure the bull marking tiles are removed. 

External Plaster

•   Employment of specialized trowels to obtain different structural finishes for the external plastering

•    No undulations and unevenness by using spirit level
•    Ensure all plastered surfaces are cured for entire recommended period