How Do You Plaster a Wall? DIY Tips and Ideas

Plastering a wall is a skilled job, but with the right preparation, tools and patience, smaller areas can be tackled as a DIY project. Here are some tips and ideas to help.

Prepare the Wall

Good preparation is the key to a good finish. Remove any loose or blown plaster, fill large holes, and make sure the wall is clean and free from dust. Depending on the surface, you may need to apply a bonding agent such as diluted PVA so that the new plaster sticks properly and does not dry out too quickly.

Mix the Plaster

Always follow the instructions on the bag. Add the plaster powder to clean water in a clean bucket, never the other way round, and mix until it is smooth and lump-free, with a consistency a bit like thick yoghurt. Only mix as much as you can use before it starts to set.

Apply the Plaster

Apply the plaster with a plastering trowel, working from the bottom of the wall upwards in smooth, sweeping strokes. Most finishing plaster is applied in two thin coats. Once the first coat has started to firm up, apply the second, then trowel the surface smooth as it sets, using a little water if needed.

When to Call a Professional

Most people think plastering is only needed to repair cracks, but it is also used to give whole walls and ceilings a smooth, even surface ready for paint or wallpaper. Large areas are hard to get right without experience, so for whole rooms a Plasterer Cheltenham way such as Pure Plasterers can give you a smooth surface that is ready to decorate.

Let It Dry

New plaster needs time to dry fully before you decorate, often a week or more depending on the thickness and the weather. Apply a mist coat of watered-down emulsion before painting, as new plaster is very absorbent.