Gros plan sur les doigts gantés d'un artisan appliquant de l'enduit sur une surface rouge. Les gants noirs sont légèrement couverts d'enduit, illustrant le processus de ratissage pour obtenir une surface lisse et uniforme avant l'application de la peinture.

Raking
&
Coating

Raking and plastering walls and ceilings are crucial steps in preparing surfaces before painting or final coating.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to perform these tasks professionally.

A craftsman prepares filler in a large blue bucket. He pours the contents of a bag into the bucket, ensuring that the mixture is well-blended to effectively fill cracks and holes on the surfaces to be treated.

A craftsman applies a rake compound to a wall using a spatula and a red smoothing tool. Natural light streams through the windows in the background, illuminating the room and emphasizing the quality of the work done to achieve a smooth, even surface.

A craftsman applies a raking plaster to a wall, kneeling and wearing a white outfit with knee protectors. He uses a red spatula to smooth the plaster. The room is well lit by soft natural light, highlighting the care and precision of the work carried out.

A craftsman uses a red spatula and a metal trowel to apply plaster to a ceiling. The black-gloved hand holds the tool firmly, and a layer of white plaster is visible on the trowel, ready to be applied to the surface.

A craftsman uses a red spatula to apply plaster to a plasterboard. The craftsman's arm is stretched upward, carefully spreading the plaster to smooth the surface. In the background, a beige wall and natural light illuminate the scene.

A craftsman applying plaster to a wall using a red spatula, ensuring a smooth finish. The wall is beige and the craftsman is focused on his work, demonstrating great skill and attention to detail.

A craftsman carrying out a plastering revision on a wall using a red spatula, smoothing out imperfections to ensure a perfect surface.

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Why is plastering and raking essential before painting?

Visual comparison before and after plastering of a wall with imperfections, transformed into a smooth surface ideal for painting

Before painting a wall or ceiling, it is essential to properly prepare the surface to obtain a smooth and even result.

Plastering involves applying a layer of plaster to walls or ceilings to fill holes, cracks, and other imperfections.

Raking refines this work by applying a thin layer of plaster over the entire surface to perfectly smooth the walls.

These two techniques guarantee a professional finish, essential for an impeccable and long-lasting paint finish, particularly in homes in Ramatuelle, Les Issambres and their surrounding areas.

The different stages of plastering walls and ceilings

Coating is a meticulous step that takes place in several phases to ensure a surface ready for painting.

Here are the main steps for successfully coating walls and ceilings,

whether in a house in Grimaud or an apartment in Draguignan.

1. Surface preparation

A professional preparing a wall for plastering, removing dust and residue through careful sanding.

The first step is to prepare the surface by cleaning the walls and ceilings to remove dust, grease and old coatings that could hinder the adhesion of the plaster.

It is also recommended to lightly sand the surfaces to facilitate the adhesion of the coating.

Application example:

In a villa in Sainte-Maxime, careful cleaning of the ceilings before plastering is crucial to ensure good adhesion and avoid blistering when applying the paint.

2. Application of the filler

A craftsman filling the cracks with filler to ensure a solid base before smoothing.

Filler is used to fill holes, cracks and large irregularities.

It is applied using a putty knife and must be smoothed to avoid bumps.

Once the coating is dry, it is recommended to sand the surface for a more uniform finish.

Application example:

On the walls of an apartment in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, the application of a filler coating makes it possible to correct defects before applying a finishing paint.

3. Application of the smoothing coating

Precise application of a smoothing compound on a wall to obtain a flat and uniform surface.

Once the holes are filled, the smoothing compound is applied to the entire surface to make it perfectly smooth.

This step is essential to hide micro-cracks and small imperfections that could be visible after painting.

Application example:

In a renovated house in Les Arcs-sur-Argens, applying smoothing plaster to the walls creates a uniform base for a matte or satin paint.

4. Final sanding

Final sanding of a coated ceiling, ensuring a surface ready for high quality painting.

After the smoothing compound has completely dried, light sanding is necessary to remove the last rough spots and obtain a perfectly smooth surface.

This sanding should be done with fine sandpaper to avoid creating scratches.

Application example:

In Ramatuelle, careful sanding of the ceilings after plastering guarantees a smooth and uniform finish before applying white paint for a luminous effect.

Raking: A step to perfect the finish of walls and ceilings

An impeccably smooth ceiling thanks to raking, ready for professional painting.

Raking is a finishing technique that involves applying a thin layer of plaster over the entire surface of the wall or ceiling.

It is particularly useful for achieving a high level of finish before painting.

Raking smooths out small imperfections left after coating and creates a perfectly flat surface, ready to receive quality paint.

1. Application of the raking coating

Un professionnel ratissant un sol à l’aide d’une taloche, garantissant une finition homogène.

The raking plaster is applied with a trowel or a plastering knife over the entire surface.

Unlike filler, raking filler is much finer and creates a smooth, even surface.

Application example:

In a second home in Saint-Tropez, raking the walls allows you to obtain a perfect finish before painting, even in the rooms most exposed to light.

2. Drying and sanding

Close-up view of a sanded wall after raking, highlighting perfect preparation for painting.

After applying the rake compound, it is important to allow it to dry completely before proceeding with light sanding.

This helps to remove any irregularities and ensure a smooth surface before painting.

Mistakes to Avoid When Plastering and Raking

Despite their apparent simplicity, plastering and raking require know-how to avoid certain pitfalls.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid to ensure a professional result.

1. Applying layers that are too thick

Illustration des erreurs courantes lors de l’enduisage, montrant des couches épaisses provoquant des fissures.

Applying too thick layers of plaster can cause cracking when drying.

It is best to apply multiple thin layers for a more stable and uniform result.

Application example:

In Draguignan, when renovating old walls, thin layers of plaster are preferable to avoid cracks due to shrinkage of the plaster.

2. Neglecting sanding

Insufficient sanding after coating or raking can leave visible irregularities under the paint.

It is essential to sand each coat properly for a smooth result.

Application example:

In Les Issambres, careful sanding of the walls after raking is the key to obtaining a perfectly smooth surface before applying a finishing paint.

Why call a professional for plastering and raking walls and ceilings?

Plastering and raking walls and ceilings requires precision and experience to ensure a flawless finish.

By calling on a specialist painter in the regions of Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Tropez, and Draguignan, you benefit from careful work, carried out according to the rules of the art.

A professional will know how to choose the right products and techniques for each support, while respecting the deadlines and specificities of your project.

He has the tools and know-how to perform high-quality coating and raking, ensuring a surface ready to receive the paint of your choice.

Whether you are in Sainte-Maxime, Ramatuelle, Les Arcs-sur-Argens, or the surrounding area, we are at your disposal for surface preparation work that meets the highest standards in the industry.

Conclusion: Plastering and raking for perfect surfaces

A perfectly painted wall after professional plastering and raking, illuminated by natural light.

Plastering and raking walls and ceilings are essential steps to ensure an impeccable and durable paint finish.

By taking the time to properly prepare the surfaces, you ensure that you obtain a professional result, whether it is new walls or surfaces to be renovated.

For careful work, respecting the specificities of each material and local requirements, do not hesitate to contact us.

We operate in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Dracénie regions, covering towns such as Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Sainte-Maxime, Draguignan, Grimaud, Gassin, and all surrounding areas.