You need to mix the PVA glue with water. Don’t use the stuff raw because it’s just too strong and can actually be detrimental to your plastering. You need to mix at a ratio of 1 part PVA with 3 parts water (3:1). This is the best mix for plastering – other plasterers have different preferences so you can experiment, but this is the one I find the most effective. As part of the quoting process, when you speak to local plasterers make sure you ask them how long they think the job will take. And ideally also ask them what method or technique they will be using. The more information you can get from each plastering company, the easier it is to compare the different quotes you get. I’ve risked plastering an existing wall without PVA and it goes off rapidly. Trust me, you need to use this stuff! I must admit there is a lot to take in, but if you follow this simple guide, you can’t go wrong. Anyone can do it (and I mean anyone). When it comes to the cost to plaster a room, the price you pay will depend on the size of the room. Here are some average prices for plastering contractors to plaster a room:

If you speak to any local plasterer, you’ll find that they spend a good chunk of their time being called out on jobs to repair botched DIY plastering jobs that have gone wrong. So, before you attempt to do your own plastering at home, here are some of the benefits of hiring a professional plasterer to do the work:

Give your walls a smooth finish with a coat of plaster

Always start in the bottom left hand corner of the wall. Place a small amount of plaster onto the plasterers hawk. Then, take a small amount of plaster from the hawk and with your trowel angled slightly away from the wall, spread the plaster upwards using firm, even pressure. Towards the end of each stroke, flatten your trowel to help smooth the plaster down. Apply the plaster in a sweeping motion, with shorter sweeps to begin with, followed by longer sweeps which will help smooth the plaster. When you start your next stroke, slightly overlap the last to prevent leaving gaps. You will find at the beginning a struggle to get the perfect mix but in time you don’t even measure the water. You just know how much plaster to use. It almost becomes a skill in itself but you need to start with a precise plan. Now it’s time for the good bit: Stage 4 – Learn how to plaster a wall

This is particularly important if you’re hiring them for a big plastering job, as they could be working in your home for days. You want to find a friendly, professional plasterer who cleans up after themselves and is efficient at getting the job done. 3. Get quotes (and compare them) Here’s a short list of the tools I recommend you buy if you’re plastering as a beginner. Again it’s completely your choice but there is one tool I suggest you spend a little more on – the plastering trowel. A good quality paint brush - this is essential for keeping your edges clean and applying water to your plaster. I’m going to go through the RIGHT way to prepare your walls for plastering. If you follow this advice you can’t go wrong!Fat Hog Paint brush – This is a seriously strong brush and ideal for cleaning your edges when plastering. I’ve had mine for 2 years and it isn’t showing any signs of weakness. I can’t find any definite links but if you look online for a fat hog brush you should find some results. Otherwise just look online for a plasterer’s water brush but if you can find one of these, get one! A plasterer’s hawk board - this is the tool that holds your plaster. A plastic hawk board is lighter than a wooden one, although both types are absolutely fine. A wooden hawk board will last much longer though. I’ve seen some new kids turn up with a rusty, beat up trowel from the pound shop and expect some decent results. I’m sorry to say it but you need to buy the right tools. For best results, start from the bottom corner of the wall, working upwards and repeating the process until the wall is covered.