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How To Plaster a Wall

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 10, 2024

Plastering is the process of applying a smooth layer of plaster to walls or ceilings. It ensures that the wall surface has the appropriate finish to entice painting or wallpaper application. In this guide, we’ll learn how to plaster a wall.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Why Plaster a Wall

Plastering offers several benefits, some of which include:

  • Finishing on new construction: Newly constructed walls must be plastered to get a smooth finish. This also allows for new paints to be applied to the wall.
  • Repairing damaged walls: With time, a wall's shine may diminish, and cracks may form. Plastering is a quick and effective fix that can restore the wall’s appearance.
  • Remodeling: Plastering is also recommended while remodeling homes. It improves the aesthetic of the house and is also budget friendly.

4 Types of Plaster

There are multiple types of plasters available. Some of the most popular ones are:

1. Gypsum Plaster

This plaster is made of gypsum powder, lime and sand. It is the most used plaster for walls and produces a very smooth surface. It also dries fast, requiring less time for completion.

2. Cement Plaster

It is a combination of cement, sand and water. This plaster is stronger than gypsum plaster and is often used in walls that have to withstand vibrations from heavy machinery nearby or vibrations from the surrounding environment.

3. Veneer Plaster

It is made of gypsum and glue. It can be spread evenly and quickly dry, requiring only a few minutes to set on the wall.

4. Lime Plaster

It is a mixture of lime, sand and water. However, this plaster can take many days to dry and is used only in specialized cases.

Mixing the Plaster

Before you begin applying the plaster, you will need to prepare it. To mix the plaster:

How to Plaster on A Wall

Once the plaster mix is ready, follow these steps to apply plaster on a wall:

How to Replaster a Wall

If your plastered surface has worn out, you may need to replace the old plaster. Here’s how you can do it:

Your walls are now plastered and ready to be painted. Remember to take your time with the process, not to be clumsy and to smooth any rough edges gradually. If done correctly, you will have smooth-looking walls and can paint them to match the room’s aesthetics.

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