"Andy Hide" wrote in message
m...
snip

I primed the surface first with PVA which I think helped to increase
the working time. Total thickness of the skim was about 2-3mm. Can you
go thicker than this on old walls to help cover up any imperfections ?
Applied in two coats, the second applied just as the first was
begining to set.

Done this also, but waited for the first coat of plaster to dry out. Not
always possible but it stops the second skim coat being "pushed" into the
first skim, if that makes sense.

Also found that there were a few grit marks. Badly mixed plaster ?

Maybe a dirty bucket containing left-overs from a previous mix? It pays to
keep *all* equipment including buckets / mixing paddles spotless. I used to
use a piece of 2x2 but invested in a paddle to mix the wet stuff as its
easier to keep clean.

When ironing out the trowel marks as the plaster is setting does
anyone have any tips on which way to work across the wall. Should you
go top to bottom or left to right? Are long sweeps, short sweeps
better ?

Whatever is the comfiest. I find that at first the sweeps are longer with
greater pressure, gradually diminishing as the bumps and curves get flatter.


HOT TIP: Stellas Law :- I *NEVER* skim without at least 1 can down my neck,
then I got something to blame when SWMBO spots a flaw )

hth

--
Jet
all plastering done when the sun is over the yard-arm