Work Procedure of Plastering on Masonry Surfaces

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Plaster is a thin layer of mortar applied over the masonry surface and it acts as a damp-proof coat over the brick masonry work. Plastering also provides a finished surface over the masonry that is firm and smooth hence it enhances the appearance of the building.
The primary objectives of plastering are to protect the surface from atmospheric influences, to cover the defective workmanship in masonry, to conceal porous materials, and to provide a suitable surface for painting.
Plastering work
Fig 1: Plastering work

Standard Specifications used for the Plastering Work

1. American Standards
  • ASTM C926 Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster
2. New Zealand Standards
  • NZS 4251-1 (2007): Solid plastering – Cement plasters for walls, ceilings and soffits
3. European Standards
  • BS EN 998-1 Specification for mortar for masonry – Part 1: Rendering and plastering mortar.
4. Indian Standard (BIS codes)
  • IS 383 Specification for coarse and fine aggregates for natural sources for concrete.
  • IS 1542 Specifications for sand for plaster
  • IS 2645 Specifications for integral cement waterproofing compound
  • IS 8112 Specification for 43 grade OPC
  • IS 269 Specification for 33 grade OPC
  • IS 1489 Specification for Portland Pozzolana Cement

Procedure of Plastering Work

1. Preparation of Surface for Plastering

  1. Keep all the mortar joints of wall rough, so as to give a good bonding to hold plaster.
  2. Roughen the entire wall to be plastered.
  3. Clean all the joints and surfaces of the wall with a wire brush, there should be no oil or grease etc. left on wall surface.
  4. If there exist any cavities or holes on the surface, then fill it in advance with appropriate material.
  5. If the surface is smooth or the wall to be plastered is old one, then rake out the mortar joint to a depth of at least 12 mm to give a better bonding to the plaster.
  6. Wash the mortar joints and entire wall to be plastered, and keep it wet for at least 6 hours before applying cement plaster.
  7. If the projection on the wall surface is more than 12 mm, then knock it off, so as to obtain a uniform surface of wall. This will reduce the consumption of plaster.

2. Groundwork for Plaster

  1. In order to get uniform thickness of plastering throughout the wall surface, first fix dots on the wall. A dot means patch of plaster of size 15 mm * 15 mm and having thickness of about 10 mm.
  2. Dots are fixed on the wall first horizontally and then vertically at a distance of about 2 meters covering the entire wall surface.
  3. Check the verticality of dots, one over the other, by means of plumb-bob.
  4. After fixing dots, the vertical strips of plaster, known as screeds, are formed in between the dots. These screeds serve as the gauges for maintaining even thickness of plastering being applied.
Mixing of cement and sand for plastering work.
Fig 2: Mixing of cement and sand for plastering work.

3. Applying Under Coat or Base Coat

  1. In case of brick masonry the thickness of first coat plaster is in general 12 mm and in case of concrete masonry this thickness varies from 9 to 15 mm.
  2. The ratio of cement and sand for first coat plaster varies from 1:3 to 1:6.
  3. Apply the first coat of plaster between the spaces formed by the screeds on the wall surface. This is done by means of trowel.
  4. Level the surface by means of flat wooden floats and wooden straight edges.
  5. After leveling, left the first coat to set but not to dry and then roughen it with a scratching tool to form a key to the second coat of plaster.
Applying of base coat of plastering for brick masonry
Fig 3: Applying of base coat of plastering for brick masonry

4. Applying Finishing Coat

  1. The thickness of second coat or finishing coat may vary between 2 to 3 mm.
  2. The ratio of cement and sand for second coat plaster varies from 1:4 to 1:6.
  3. Before applying the second coat, damp the first coat evenly.
  4. Apply the finishing coat with wooden floats to a true even surface and using a steel trowel, give it a finishing touch.
  5. As far as possible, the finishing coat should be applied starting from top towards bottom and completed in one operation to eliminate joining marks.
Applying of Finishing coat of plastering work
Fig 4: Applying of Finishing coat of plastering work

5. Curing of Plastering works

  1. After completion of the plastering work, it is kept wet by sprinkling water for at least 7 days in order to develop strength and hardness.
  2. Use of gunny bags or other materials is used to keep the plastering works wet in external works.
  3. Improper curing may lead to cracks formation or efflorescence in plaster work.

Care be taken after Completion of Plaster Work

  • Cleaning of doors or frame and floor area is necessary at the completion of work.
  • Curing should be started as soon as the plaster has hardened sufficiently and must be cured for at least 7 days.
  • Curing shall commence, 24 hours after the plaster is laid.

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