There are many common questions relating to plastering. One of the most frequent is about the drying times for this material. You will be surprised to hear that the answer isn’t as simple as you’d expect. There actually isn’t a definitive time. Many factors affect plaster drying times. We are going to look at the topic in more detail below, then you can come to us if you want the best plasterers in Sheffield.

Plasterboard

Plastering onto plasterboard is one of the most common scenarios. There are various approaches to use, but they can dictate the drying time.

The most common option here is to skim the walls that are plasterboard. Waterproof plaster is the popular choice because it has polymers capable of stopping water absorption. This can take 2 to 3 days to dry.

Solid backgrounds

For those plastering onto a solid background like brick or concrete, things can take longer. As a result, the drying time can be between 5 and 6 days.

For optimal results, keep the temperature underneath 41ºF. It will aid you in hastening the drying procedure. Furthermore, it’ll help with reducing cracking problems. However, if you keep the ambient temperature above this, you will slow drying times down. It can give you more time to work with your plaster and finish it if necessary.

Painting

If you intend to paint your newly plastered walls right away, they need to be fully dry beforehand. The majority of paints will seal the wall surface. If your walls are damp, even when you start painting, moisture will remain within the wall structure. It can cause big problems in the future. If you need help from the leading plasterers Sheffield has, contact us.

Patches

You may notice a few patches that are noticeably darker than the rest of your wall. Here, the plaster layer might be thicker. Alternatively, the current room temperature may be influencing the drying time. This may be a sign that the wall needs a bit longer to dry.

The effect of weather

Something to keep in mind is that weather can influence your plaster’s drying time. One generally acknowledged fact is that plaster can dry out more quickly in the summer than it would in winter. However, this is not always a good thing.

Hot weather can cause damage to plaster because it pulls the moisture out too quickly. That can result in shrinkage, cracks, and brittleness. Cold weather holds more moisture for longer, meaning it will take more time to dry. But, this can give the material the time it needs to properly cure.

Thus, you need to keep things cool when possible. In winter, you can expect things to take an extra day or two.

An expert plasterer will remain aware of the weather conditions and attempt to keep the heat down. This can involve ensuring rooms have proper ventilation. It is also vital to monitor the plaster as it dries to confirm that things don’t dry too rapidly either.

We work with various clients who need expert plasterers in Sheffield

At G Lee Plastering, the work we do has rewarded us with a diverse client base. We are comfortable working in both domestic and commercial environments. We’ve had countless new clients through recommendations and referrals too.

So, please get in touch if you need the greatest plasterers Sheffield has. We’ll deliver high quality workmanship for a great price.