How To Plaster a Wall

Plastering a wall is a skilled process that depends on timing, technique, and control to achieve a smooth, durable finish. While plastering a wall can dramatically improve a room, achieving consistent results takes practice. In the video above, This Old House master plasterer Stephen Norton demonstrates how professionals approach plastering and what it takes to get consistent, high-quality results. Our guide further breaks down the steps and includes practical tips to help you get better results.

Benefits of Plaster Walls

Plaster walls offer several advantages over other wall finishes:

• Customization: Plaster can be molded and shaped to create unique architectural details.
• Durability: Plaster is harder and more resistant to dents and dings than drywall.
• Fire resistance: Plaster is naturally fire-resistant, adding an extra layer of safety to your home.
• Sound insulation: The density of plaster helps reduce noise transmission between rooms.

These qualities are part of why plaster is still used in high-end homes and restoration projects, even though it requires more skill and labor than drywall.

Types of Plaster

There are several types of plaster available for different applications, and choosing the right one depends on the surface and level of finish you’re aiming for:

• Ornamental plaster: Used for creating decorative moldings and architectural details.
• Traditional three-coat plaster: Consists of a scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat, and is typically used in older homes or full restoration projects.
• Veneer plaster: A thin coat applied over specially prepared drywall or masonry, often used for modern applications and the method shown in the video above.

For most homeowners, veneer plaster is the most practical option, while three-coat systems are more labor-intensive and usually handled by experienced professionals.

Preparing for Plastering Walls

You’ll need the right conditions to get started on your plastering job, as well as some necessary tools and materials for a professional finish.

Ideal Conditions for Plastering

Ideal conditions play a major role in how plaster behaves during application. Norton explains that temperatures around 55 to 60 degrees help control the setting time. If it gets too hot or humid, the plaster can set too quickly or begin to drag, making it harder to apply smoothly.

Preparing the Wall

Before you cover the entire wall in plaster, you’ll first tape the seams of the wallboard and use plaster to cover any joints and corner beads. This creates a smooth work surface and prevents cracking.

It’s important to properly prep, since plaster doesn’t hide imperfections well. Any uneven seams or loose material can show through the finish or lead to cracking over time.

Essential Tools and Materials

To plaster a wall, you’ll need the following items:

• Corner beads (for sharp edges)
• Drop cloths (for protecting the floor)
• Drywall hawk
• Flat trowel
• Mixing bucket
• Stilts or stepladder (for reaching high areas)
• Veneer plaster
• Water

The Plastering Process

Plastering a wall requires a specific technique to achieve a smooth, even finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying veneer plaster, which Norton also refers to as “mud,” as shown in the video above: 

1. Mix the plaster according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct consistency. Plaster that’s too thick can be difficult to spread, while a mix that’s too thin won’t hold properly on the wall.
2. Wet the hawk to prevent the plaster from sticking.
3. Take a small amount of plaster and spread it around on the hawk. Then place a mound of plaster onto the hawk. If your mound extends to the edge, clean off the edge of the hawk so that the plaster is in the center.
4. Scoop some plaster onto the center of the trowel. The scooping motion should be from the bottom up. Keeping the material centered on the trowel helps maintain control and prevents excess buildup along the edges.
5. Start in the middle of the wall, applying the plaster with an upward sweeping motion, then come back down, bending your knees as you reach the bottom to get a smooth, sweeping motion. Work from left to right as you spread it out. Smooth, continuous strokes help distribute the plaster evenly, while abrupt movements can leave ridges that are harder to remove later.
6. Use even pressure to spread the plaster thinly and smoothly. Inconsistent pressure is one of the most common issues—too much pressure can scrape material off, while too little can leave uneven thickness.
7. Work your way across the wall, overlapping each stroke slightly. Try to maintain a “wet edge” as you work. This means overlapping each pass before the previous section begins to set, which helps prevent visible seams.
8. To plaster the top of the wall beyond your reach, you’ll need to use a ladder or stilts. Take the trowel and make a hard angle going across for a clean line that meshes with the lower part of the wall. Having the top area clean makes it easier to apply paint or molding later.

Tips for Applying Plaster

Small adjustments in technique can make a big difference in the final finish, especially as you build consistency with your trowel work.

• Keep your tools clean: Dried plaster on your trowel or hawk can drag across the surface and leave unwanted marks.
• Watch your edges: Excess plaster along the edges of your trowel can create lines or ridges as you work.
• Work in manageable sections: Trying to cover too much area at once can make it harder to maintain a consistent finish.
• Use good lighting: Angled light helps reveal imperfections that are easy to miss while the plaster is still wet.
• Don’t overwork the surface: Repeated passes after the plaster begins to set can create drag marks and uneven texture.

Smoothing and Finishing

After applying the plaster, allow it to set slightly before smoothing. At this stage, you’re refining the surface rather than adding material.

Use light, controlled passes to remove blemishes and even out the finish. Avoid overworking the plaster as it begins to set, as this can create drag marks and an uneven texture.

Cleaning Up

When you’re done, clean your tools to remove any remaining plaster and properly dispose of any waste materials. Inspect your work for any imperfections that may need further smoothing.

Common Plaster Challenges and Solutions

Many plastering issues are caused by technique, timing, or environmental conditions rather than the material itself. Understanding what’s behind these problems can make them easier to avoid.

Avoiding Holidays

“Holidays” are blemishes or imperfections in the plaster surface. These often occur when sections are skipped or when uneven lighting makes it difficult to see thin or missed areas while the plaster is still wet. To avoid them, do the following:

• Maintain consistent pressure when applying the plaster.
• Ensure complete wall coverage.
• Work in good lighting to spot any missed areas.

Dealing With Fast-Setting Plaster

Temperature, humidity, and batch size all affect how quickly plaster sets, so adjusting your workflow can be just as important as adjusting the mix. If the plaster is setting too quickly, try the following:

• Work in smaller sections.
• Have a helper mix fresh batches as needed.
• Use a retarder additive to slow the setting time.

Achieving Crisp Corners

Corners typically build up excess material quickly, so controlling how much plaster you apply in these areas is key to keeping lines sharp. For clean, sharp corners, do the following:

• Use corner beads for protection and as a guide.
• Apply extra care when plastering near corners and edges.
• Use a corner trowel for a precise finish.

Handling Large Areas

Maintaining a consistent pace helps you keep a wet edge, which prevents visible seams between sections as the plaster begins to set. When working on large wall surfaces:

• Break the wall into manageable sections.
• Ensure each section blends seamlessly into the next.
• Work with a partner when possible.

Safety Precautions While Plastering

Plastering does come with a few potential dangers. Follow these safety guidelines:

• Ladders and stilts: Use ladders and stilts carefully to prevent falls.
• Protective gear: Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
• Proper ventilation: Ensure that the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling plaster dust.

Professional vs. DIY Plastering

While it’s possible to plaster a wall yourself, the results depend heavily on skill and experience. Plastering requires precise timing, consistent pressure, and controlled movements to achieve a smooth, even finish.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) plastering can help save on labor costs and gives you more flexibility, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Norton says that it can take about two years for crew members to become proficient, which reflects how much practice the technique requires.

While it’s possible to plaster a wall yourself, the results depend heavily on skill and experience. Plastering requires precise timing, consistent pressure, and controlled movements to achieve a smooth, even finish.

Hiring a professional involves a higher upfront cost, but it typically results in a smoother finish and faster completion. Professionals also have the experience to manage timing, surface preparation, and environmental conditions more effectively.