Plaster beacons are crucial equipment for any plastering project because they help create walls that are flawlessly smooth and even. With the aid of these straightforward yet useful guidelines, you can apply plaster precisely and guarantee straight, level walls. Having the right technique for using plaster beacons can greatly improve the final product’s quality.
Plaster beacons, sometimes referred to as guide rails or screed bars, are usually composed of plastic or metal. They provide a framework that directs the use of your plastering tool by being fixed vertically to the wall at regular intervals. This technique assists you in keeping the surface’s thickness and levelness constant throughout, which is crucial for large or uneven walls in particular.
Plaster beacon operation requires several important steps. The wall must first be prepared by cleaning it and, if required, applying a bonding agent. The beacons are then positioned on the wall, with careful attention to their exact vertical alignment and uniform spacing. After the beacons are firmly in position, you can start plastering, making sure to follow the beacons as a guide to achieve an even layer. Ultimately, the beacons can be taken out once the plaster has dried, giving you a gorgeously smooth surface.
You can complete plastering projects with professional-caliber results if you know how to use plaster beacons. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing these tools and techniques will help you build walls that are both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. To help you become an expert plasterer, we’ll go into more detail about the selection, setup, and use of plaster beacons in the sections that follow.
| Topic | Description |
| What are Plaster Beacons? | Plaster beacons are guides fixed to the wall to help achieve a flat, even plaster surface. They act as a reference for the thickness and alignment of the plaster. |
| Types of Plaster Beacons | Common types include metal, PVC, and wooden beacons. Metal beacons are durable and reusable, PVC beacons are lightweight and easy to cut, and wooden beacons are often used for temporary purposes. |
| Installation Process | To install plaster beacons, mark vertical lines on the wall, apply dabs of plaster along the lines, and press the beacons into the plaster ensuring they are level and aligned. |
| Spacing and Alignment | Beacons should be spaced according to the length of your plastering tool, typically 1 to 1.5 meters apart, and aligned using a spirit level or laser level. |
| Applying Plaster | Once the beacons are set and the plaster dabs are dry, apply the plaster between the beacons, using them as a guide to ensure a smooth and even surface. |
| Removing Beacons | After the plaster has set but is still damp, gently remove the beacons and fill in the gaps with plaster, smoothing it to blend with the surrounding surface. |
| Finishing Touches | Once the plaster is completely dry, sand the surface to remove any imperfections and achieve a perfect finish. |
For plastering projects to result in perfectly smooth and level walls, plaster beacons are a necessity. Prior to plastering, these tiny metal or plastic guides are fastened to the wall to guarantee even surfaces and uniform thickness. Plaster beacons can be installed and used more effectively, which will improve the quality and productivity of your work. The fundamentals of plaster beacons, including types, installation methods, and best practices for producing polished results, will be covered in this article.
- Why plaster beacons are needed
- Wall marking
- Installation and plastering
- 1⃣ Metal profile
- 2⃣ Plastic
- 3⃣ Plaster beacons (mortar)
- How to make a beacon yourself
- Video on the topic
- The best beacon for plastering How to do it yourself
- Installing mortar beacons. A method for high-quality and modern installation of beacons for plaster.
- Plaster beacons for dummies! Fast and high-quality!
Why plaster beacons are needed
In order to level and prepare the surface for later decorative work, plastering is done. It helps to have beacons to level the walls perfectly. They act as reference points when leveling the mortar and are put on an unplastered surface.
Beacons serve as supplementary reinforcement tools in addition to their primary purpose. When laying ceramic tiles, they can also be used as guides.
Wall marking
Making an initial marking of the walls is required in order to install beacons for plaster correctly.
Crucial! The length of the rule you will be working with, less 20 to 30 centimeters, is the distance between beacons when they are mounted on the wall. In other words, the guide profiles are positioned every 1.7 meters with a rule length of 2 meters. This is required in order to move the rule left and right while leveling the plaster, always depending on the profile. With this in mind, the wall beacon consumption can be calculated using the formula below: (length of wall / length of rule) + 1.
Multiple steps are taken to mark the walls:
- Draw strictly vertical lines from the floor to the ceiling, using a level. They must be done at the beginning and at the end of the wall. It is important to leave indents of 15 cm from the floor and 30 cm from the corners.
- Measure the distance between these lines, divide it by the distance between the beacons (see.above). The resulting number will indicate the required number of profiles. It is important that the beacons should be 30 cm shorter than the height of the ceiling.
- Draw vertical lines along the entire wall.
- At the beginning, end and in the middle of each line, screw in dowels. Their caps are aligned exactly vertically using a plumb line or level (bubble/laser). It is important to align the dowels on all lines in one plane. Their caps will rest on the beacons when installed on the wall.
Installation and plastering
Let us now examine the various kinds of plaster beacons, their characteristics, and the guidelines for their installation on walls and plastering with beacon technology.
1⃣ Metal profile
The most popular kind of beacons are those made of metal profiles. They resemble long rails in the shape of a T or V, with holes all the way around. With metal scissors, they are cut to the desired length.
They offer the following benefits:
- budget: they are distinguished by their low cost due to the cheapness of the material;
- availability: can be found in almost any hardware store;
- ease of use: suitable even for beginners, just follow the instructions and recommendations;
- various sizes: there are options with a height of 3, 6, 10 mm; the length of all beacon profiles is 3 meters;
- time saving: installation does not take much time and effort.
Notwithstanding all the benefits, there are a few drawbacks as well:
- deformations: geometric violations are common, so you need to carefully inspect before purchasing and comply with the transportation conditions;
- oxidation: after some time after work, rusty stripes may appear on the surface due to oxidation of the metal, if the profile is not galvanized;
2⃣ Plastic
While the materials used in their construction are different, plastic beacon profiles resemble metal ones. They’re composed of sturdy plastic.
Their benefits
- preservation of the original shape: thanks to the material, they are not subject to deformation;
- do not oxidize: unlike metal beacons, plastic does not oxidize over time and does not appear on the walls;
- easy use: due to their strength, even an inexperienced person can install them.
Plastic beacons come with certain drawbacks.
- not suitable for outdoor work: at low temperatures, the plastic may break;
- do not withstand strong mechanical impact: plastic can break from strong impacts or loads;
- can lead to deformation of the surface if installed and used incorrectly.
▶ Using mortar to secure. Gypsum plaster can be used to affix the beacon from the profile. To accomplish this, you must:
- Prepare the mortar in accordance with the instructions.
- Make “cakes” of mortar at the place where the screws are installed when marking the wall.
- Immerse the beacon in the mortar until it stops in the screws.
- Check the correct installation using a level or plumb line.
- Let the mortar dry.
Check the installation’s evenness with a rule. Gypsum mortar dries rapidly, allowing for same-day plastering.
Maintaining evenness and avoiding deforming the metal during installation are crucial.
▶ Using specific fasteners is the second method of setting it. Metal plates and plastic clips are two examples of these fasteners. Another name for them is "eared."
Following marking and initial processing, the screw is then fitted with fasteners, a profile is laid out and secured with plugs (in the case of plastic models), or the ears are bent.
In this instance, installing beacons requires the least amount of time and effort; it should ideally happen in accordance with markings and evenness, after which you can get right on to other tasks.
After the beacon profiles are installed, walls can be plastered manually or mechanically, depending on your preference. Plaster is used in each option to fill in the spaces between the beacons up to the upper edge of the profile.
It is advised to complete the work gradually, working on each section as you go. It’s also important to level the layer using a rule and check the slope’s accuracy on a regular basis.
3⃣ Plaster beacons (mortar)
Instead of purchasing extra supplies, you can use the plaster "borders" as beacons.
You will need a metal profile (such as a rule or bubble level for gypsum board) the full height of the wall, and a laser level (plane builder) to set mortar lines from floor to ceiling.
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The laser level line along the wall should be moved 5 cm from the most protruding point.
Beginners will find this installation method helpful as it is clearly demonstrated in the video tutorial:
Although sets of string beacons are available for purchase, it is not difficult to make tensioners yourself.
The following technology will be used for installation and plastering:
- One tensioner is installed under the ceiling, the string is hooked to it.
- Measure the wire to the floor, insert it into the mount.
- Then the mount with the string is pulled manually and fixed at the bottom of the wall with screws or dowels.
- Tighten the string by tightening the tensioner screw. The installation of string beacons is controlled by a level.
Since there are no significant financial outlays needed for the wire, this type is budgetary. However, when working, you must be precise and cautious. Use a level to control how the strings are installed.
It is more practical to pull the string beacons horizontally at the top and bottom of a long wall, meaning that there will be just two strings used throughout the wall. The plaster must be equally horizontal when using this method, but this is not very challenging. The rule is maintained vertically or just below the incline. The fact that you will have to operate with a long rule under three meters is the only drawback.
Here is a video that demonstrates how to install and align plaster walls using strings.
The plastic beacons can be left inside the wall.
How to make a beacon yourself
It is not necessary to purchase pre-made beacons from the store.
Use plaster beacons made by the above methods, or string beacon options in place of profiles.
By doing this, you’ll be able to save money and resources by not having to buy and fasten additional profiles. But for excellent work, it’s crucial to adhere to all guidelines and suggestions.
When plastering, plaster beacons are a vital tool for producing even, smooth walls. They serve as guidelines, guaranteeing that the plaster is applied evenly throughout the surface. Even inexperienced users can achieve expert results with these beacons, turning crooked and uneven walls into immaculate, polished surfaces.
Plaster beacon installation is simple, but exactitude is needed. The wall where the beacons will be installed must first be marked. Next, make sure every beacon is precisely vertical with a level before fastening them with screws or plaster. The wall’s overall finish will be impacted by any misalignment, so this meticulous setup is essential.
Plastering becomes a lot easier after the beacons are installed. Using the beacons as a guide, apply the plaster between them and smooth it out with a straight edge. Plastering can be completed more quickly with this method, which also ensures a uniform application and minimizes waste of materials—all important for both structural and aesthetic integrity.
Plaster beacon work may seem like an extra step, but the quality of the finished product justifies it. Whether you’re a plastering expert or a do-it-yourselfer, using beacons in your plastering process will produce better, more consistent results. Using plaster beacons will become second nature to you with practice, making your plastering projects simpler and more effective.
