We Should All Get Totally Plastered

Mar 2 2008 Donny Sheridan

Diy Donny

Any estate agent will tell you period handmade plasterwork - cornicing, moudlings and ceiling roses - is a major selling point for any Georgian or Edwardian home.

If you enter a large tenement room and there is no cornice, the room feels naked and you instinctively know something is missing.

Plasterwork is one of those features that gives a room its wow factor. But don't be put off if an ornate cornice is damaged or part of it is missing - it can be easily repaired or replaced...and it needn't cost a fortune.

If money is no object there are specialist firms out there who will painstakingly cast replica cornicing to match yours.

But there are also modern equivalents made from tough, lightweight plastic which will not blow the budget.

These are often more subtle designs which complement the lower ceilings of modern homes.

To get an idea of what is out there, log on to www.wmboyle.co.uk or call 0141 429 1218 for more information.

DECORATIVE PLASTER CORNICE

Plaster cornice or coving is a decorative moulding fitted at the angle between the walls and ceiling.

A wide selection of designs are available to suit both traditional and modern homes. Cornice is usually in threemetre lengths meaning fewer joints and in most cases the only joint will be at an internal or external mitre.

It's a case of "don't re-invent the wheel" when it comes to cornicing which is why so many mouldings are based on original period styles, like those by renowned Scots designer Robert Adam.

Damaged existing mouldings can be reproduced and replaced.

It's a specialised job but in the hands of a skilled tradesman it is no big deal, so don't be put off repairing your cornice. The end result will be well worth it.

ORAC (LIGHTWEIGHT) MOULDINGS

Don't let a lack of decorative plaster make you feel unworthy. In the modern age technology has replaced a lot of the difficult craftsman's skills allowing the DIY man or woman to have ornate cornicing - and I am not talking about plain plaster coving here.

Orac has produced a very quick and easy-to-install cornice, which is easily put up by just one person, is very easy to cut and creates no significant dust or mess so it gets a big thumbs-up from me.

It is also water and humidity resistant so is ideal for giving a bit of individuality to bathrooms and kitchens.

The best part is Orac cornices come pre-primed and only require one coat of paint.

You'll find a full range of Orac products on www.wmboyle.co.uk so judge for yourselves.

CEILING ROSES

It's very much horses for courses when it comes to ceiling roses.

Imagine a massive 4ft wide rose with an impressive chandelier dangling below in a typical modern home. It just is not going to work is it?

Every ceiling rose must suit the room it is placed in and that is why there is such a vaiety of styles and sizes - from a pancake-like flat ring to very ornate, complex designs.

Remember a simple, platesized ceiling rose with a light fitting through it will add interest to any modern ceiling.

DONNY'S LITTLE HELPER

No DIY-er would be without a good quality tape and Power Duck Tape is just about the best there is with thousands of uses. This versatile product boasts very strong adhesion, is completely weatherproof yet is easily tearable by hand. I have used it to hold batteries in a remote control car, fix holes in paddling pools, as well as strengthen boxes.

It's good to add a touch of individuality to your home and ornamental plasterwork is just the job.