Being newly '??skilled' (I say this lightly) I have been asked by a mate if I would be interested in plastering a couple of newly boarded ceilings. The one thing scareing me is the size of the biggest ceiling - approx 15'x 15' I dont feel as if I would be quick enough to keep this area going, so have asked for help with another 'skilled' ex plasterer. Is it quite normal for two people to plaster the same ceiling of this size. Also to keep the plaster live for a little longer, is it OK to PVA the board? Thanks.
One or two plasterers?
- Thread starter mikegm
- Start date
Hi Mike,
IMO for a ceiling that size you would at least need a labourer so that you don't have to stop and mix up/clean up etc, if you have a guy helping you that can lay on then between 2 it will be easy, i wouldn't PVA the boards, you could compromise the adhesion, last thing you want to do when it's a ceiling and gravity is trying it hardest to bring it down
i skimmed a 4.5m x 4.5m ceiling on my own last month including mixing, JUST! but i would feel uncomfortable doing anything bigger, but then i've only been plastering 12 months myself.
there is a trick using 3mm stop bead, fitting it so that you section off the ceiling and skim up to the opposite side as normal and then take the bead off and skim the remaining bit, not tried it myself but the guys on here say it works fine and i can see it doing so.
IMO for a ceiling that size you would at least need a labourer so that you don't have to stop and mix up/clean up etc, if you have a guy helping you that can lay on then between 2 it will be easy, i wouldn't PVA the boards, you could compromise the adhesion, last thing you want to do when it's a ceiling and gravity is trying it hardest to bring it down
i skimmed a 4.5m x 4.5m ceiling on my own last month including mixing, JUST! but i would feel uncomfortable doing anything bigger, but then i've only been plastering 12 months myself.
there is a trick using 3mm stop bead, fitting it so that you section off the ceiling and skim up to the opposite side as normal and then take the bead off and skim the remaining bit, not tried it myself but the guys on here say it works fine and i can see it doing so.
Thanks guys, just heard the other 'experienced' one is too busy, (not plastering)but the chap who wants it doing (his project) has done a little, so he could mix up or possibly lay on and I follow behind and flatten. But yes, when it's you doing everything it becomes a fast juggle. Thanks again. Trowelmonkey, I know what you mean about dividing the ceiling, as you can walls, is 'stop bead' just a length of narrow wood bead? Mike.
or an actual thincoat bead rather than wood.
why don't you both lay on at the same time, then go and flatten, or break off from laying on before he's finished his section and start flattening, flattening straight away will be too soon IMO, get it on as quick as your arms will go (not wanting to teach how to suck eggs), just get the ceiling covered, then you can have time to flatten it in nicely while your mate cleans up and brushes in your ceiling line etc.
why don't you both lay on at the same time, then go and flatten, or break off from laying on before he's finished his section and start flattening, flattening straight away will be too soon IMO, get it on as quick as your arms will go (not wanting to teach how to suck eggs), just get the ceiling covered, then you can have time to flatten it in nicely while your mate cleans up and brushes in your ceiling line etc.
i have been on a few different jobs where large ceilings have been pva'd to give the plasterer more time to do them, mainly though there was artex before that was being skimmed over, although i have seen it done on new board once or twice.
Although PVA might help cut down on suction, it wont increase the working life of the plaster itself,,, you still have to get a move on. From the time you mix up a bucket of multi finish etc, the clock starts ticking. At the end of the day, it's the ability and confidence of the plasterer doing the job, and his knowledge of the materials he's using.
Roughcaster.
Roughcaster.
An old-timer plasterer has worked for me a few times, and always saves the 'dirty' water after washing trowels etc for the next mix.
He wasn't happy with me once when I chucked his bucket of dirty water away!
Said the dirty water lengthened the work time.
if you want impurities introduced into the fresh mix and a nice scratched finish.An old-timer plasterer has worked for me a few times, and always saves the 'dirty' water after washing trowels etc for the next mix.
He wasn't happy with me once when I chucked his bucket of dirty water away!
Said the dirty water lengthened the work time.
The opposite is true,,, dirty water "shortens" the working time. Very handy sometimes, especially with bonding coat. Try it and see.
Roughcaster.
Maybe that's what he meant. Sets quicker! 
yup, dirty water for a quicker set, though i have to say i've not yet been in that much of a hurry.
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