How to Plaster a Wall

Plastering a wall involves a series of manageable steps to ensure a smooth and professional finish. Start by preparing the wall, ensuring it’s clean and free of dust or loose material. Apply a coat of PVA adhesive to improve the plaster’s adhesion. Alternatively you can use Blue Grit or SBR depending on preferences. Then, mix the plaster to the right consistency, spread it evenly, and smooth it for a polished finish. Each stage builds on the last and will be explained in detail below.

Step 1. Preparing the wall for plastering

A clean and stable surface is critical for successful plastering. Begin by removing old plaster, flaking paint, or wallpaper using a scraper or wire brush. Pay attention to cracks or holes; you can fill them with a suitable filler and sand the area smooth once it’s dry, or leave them to be filled when plastering. 

Check for damp patches, as moisture can affect how the plaster adheres. Lastly, wipe the wall to remove any dust or debris. This preparation ensures the plaster has a solid, even base to adhere to.

Step 2. Prime the walls for plaster

Priming the walls creates the right surface for plaster to bond effectively. You can use PVA adhesive or a modern plastering primer, such as SBR or Blue Grit, depending on your needs. While PVA adhesive is a budget-friendly, multi-purpose option, plastering primers are specially formulated to enhance adhesion and regulate moisture for professional results. 

For improved workability, consider adding plasticisers or other additives to your plaster mix. These help improve flexibility, reduce cracking, and make the plaster easier to apply.

Mix your choice of primer with water in a 1:4 ratio and apply it evenly using a roller or large brush. Check that all areas, including corners and edges, are covered. Allow the PVA to become tacky, but not fully dry, before applying plaster. This step prevents the plaster from drying too quickly or peeling.

Step 3. Mixing the plaster

Mixing the plaster correctly ensures a smooth and workable consistency. Start by filling a clean mixing bucket with water, then gradually add plaster. Using a paddle mixer or mixing stick, stir continuously until the mixture is lump-free and resembles thick cream. Avoid mixing too much at once, as plaster sets quickly. If you’re looking for convenience, consider ready-mixed plaster options.

Step 4. Applying the first skim coat of plaster

Start by applying the base coat, often referred to as skimming. Load your plasterers hawk with a bucket trowel. Then whilst holding your plastering trowel against the hawk, move both so you scoop a small amount of plaster onto the trowel, and spread it onto the wall in smooth, overlapping strokes. 

Keep the layer thin, around 2mm thick, and work consistently from the top left downwards. Once the first coat is applied, allow it to set slightly before moving on to the finish layer. You’ll know it's ready for a second coat if you touch the surface of the plaster, and it doesn't leave any plaster on your fingers. This base coat creates a strong foundation for the final smooth finish.

Step 5. Applying the finish layer

The finish layers of plaster is what gives the wall its flawless, polished appearance. Mix fresh plaster if necessary, ensuring the consistency remains smooth and workable. Apply this second coat in a thinner layer, about 1mm thick, working carefully to cover any imperfections from the base coat. Use long, even strokes to achieve a uniform finish. Take your time during this stage, as the finish layer determines the overall look of the wall.

Step 6. Smoothing and drying

Once the finish layer has been applied, it’s time to smooth out the surface for a professional result. Use a clean but wet plastering trowel to gently remove ridges or uneven spots. Lightly mist the wall with water using a spray bottle or paint brush and re-smooth if needed, as this helps achieve a polished appearance. Allow the plaster to dry naturally for 5–7 days, ensuring the room has adequate ventilation. Avoid painting or decorating until the plaster is completely dry to prevent peeling or cracks.

Throughout the plastering process, you may want to try a flexible featheredge & darby. A popular choice is an OX Speedskim, allowing you to flatten and smooth the plaster more easily for a professional finish.

To achieve a polished finish, use a clean plastering trowel to smooth the surface, removing any ridges or imperfections. Larger tools like a featheredge or darby are ideal for levelling wider areas. As the plaster begins to set, mist it lightly with water and re-trowel for a sleek, professional look.

Curing is key, so allow the plaster to dry naturally for 5–7 days in a well-ventilated room. Do not expose the wall to direct heat sources, which can cause cracking or uneven drying.

How to plaster around a corner

Plastering around corners requires extra care to achieve smooth, professional-looking edges. Whether working on internal or external corners, the right technique ensures a clean, durable finish.

• Use corner beading: Beading provides a firm guide for plastering corners, ensuring straight, sharp edges. Secure the beading in place before applying the first coat of plaster.

• Apply plaster in thin layers: Start by spreading plaster from the beaded edge outward, using smooth strokes. Build up thin, even layers rather than applying too much at once.

• Blend into adjoining surfaces: Feather out the plaster at the edges to create a seamless transition between walls and corners.

• Finishing touches: Once dry, sand down any uneven areas for a smooth finish. If working near ceilings, consider coving for a neat transition between walls and ceilings.

• Don't forget skirting boards: When plastering down to floor level, ensure a clean edge where the wall meets the skirting boards. Protect existing skirting or remove and reattach after plastering for a crisp finish.

Taking the time to plaster corners properly will enhance the overall look of your project, ensuring strong, well-defined edges that last.

Advanced plaster wall techniques

Once you’ve learned the basics, you can explore advanced plastering techniques to add character and style to your walls. Textured finishes, such as swirls, combed patterns, or stippling, create visual interest and work well in feature areas. You can also mix pigments directly into the plaster to achieve custom colours, saving time on painting.

Keep in mind that a quality plaster finish relies heavily on proper bricklaying. Uneven or poorly laid bricks can make it difficult to achieve a smooth surface and can cause issues down the line like cracking. For tips on laying bricks, read our step-by-step bricklaying guide.

Avoid these common plastering mistakes for a smooth, lasting finish:

• Skipping preparation: Failing to clean and prime walls can stop plaster from sticking properly. Always start with a clean, stable surface.

• Smoothing “too dry”: If you try to smooth fresh plaster that has slightly dried, it may drag on your trowel and start scraping your layer away. So, when smoothing, don't be afraid to add more water to the plaster surface to allow for a smoother finish.

• Applying thick layers: Thick coats crack or leave uneven textures. Apply thin, even layers, letting each set before continuing.

• Rushing the job: Hurrying through drying times often leads to a poor finish. Take your time for the best results.

Plastering without heating: Plastering in unheated new builds often lead to cracks caused by rapid drying, uneven curing, or temperature fluctuations. Maintain consistent, moderate temperatures during the drying process to prevent shrinkage cracks.

When to hire a plasterer?

Deciding between DIY plastering and hiring a professional depends on your project's complexity, the desired finish and your ability. For small repairs or a simple wall plastering task, why not try doing it yourself to save money. However, large-scale projects or detailed finishes often require a professional touch to achieve the best results.

If you choose to go the DIY route, check out our high-quality selection of plastering tools like plastering hawks and edge & jointing tools. While these may add to upfront costs, they’re reusable and serve as long-term investments. However, if time, precision, or experience are concerns, consider hiring a skilled plasterer to ensure quality and save effort.