Plaster is a versatile and useful material that’s used in many DIY and professional construction and remodeling projects. Whether in a residential, commercial, or institutional setting, plaster is among the top choices for numerous purposes. I’ve been curious whether you can plaster over filler, such as foam/gap/acrylic fillers.
The simple answer is that yes, you can use plaster over expanding foam and various other types of filler. This is not an easy task to conduct for DIY projects. One of the most important things is to ensure that the plaster you use is going to be compatible with what you’re covering up.
Should You Put Plaster Over Filler?
Though plaster can be used over filler, you may wonder if it SHOULD be used in all instances to cover up your filler material. I was surprised to learn just how many options there are on the market for this purpose.
Even with the array of materials from which you can choose, people like to turn to plaster as their preferred choice. It is a good option, yet it really isn’t recommended when it comes to larger construction projects. It’s best to use when you only have a hack project that’s on the smaller side.
It’s really difficult to put plaster directly over expanding foam due to the fact that it doesn’t adhere well to this material. Be prepared with something else to place over the expanding foam and you should be all set to conduct this project.
What Tools Do You Need to Plaster Over Filler?
You’re going to need certain tools in order to get through this process. Make sure that you secure all of these and have them ready before you get started, since there are some steps that will especially need to be done quickly.
Among the most important tools are your cutting tool. This can be in the form of a sharp knife, or you can opt for something more heavy duty such as a hacksaw. Other tools for this work include screws, a quality wall filler (if you’re not plastering over old filler), and of course your plaster.
Some optional yet important supplies to have on hand are a drop cloth (you can use a large towel or recycle some other cloth), gloves, and goggles if you’re concerned about getting the plaster or debris in your eyes. No matter what it is that you decide to gather for your tools and supplies, the one thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have to be pricey, and you’ll be able to reuse some items or have some of it left over for future use.
Be sure that the cutting tool is appropriate to the exact nature of the work you’ll be doing. For instance, a smaller sharp blade is ideal when you’re going to cut expanding foam that’s in a small hole in your wall.
What Preparations Do You Need to Put Plaster Over Filler?
There are some things you’ll need to do before you can put the plaster over your expanding foam and a few other types of filler. What exact preparations are required for this process?
Expanding foam inflates, making it protrude. This is why you can plaster right over it. You’ll need to cut the foam slightly deeper so you have a space for the plaster to sit. Place some screws so that you have a better surface for adhesion.
You shouldn’t plaster directly over expanding foam (without doing something to prepare it). It won’t have a uniform finish and you’ll end up with a messy looking surface that may end up not lasting. Screws are great for this because they fill the space that’s left by the foam and are especially useful when it comes to adhering to plastic. Take the scrubs then put them diagonally into the hole with the expanding foam. Just make sure that these screws are firmly in place.
You can add a quality wall filler over your expanding foam to act as a transitional layer. This holds the screws firmly in place and makes it so that your project will last for many years.
How to Put Plaster Over Filler
Once you’re decided that you want to use plaster for the task of covering your foam or other filler material, it’s time to figure out exactly how you’re doing to do this.
It’s important to know what to do when you’re putting plaster over gaps or filler materials such as foam. You’ll need to sand or cut it down so that you have a good starting surface, then further prepare this with screws and a quality wall filler if there’s only expanding foam in this spot.
You can use plaster over your plywood. This is a tricky matter, but it’s best if you have plasterboard to go over the wood.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 1, 2022.
For other materials, you’ll need to put down your drop cloth, prepare the plaster according to manufacturer’s instructions, and then load it onto your speckle knife or other tool for this purpose. Apply it in sweeping motions in a light layer – this is known as skimming. Keep this from becoming too thick, or you’re going to end up with the problem of it being uneven and not being able to spread it flat. Use a trowel after this to ensure that it’s as neat as possible and that it’s to your satisfaction. The plaster can take up to about 1-2 weeks to dry completely.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 1, 2022.