Quality Assurance Checklist – Plastering

Full Description

This plastering checklist helps contractors, site engineers and project managers check plaster work before, during and after application. Closing every item on the checklist helps you avoid common plaster defects and the cost of hacking off and redoing work.

What is a plastering checklist?

A plastering checklist is a quality assurance form used to inspect plaster work on walls, ceilings and other surfaces. It lists what to confirm before plastering starts, such as surface preparation and fixed services, what to watch during application, and what to inspect on the finished surface. Each item is checked and signed off, giving the project a record that the work was inspected.

When to use it

• Before internal or external plastering starts in an area, to release it for work.
• When a new plastering crew or subcontractor starts on the project.
• At hold points in your inspection and test plan for finishes.
• Before painting, to accept the plastered surface.
• When investigating plaster defects and planning repairs.

What’s included

The template is a spreadsheet (.xlsx) checklist and procedure that can be used for any type of plastering work. It is designed to help you prevent common plaster defects, including:

• Blistering of the plastered surface
• Plaster de-bonding
• Cracks on the plastered surface
• Efflorescence on the plastered surface
• Falling out of plaster
• Popping of plaster
• Loose plaster

How to fill it out

1. Enter the project, location, floor or area, and the plastering crew or subcontractor.
2. Before work starts, check the substrate is clean, sound and prepared as specified, and that conduits, boxes and sleeves are fixed and chases are filled.
3. Confirm materials and mix are as approved, and that beads, grounds or level guides are set.
4. During application, check coat thickness, bonding between coats and surface level.
5. After application, check curing is carried out as specified.
6. Inspect the finished surface for line, level, cracks, hollow areas and other defects.
7. Record open items, agree corrective action, then sign off once every item is closed.

Tips

• Tap the finished plaster to find hollow or de-bonded areas early.
• Protect fresh plaster from direct sun, wind and rapid drying.
• Do not release surfaces for painting until the plaster is accepted.

Related templates and guides

• Quality Checklist – Plastering and Painting
• Quality Assurance Checklist – Masonry Works
• QAQC Checklist – Block (Masonry) Walls
• Construction Project Quality Checklist (250+ items)
• Guide: Controlling Quality on the Construction Site

Frequently asked questions

What should be checked before plastering?

Check that the surface is clean, sound and clear of dust, oil and loose material, that joints and concrete surfaces are prepared as specified, that conduits, boxes and sleeves are fixed and chases filled, and that beads or level guides are in place. Confirm the approved materials and mix are on site.

What causes cracks in plaster?

Common causes include the plaster drying too quickly, coats applied too thick, poor or no curing, an unsuitable mix, and movement or cracks in the wall behind. Fine cracks can also appear where different materials meet, such as concrete and blockwork, if the joint is not treated as specified.

What is efflorescence on plaster?

Efflorescence is a white, powdery deposit of salts on the surface. It forms when moisture moves through the wall or plaster and carries soluble salts to the surface, where the water evaporates and leaves the salts behind. Reducing moisture is the key to preventing it.

What is popping in plaster?

Popping is when small pieces of the plaster surface break away, leaving shallow pits or craters. It is usually caused by particles in the plaster material that expand after application, such as lime that was not fully slaked. Using clean, suitable materials helps prevent it.

How do you check the quality of plaster work?

Check the finished surface with a straightedge for line and level, look for cracks, blisters and efflorescence, tap the surface to find hollow or loose areas, and confirm corners and edges are straight. Compare the results with the tolerances in your specification and record them on the checklist.