Choosing a rule for plastering and the basics of competent work with it

The rule is one of the most crucial tools you’ll need when plastering walls. This small but necessary tool can have a significant impact on the quality and smoothness of your plaster finish. Selecting the appropriate rule and applying it correctly are essential steps to getting a polished appearance.

There are various kinds of rules, and each has a distinct function. While some are better suited for intricate work, others are made for larger surfaces. The secret is to choose a rule based on the scope and nature of the task at hand. By making this decision, you can apply the plaster more evenly and steer clear of common problems like streaks or uneven surfaces.

The next step after selecting your rule is to become an expert at using it. It takes more than just dragging the rule across the wall to apply proper technique. To ensure that the plaster is spread evenly and fills in any gaps, it is important to know the appropriate angles and pressure to apply. You’ll find that applying the rule becomes second nature with some patience and practice.

We’ll show you how to choose the ideal rule for your plastering project in this guide, along with useful usage advice. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing these fundamentals will help you succeed and produce a flawless finish.

What is it

Its shape resembles a stiff, sharp-edged wooden or metal lath that can reach a length of three meters.

The rule is used to check for proper beacon installation, smooth out any excess mortar, and level the plaster layer that has been applied. When marking walls, this tool can be used as a ruler. It enables you to carry out excellent plastering of the surface in preparation for puttying later on and to identify discrepancies and deviations from the level.

Material

aluminum – modern and high-quality tools are made of lightweight metal. They have a low weight, which is important for large volumes of work. But aluminum does not provide durability, and when working with plaster (especially with cement-sand mortars), the edge of the rule wears out over time. It develops irregularities and scratches that worsen the quality of plastering;

Sizes

Tools of all sizes are available for purchase. The rule’s length, which must be chosen based on the width of the wall and the separation between the guide beacons, influences how simple it is to use.

The rule should rest on two beacons and extend ten to twenty centimeters beyond them. This is required so that you can pull the tool left and right in addition to up when leveling the plaster.

The standard size range of finished products offered by manufacturers is 1 to 3 meters, with a 50 cm step.

Plastering a wall more quickly in pairs is made possible by the convenience of using long rules. To find hidden flaws and inspect the plastered wall’s diagonal, the largest tool is used.

Any plastering tool can be truncated, or precisely cut to match the wall’s width.

Types of forms

Producers provide three types of guidelines. Their usability and functionality vary.

h-shaped

Plaster distribution and beacon leveling are made easier with the use of h-shaped tools. An h-shaped shelf makes it easy to hold the tool in your hands. It can have a level applied to it if needed, which will allow surface errors to be found.

This kind of product has the following benefits:

• good bending rigidity;
• wide working surface, on which a lot of solution is placed;
• easy to clean – the prepared mixture is easily scraped off the surface of the tool sole with a spatula and can be reapplied to the wall.

The primary drawback of this model is its expensive price.

Trapezoid

Plaster is cut using this kind of rule. By operating perpendicular to the wall, they eliminate a tiny portion of the set mortar.

Many models have a groove all the way around the surface for convenient grip. The rule is closed with detachable plugs on both sides. You should consider whether the structure contains spacers or tubes, or other reinforcing elements, when selecting this tool.

Samples in the shape of wedges have several benefits.

• lightness – due to the hollowness of the structure, it has less weight compared to analogues;
• difference in price – significantly cheaper than samples of other models.

The drawbacks consist of:

• insufficient bending rigidity (especially in cheap models without reinforcement inside);
• inconvenience when stretching the mortar.

Combined

Thanks to its design features, this model has every benefit of the aforementioned product options and almost no drawbacks.

Its working side is trapezoidal, and its shape is an H. A versatile tool with outstanding rigidity that combines the benefits of the two aforementioned forms.

It is quite successful to find a tool of this shape in hardware stores as they are not readily available. However, the cost of this type of rule is greater than that of a standard one.

How to use it

Beacons can be used or not to level the plaster on the walls. The evenness and smoothness of the future surface are controlled with the aid of these devices.

1. The solution is leveled by lifting the H-shaped rule from the bottom up. The excess mixture accumulated on the sole of the tool is removed with a spatula and thrown onto the wall in unfilled places. The resulting irregularities, cavities and voids are filled with mortar and stretched again until the wall becomes smooth.
2. After completing this stage of the work, the beacons are removed from the plaster, the cracks are sealed with mortar.
3. Two hours later, after the wall surface has “set”, proceed to trimming the excess with a trapezoidal rule.

How to do it yourself

If the walls’ levelness isn’t a concern, you can use any board or strip to spread and remove the mortar while honing and smoothing the product’s cutting edge.

However, in terms of plastering quality, homemade rules are not up to par with factory ones, so if you want flawless walls, don’t waste your time making them.

Selecting the appropriate plastering rule is essential to getting a polished, seamless wall finish. You can spread the plaster more evenly and make sure the surface is level with the aid of a good rule. When making your decision, it’s critical to take into account the scope and content of the rule in addition to your comfort and degree of expertise.

To get the best results, it’s important to use the tool correctly once you’ve chosen it. Applying the plaster in thin, even layers is the first step. To prevent drips and runs, apply the plaster using the rule and long, smooth strokes, always working from top to bottom. Since consistency is essential, take your time and make sure every section is level and thoroughly covered.

As you work, check your work frequently. Resolving minor problems at the outset is less difficult than fixing more significant ones afterwards. To keep your finish looking good, make sure your tools are clean and in good shape.

Plastering your walls can be a simple task if you follow the right guidelines and put in a little practice. You can achieve a polished appearance that improves the strength and beauty of your walls by being meticulous and making efficient use of your tools.

Choosing the appropriate plastering rule and knowing how to use it correctly are essential for a smooth, polished finish. Plaster is spread and leveled with the aid of a rule, providing uniform coverage and a perfect surface. Correct handling can mean the difference between a simple, fast task and a tedious, messy one. This article will walk you through selecting the rule that best suits your needs and learning how to apply it correctly to achieve the best outcomes.

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