How to Do Button Marking: Essential Guide

The main purpose of button marking is to provide a fixed reference for plastering, so the finished wall surface remains straight, level, and uniform in thickness.

In simple terms:

Buttons act as guide points for plaster work. They help workers apply plaster to the correct thickness and maintain a uniform wall surface.

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Tools Required for Button Marking :

• Measuring tape – To measure plaster thickness and spacing.
• Spirit level – To check level and verticality.
• Plumb bob – To check wall verticality.
• Laser level – For accurate level and alignment checking.
• Straight edge – To check the straightness of the reference points.
• Trowel – To make the plaster buttons.
• Line thread – To check alignment between buttons.
• Pencil/marker – To mark reference points on the wall.

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• Before starting button marking, check for any undulation or level difference in the structural slab, columns and other structural elements.

• Transfer a reference point on the beam from the slab (say @ 300mm) on one corner using a measuring tape and a plumb bob.

• Transfer this point with a tube level to all the corners of the room at two points per wall.
• The lowest area in the slab is identified and a button mark is fixed, considering the minimum ceiling plaster thickness of 10mm.
• Now fix a button mark at one of the corners at the same level as the above mentioned button mark.
• Mark a distance of 300 mm below the button mark on the wall and transfer this level to all the corners of the room, onto the walls.
• Using these marks, measure 300mm upwards and fix the button marks at all corners. This will ensure that all the corner button marks are at the same level.
• Stretch a string line over the button marks and ensure that a minimum thickness of 10mm is available throughout the slab.
• If not, then adjust all the button marks such that the minimum ceiling plaster thickness of 10mm is available.
• Stretch a string line in both directions and also diagonally to check if minimum plaster thickness is available throughout.

• Before Plastering additional/intermediate button marks have to be created with reference to corner button marks, so that the distance in between two button marks is not more than 1.5m ( i.e length of straight edge )

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Wall Plastering :

• Create a base line by taking measurement from starters of columns coming in a straight line.

• Establish a button mark of minimum thickness of 10mm with reference to the baseline, then transfer the button mark on full length of the wall by referring to the same measurement from base line.
• Establish another baseline at right angles to the original baseline and check for right angles of this base line by using 3-4-5 method or a building angle or by using a multi directional laser instrument.
• Establish the button marks for this wall also.
• Check for the right angle of button marks at corner of the wall with the help of a right angle template.
• After completing the button marking at lower level for an entire wall, transfer the same to top level with the help of 2m spirit level.

• A Rotating laser instrument can be used for button marking for quick and accurate work. The laser instrument can be setup near the wall or ceiling so as to achieve the minimum plastering thickness. The rotating laser can be intercepted at desired locations and button marks can be established.
• Before plastering additional/intermediate button marks have to be created with reference to corner button marks, so that the distance in between two button marks is not more than 1.5m.
• Transfer of base line into all the rooms inside the flat at right angles with using a theodolite or a multi directional laser instrument.

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External Plastering :

• Drop a plumb from the plaster band level to ground level.
• Check for the minimum plaster thickness (15mm) at every floor level and then establish a button mark of minimum thickness at the critical point and continue button marking for entire height with same reference.

• Button marking of all architectural features such as window fins, ventilator bands, balcony projections, etc. should be done with care so that there is no error in the horizontal and vertical planes.

• For an external wall button marking: as standards use of piano wire is recommended for the plumb bob, to improve accuracy. This will eliminate the problems such as knots in nylon threads or bends in GI wire.
• Immerse the bottom of the Plumb bob in a bucket of water, which can act as a vibration damper.
• Also, a rotating laser instrument can be used for button marking. The laser beam can be intercepted at any desired location and the button mark can be established.
• The average plastering thickness should be 20mm.

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Inspection Method for Button Marking :

1. Check if the minimum plaster thickness is available using string line along the button marks in all direction.
2. Check the room dimensions by tying a string line along the button marks.
3. Ensure that the distance between consecutive button marks is not more than 1.5m.
4. Check the verticality of the button marks on the walls using a 2m Spirit level.
5. Check the button marking done for architectural features.
6. Check corners and openings – Verify that buttons near corners, doors, and windows are properly aligned.
7. Check surface condition – Ensure buttons are firm and properly bonded to the wall before plastering.

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