How To Featheredge a Wall
Learning how to featheredge a wall may seem daunting but the truth is that it’s actually relatively straightforward if you understand the fundamentals. Featheredging is a skill used in masonry that’s used to level out and blend mortar joints into the surface of a wall. It’s important to understand how to do this correctly if you plan on doing any kind of tiling work as getting a good, even finish is paramount.
Gather Your Materials
Before you can featheredge a wall, it’s important to gather some essential materials. You’ll need: plaster, a trowel, a diamond disc, a angle grinder, protective eye and ear gear, and a damp cloth.
Preparing the Wall
Once you have all your materials ready, you need to make sure that the wall is properly prepared. Start by using a trowel to scrape away any faulty mortar joints. You should also check to ensure that there are no air pockets in the existing surface. If there are, they should be filled with fresh plaster.
Once this process is complete, you can move on to the featheredging process.
Featheredging the Wall
The first step in featheredging the wall is to use the diamond disc on an angle grinder to cut back the mortar. Start by setting the grinder level with the wall and moving it in a sweeping motion. This will help to create a smooth transition from the base layer to the upper layer. Make sure to keep your hand steady to keep the grinder from swaying too much.
Once you’ve featheredged the mortar, you will need to apply a layer of soft plaster. This can be done with a paint scraper or trowel. Start by applying the plaster to the wall and smoothing it out with the trowel. Continue to evenly apply the plaster until the surface is smooth and even.
Finishing Touches
The next step is to create a sealed, featheredged finish. Do this by using a trowel to draw a cross-hatch pattern across the surface. This will help to lock the featheredging in place and create an even surface. Once the cross-hatching is complete, use a damp cloth to gently smooth the surface. This will help to create a professional-looking finish that will stand the test of time.
Conclusion
Now that you understand how to featheredge a wall, you can confidently take on your next tiling task. Although this skill is relatively simple to master, it’s important to practice before taking on a major project. Having a good eye for detail and understanding the basics of masonry work is essential for getting the perfect finish. Take your time, stay patient, and you’ll be able to create a featheredge that will stand the test of time.