Wet Plastering

Wet Plastering, known as float and set refers to the process of applying a wet plaster base to the substrate surface before the finish or skim coat. As a minimum, this is a two-stage process that in general can take longer than the dry lining or dot and dab methods as the base coat must dry to a certain level before the finish coat can be applied.

There are different base coats that can be used depending on the base material and function, some of the base coat products are Bonding Coats, Hard wall & sand, and cement to name a few.

A base wet plaster is usually 10mm to 15mm thick. Sometimes due to the thickness needed in the base coat when combined with the environmental conditions of the individual site, It may be required to allow the base to try out overnight before the skim or finish coat can be applied. The skim or finish coat is usually applied to a thickness of 3mm to 4mm. Once this finish coat is fully dried it is then ready to be painted.

Wet plastering is typically the first choice of plaster when it comes to many professionals. This is traditional plastering, and while it may take a little more work, you are always guaranteed a smooth surface in the end result, and this type of plastering is often much more durable.

Wet plastering requires adding plaster to the wall as you go, and this sort of application comes with the benefit of being able to plaster any area big or small. This means you can not only apply to large stretches of walls, but the plaster also works with hard-to-reach areas such as corners and around window sills or door frames. However, this can be a tricky process to carry out and it is recommended you get a professional to do it to avoid cracks and uneven surfaces. This is a trade that often requires years of practice and is not something you should decide to carry out on a whim in your home.

While all plastering provides a form of insulation, wet plastering is somewhat denser and more airtight than plasterboard and will therefore retain warmth better.

There are many different types of wet plaster coat used, each one suited to a particular purpose or substrate type:-

Thistle Bonding Coat: Thistle Bonding Coat is an undercoat plaster ideal for smooth and low suction backgrounds, including:

• Dense blocks
• Concrete
• Plasterboard
• Complies with EN 13279-1, type B4/20/2 & C3/20
• Thistle Hardwall: Thistle Hardwall is an undercoat plaster with high impact resistance and a quicker drying surface.
• Suitable for most masonry backgrounds.
• Complies with EN 13279-1, type B4/20/2 & C3/20

Advantages of using wet plastering

• Wet plastering is fire resistant and, therefore, it is easier to comply with fire safety standards
• It is also more soundproof than dry lining
• It is durable and long-lasting
• It is also less likely to get damaged, which can save you money on repairs in the long run
• It offers an excellent smooth appearance

Disadvantages of using wet plastering

• Wet plaster takes a much longer time to dry
• This means it is also susceptible to hairline cracking issues which can delay decorating and mean repairs are needed
• It can be more expensive as it requires more specialized laborers and it takes more hours to complete
• Great plasterers can be hard to find