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  1. What Workwear and PPE Should Be Used When Plastering and Installing Drywall?

    Plastering and installing drywall are tasks that require the right gear to stay safe and work efficiently. Wearing the correct workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential. This includes items like safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and debris, and sturdy gloves to shield your hands.

    A person wearing a hard hat, safety goggles, gloves, dust mask, and work boots while plastering and installing drywall

    Loose clothing is a no-go as it can get caught in tools or materials. A long-sleeve shirt and durable trousers are advisable, offering both protection and flexibility. For footwear, steel-toe boots are a good choice to safeguard against heavy objects falling on your feet.

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  2. Drywall Sanding Techniques and Tools Required: Comprehensive Guide

    Drywall sanding is an essential step to achieving a smooth surface for painting or wallpapering. Having the right tools and understanding proper sanding techniques can turn a tedious task into a manageable one. Whether you are dealing with large surfaces or intricate corners, knowing how to approach each part of the process will make a big difference in the finish quality and your efficiency.

    Sanding drywall with a Flex sander

    Key tools you’ll need include a hand sander, sanding sponge, and various grit sandpapers. Equipping yourself with safety gear like dust masks and goggles is also critical to avoid inhaling harmful dust particles. Simple preparations such as laying down drop cloths and sealing off work a

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  3. Cutting and Jointing Plasterboard the Professional Way: Expert Techniques

    Cutting and Jointing Plasterboard the Professional Way: Expert Techniques

    Cutting and jointing plasterboard is a task that can transform your home renovation project from a DIY disaster into a professional-quality finish. Whether you are working on a new build or renovating an old room, getting the plasterboard cutting and joining right is crucial for a perfect outcome.

    A worker cuts and joins plasterboard using professional tools and techniques

    Accurate measurements and the right tools are key to cutting plasterboard efficiently. Tools like a Stanley knife,

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  4. How to Get a Great Finish Plastering Walls and Ceilings: Expert Tips and Techniques for Skimming

    How to Get a Great Finish Plastering Walls and Ceilings: Expert Tips and Techniques for Skimming

    Plastering: Top Tips for a DIY skim coat (even over artex)

     

     

    Applying a DIY skim coat can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, anyone can achieve a smooth finish. Preparing the surface is key, whether it's wallpaper, plasterboard, drywall, or even artex. Start by cleaning the area and fixing any cracks. Mix the plaster to a thick consistency, similar to porridge. Use a wide trowel to spread it

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  5. Installing Drywall / Plasterboard: Know the Basics

    Installing drywall or plasterboard is a common task for homeowners and professionals alike. Whether you're finishing a basement, renovating a room, or building a new home, drywall installation is a necessary step in the process. However, installing drywall can be a challenging task, especially if you're new to the process.

    A worker measures, cuts, and installs drywall sheets with precision. They apply joint compound, tape, and sand to create a smooth finish

    To ensure that your drywall installation goes smoothly and looks professional, it's important to follow a few key steps. This guide will take you through the process of installing drywall, from measuring and cutting the boards to finishing and sanding the joints. By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve a smooth, seamless finish that looks like it was done by a professional.

    Before starting the installation

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  6. Plastering Trowels: Essential Tools for Professional Finishes

    The plastering trowel has long been a fundamental implement in the craft of plasterwork, traditionally serving 3 purposes: to apply, smooth, and perfect the plaster. Now, with a burgeoning array of trowel types entering the market, professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike are faced with the challenge of selecting the proper tool from an ever-growing arsenal; from trowels boasting flexible blades to those fashioned from synthetic materials, even extending to tools finished with a gold-like sheen, choosing the right trowels can be a bewildering process for the DIY enthusiast or for those new to the trade!

    Ragni Plastering Trowels

    It’s crucial to discern the true utility of these tools a

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  7. Choosing the Right Type of Plastering Trowel for Your Project

    When it comes to plastering, choosing the right type of trowel for your project is crucial. The plastering trowel is the primary tool used to apply and shape plaster, so selecting the right one can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project. With so many different types of plastering trowels available, it can be challenging to know which one to choose.

    A hand reaches for a variety of plastering trowels on a shelf, with different sizes and shapes displayed

    The first thing to consider when selecting a plastering trowel is the size and shape of the blade. The size of the blade will depend on the size of the area you are plastering. A larger blade is ideal for larger areas, while a smaller blade is better suited for smaller, more intricate areas. The shape of the blade can also vary, with some trowels having a pointed end for precise work, while

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  8. Essential Plastering Tools for the DIY Enthusiast: An Overview

    For those inclined towards do-it-yourself projects, possessing the right plastering tools is key to achieving a professional finish. Whether one is patching up a small area or covering an entire room, the outcome heavily relies on using the correct equipment. From mixing to application, each tool plays a critical role in the process.

    A trowel, hawk, and joint knife lay on a table, surrounded by buckets of plaster and a mixing paddle. A ladder and drop cloth complete the scene

    One essential tool for any DIY plasterer is the plasterer's hawk, a flat plate with a handle used to hold and carry plaster as it’s applied. Another is a reliable trowel, indispensable for the smooth application of plaster onto the surface. For mixing plaster to the right consistency, a m

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  9. Top Causes Of Drywall Damage

    Drywall damage isn't as uncommon as it may seem, and can happen for many reasons. If you are a property surveyor, building manager or letting agent you will be all to familiar with the common issues that arise. However, Drywall is a low maintenance surface, so luckily it is easy to replace or repair. We're sharing some of the ways drywall can become damaged.

    PLUMBING LEAKS

    A common cause of drywall damage is plumbing leaks, and depending on how fast you catch your leak, depends on the severity of the damage caused to your drywall and the possible costs of commercial cleaning and potential repairs

    If you notice a bulge in your drywall, immediately inspect

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  10. NEW TO DWT: EAZYMIX COMPOUNDS

    Eazymix is the latest brand to join the wide range of brands we have available at Drywall Tools Direct.

    Eazymix Ltd. develop and manufacture chemical additives for gypsum plaster. Eazymix was established by a trade plasterer with a mission to make plastering projects more efficient and cost effective. Eazymix's products tailor the setting profile of finishing plasters for specific needs; speeding it up for small jobs and slowing it down for larger, trickier areas. The products have been approved by trade associations, trade press and more importantly trade plasterers.

    Here are some of our top picks from the Eazymix range available from Drywall Tools Direct.

    Eazymix Extratime Plaster Retarder

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