Preparing to install your wardrobes and sliding wardrobe doors

Introduction

Walls almost always need some surface preparation before you can apply paint. Even brand-new plaster needs sealing. Cracks and holes must be filled, and surfaces must be clean, smooth and dry. Emulsion-painted surfaces in good condition can be painted over; peeling paint should be stripped back or sanded. Only paint over wallpaper if it is very firmly stuck to the wall.

What you will need:

• Patching plaster (sold in powder form - follow instructions on package to prepare it for use)
• Joint compound
• Curved tool for undercutting
• Spackling tool or putty knife
• Plaster trowel and length of wood (for corner repairs)

The process:

1. Ensure surfaces to be repaired are clean and dry and free of loose material.
2. Mix DIY Patching Plaster according to instructions on packaging.

Filling the cracks

1. Using a small broad knife press DIY Patching Plaster firmly into wall cracks.
2. Scrape away excess plaster. Allow to set for 2-3 hours, longer in humid conditions.
3. When first coat has set hard, apply a second coat if necessary, tapering beyond edges of cracks.

Finishing

1. Apply a finishing coat of DIY Total Joint Finish. Spread lightly beyond edges of cracks.
2. When thoroughly dry, sand lightly to a smooth finish with hand sander. (Refer to DIY Boral Plasterboard Project Sheet No.6 – Jointing and finishing.)
3. Paint the repaired area with same colour wall paint to finish.