Andrew Gabriel wrote:
In article ,
EricP writes:
On 31 Jan 2007 00:38:08 -0800, "mushymanrob"
wrote:
i started yesterday after purchasing a 'ragni' plastering trowel from
b&q. i also got a whisk and bucket. i had no trouble mixing the
plaster (thistle multi finish , b&q) and got it to the correct
constituency. it went on pretty easy, or so i thought! this morning
its dry, and theres of little ridges and little depressions in the
surface. i thought i had smoothed it off correctly but it seems not.

q) how can i remedy this? a layer of pva (dialuted 5:1) plus a further
skim?

Yes, providing the wall is flat to within a
couple of mm (or less if you're a novice).

q) how do i avoid this? what am i doing wrong? or is it just down to
learning how to use my trowel correctly? does the trowel need a
sharper edge on it? if so.. square? or beveled?

hope someone can help.... thanks in anticipation .

Yes. Search this newsgroup on google. I and
others have posted how to plaster many times.
Also check instructions for breaking in a new
trowel, which is not initially easy to use.

Not with the immediate problem but what you would have found a help is
a "Plasterers Derby".

The Wickes one is a tenner and is a four foot length of aluminium with
handles on. You use it to go over walls to finish plaster off. It is
fairly easy to use.

No, it's for leveling the scratch (under) coat, not polishing
the finish coat. However, a straight edged piece of timber is
at least as good, and possibly better IME.


I had quite good results with a length of aluminium carpet edging. The
sharp edge makes it easy to shave the high spots.