A Checklist for Quality Plaster Work,

Today I’ll share “A checklist for quality plaster work” series.

Check sand quality: Check the fineness of sand as recommended in construction manual. Check sand are dust or dirt free.

Check cement quality: Check the grade of cement as specified in your construction manual.

Cleanness of mortar-mixing platform: Check the platform, on which plaster mortar will be mixed, is properly cleaned. The platform should not be wetted. It should be plain and dry.

Screening of sand: Check sand is screened before mixing with cement. So that any big particles from the sand can be removed.

Cement-Sand Ratio: Check cement and sand ratio is maintained for mixing as recommended in construction manual.

Mortar Mixing: Cement and sand should be mixed in dry condition. Check the dry mix is properly mixed before adding water. There is a tendency of masons to add water before mixing the mortar properly in dry condition.

Water content in mortar: Water content in mix should not be less or more. It should be appropriate as needed.

Mortar using time: Cement’s initial setting time is 45 minutes. So, check the mortar is being used within 45 minutes after adding water. If necessary, separate some cement sand mix in dry condition. If you need it later you can add water with that. You can maintain a resister for tracking mortar mixing time.

Thickness of plaster: Suggested plaster thickness is 1/2 inch. But due to size variation of masonry block it can be 3/4 to 1 inch and above. If above one inch thick plaster is required in anywhere that should be done in two coats. After doing 1st coat that should be roughed. And 2nd coat should be done next day.

Lighting availability: When plastering inside a building, check enough lighting is available there.

Make a level mark: Before doing plaster inside a room, make level marks with fresh mortar on all four walls. So that, after plastering room size is truly square or truly rectangular. Otherwise, when you’ll fix floor tiles you’ll face difficulties.

If you plan to plaster on ceiling, do the same for that also. In this case, make the level mark on beams around the ceiling portion.

I’ve just finished the half portion of “A Checklist for Quality Plaster work” in these two parts. Last and most important part of this series is here.