There are a few types of plaster to choose from. Cement-based plasters are used mainly outdoors – usually for rendering work – whereas gypsum-based plasters are for indoor use only because they are susceptible to damp.

Of the gypsum-based plasters, the most common are bonding, metal lathing, and browning; each having a particular use. Browning plaster, or perlite, is used on brickwork, clay tile, concrete brick, thermalite, and coke breeze. Metal lathing plaster is as it is named – for expanded metal lathing and wood wool slabs. Bonding plaster is suitable for concrete, stonework, cork slabs, and PVA-treated surfaces. One coat plasters are good for undercoating any surface.

Plaster has a poor shelf life so, if you’re taking on a plastering job, buy only what you think you’ll need. As a general guideline, remember 10 kg covers approximately 1.5 square metres at a thickness of 10mm. Use half that thickness and you’ll cover twice the area.

Step One
It is important that all of the paint that currently covers the concrete wall is removed. Use a scraper or some paint stripper to do this.

Step Two
Kill the mould that may have formed on the wall and use a cloth to scrub out any stains that are visible. This will prevent the likeliness of bacteria reforming after you have applied the plaster.

Step Three
If it is impossible to remove the paint from the wall or it is a job that will take too long then apply a bonding agent. The agent will help the plaster to stick onto the painted surface. Do this as a last resort.

Step Four
Take the plaster and add water to it until it has formed to the required texture. Make sure you have enough plaster to cover the entire wall and add more as you work if this is required.

Step Five
Apply a first coat of plaster and make sure the layer is around half an inch think. Wait for this to dry and then repeat the plastering process for a second and third coat.