Peter benson
All joints between boards and indentations left by nailing must be filled and smoothed before the ivory-coloured surface of plasterboard is ready for decorating. You will need jointing tape, filler and a special plaster- based ‘finish’ that leaves a smooth feathered joint.
The filler and finish are prepared for use by being mixed with water. The paper jointing tape is 53mm (21/8in) wide with feathered edges, and is creased along its centre. It is used for reinforcing flat joints and internal angles. A special paper jointing tape is available for covering and reinforcing
Fill the indentations that have been left by nailing, using a filling knife to apply then smooth the filler. When the filler has set, apply a thin coating of joint finish and feather it off at the edges with a damp sponge.
Mix joint filler to a creamy consistency and apply a continuous band of it about 60mm (21/2in) wide down the length of each joint.
Press the paper tape into the filler, using a medium-size filling knife to bed it in well and exclude air bubbles (1). Follow this with another layer of filler applied over the tape to level the surface, this time using the wide filling knife. When the filler has stiffened slightly, smooth its edges with the damp sponge, then let it set completely before external angles. This tape has thin metal strips on each side of its central crease which strengthen the corners.
Professional plasterers use purpose- made tools for finishing joints, but you can use medium and wide filling knives, a plasterer’s trowel and a close- textured plastic sponge.
When all the filler has set, coat it with a thin layer of joint finish. Mix the finish thoroughly to the consistency of thick cream and apply it in a broad band down the joint, using a wide filler knife or trowel (2). Before it sets, feather its edges with a dampened sponge.
After the joint finish has set, apply another thin but wider band over the first application, again feathering the edges with the sponge, working with a circular motion (3).
CUT EDGES
When a square-cut edge of plasterboard butts against a tapered- edge board, fill the joint flush before you apply the jointing tape (1).
Where two cut edges meet (2), press filler into the 3mm (’/ain) gap to finish flush. When the filler has set, apply a thin band of joint finish to it and press the paper tape tight against the board. Cover this with a wide but thin coat of finish and feather the edges. Finish off as before.
A self-adhesive glass-fibre mesh tape can be used instead of traditional paper tape for jointing new plasterboard or for making patch repairs. The 50mm (tin) wide tape is a strong binder and does not need prior application of filler to bond it in place. The tape is applied first, then joint filler is pressed through the mesh.
Applying the tape
Ensure that the jointing edges of the plasterboard are dust-free. If the edges of boards have been cut, burnish them with the handle of your filling knife to remove all traces of rough paper.
Starting at the top, centre the tape over the joint, then unroll it and press it in place as you work down the wall. Cut it off to length at the bottom. Butt the ends rather than overlap them if you have to make a join in the tape.
Mix the filler and press it through the tape into the joint with a filling knife, then level off the surface so that the mesh of the tape is visible. Allow the filler to set.
Complete the joint with plaster-based joint finish, as with paper tape.
All joints between boards and indentations left by nailing must be filled and smoothed before the ivory-coloured surface of plasterboard is ready for decorating. You will need jointing tape, filler and a special plaster- based ‘finish’ that leaves a smooth feathered joint.
The filler and finish are prepared for use by being mixed with water. The paper jointing tape is 53mm (21/8in) wide with feathered edges, and is creased along its centre. It is used for reinforcing flat joints and internal angles. A special paper jointing tape is available for covering and reinforcing.
Fill the indentations that have been left by nailing, using a filling knife to apply then smooth the filler. When the filler has set, apply a thin coating of joint finish and feather it off at the edges with a damp sponge.
Mix joint filler to a creamy consistency and apply a continuous band of it about 60mm (21/2in) wide down the length of each joint.
Press the paper tape into the filler, using a medium-size filling knife to bed it in well and exclude air bubbles (1). Follow this with another layer of filler applied over the tape to level the surface, this time using the wide filling knife. When the filler has stiffened slightly, smooth its edges with the damp sponge, then let it set completely before external angles. This tape has thin metal strips on each side of its central crease which strengthen the corners.
Professional plasterers use purpose- made tools for finishing joints, but you can use medium and wide filling knives, a plasterer’s trowel and a close- textured plastic sponge.
When all the filler has set, coat it with a thin layer of joint finish. Mix the finish thoroughly to the consistency of thick cream and apply it in a broad band down the joint, using a wide filler knife or trowel (2). Before it sets, feather its edges with a dampened sponge.
After the joint finish has set, apply another thin but wider band over the first application, again feathering the edges with the sponge, working with a circular motion (3).
CUT EDGES
- When a square-cut edge of plasterboard butts against a tapered- edge board, fill the joint flush before you apply the jointing tape (1).
- Where two cut edges meet (2), press filler into the 3mm (’/ain) gap to finish flush. When the filler has set, apply a thin band of joint finish to it and press the paper tape tight against the board. Cover this with a wide but thin coat of finish and feather the edges. Finish off as before.
- A self-adhesive glass-fibre mesh tape can be used instead of traditional paper tape for jointing new plasterboard or for making patch repairs. The 50mm (tin) wide tape is a strong binder and does not need prior application of filler to bond it in place. The tape is applied first, then joint filler is pressed through the mesh.
- Applying the tape
- Ensure that the jointing edges of the plasterboard are dust-free. If the edges of boards have been cut, burnish them with the handle of your filling knife to remove all traces of rough paper.
- Starting at the top, centre the tape over the joint, then unroll it and press it in place as you work down the wall. Cut it off to length at the bottom. Butt the ends rather than overlap them if you have to make a join in the tape.
- Mix the filler and press it through the tape into the joint with a filling knife, then level off the surface so that the mesh of the tape is visible. Allow the filler to set.
- Complete the joint with plaster-based joint finish, as with paper tape.
And for our viewers that like to work with plaster here is another great do it yourself article on plaster wall repair from our friends over at Diy Guides.
Comments
1 comment
July 19, 2009
hmm. funny )