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Can You Put Plaster Over Paint? (How To)

The simple answer is yes, you can plaster on top of painted walls. With that said, however, several different situations and factors should be considered before taking on the task. For example, the condition of the painted wall is extremely important to whether you can plaster over paint or not. You will also need to complete a somewhat extensive preparation of the wall before you can skim plaster over the paint.

Plaster can be applied over painted surfaces as long as the painted walls are in good condition. This means no cracks, peeling, or other damage to the paint or wall. Additionally, the painted wall will need to be properly prepared and the right tools used for the plaster to adhere properly.

Two man painting and putting plaster on the wall

Preparation of the painted wall is key to ensuring the plaster adheres to the surface. Without proper preparation, the plaster will simply start to crack and fall off the painted surface. 

Should You Put Plaster Over Paint?

Man putting plaster on the wall

Plaster has long been used to protect and decorate walls. This versatile building material can be used to coat more than just walls, it can also coat partitions and ceilings. That doesn’t mean, however, that it can be applied Willy Nilly on any surface. 

Whether or not you should put plaster over paint really depends on the quality of the painted walls. Potential problems that can arise are the plaster not adhering to the paint because the surface was either not properly prepared or in a condition not suitable for plastering.

Besides the plaster not adhering to the painted surface, there really aren’t any other problems or issues you should be concerned with. As long as you properly prepare the wall, you should have no issues with the plaster bonding to the paint.

What Tools Do You Need To Put Plaster Over Paint?

Tools used for plaster

Most of the tools needed to put plaster over paint are fairly common items in the do-it-yourself world. This means you may have many of the tools on the list in your home or garage right at this moment. 

The tools needed to put plaster over paint include cleaning solution, water, rags, trowels, bucket, hawk board, plaster, PVA bonding agent, sandpaper and sander, and dust mask. Of course, the tools needed may vary depending on your exact situation.

For example, if the paint is cracking, chipping, or peeling, you will need a paint scraper to help remove the paint before you clean the wall. If the damaged paint cannot be removed with a paint scraper, you may have to use a chemical paint striper to take care of the problem. This will open up a whole new list of tools needed for the job. Additionally, if the wall is already smooth without any damage, you may not need sandpaper and sander. 

Because each situation is different, you will need to assess the current condition of the painted wall and decide for yourself what tools are needed and how to proceed. 

What Preparations Do You Need To Put Plaster Over Paint?

Man putting plaster on the wall

If you want the plaster to last for many years, you will need to properly prepare the painted wall before applying the plaster. While the preparation may seem silly, taking these necessary steps will reduce the chance of the plaster cracking and falling off the surface.

The painted wall will need to be clear of any chip or peeling paint, which means a paint scraper may be needed to remove these pieces, and then cleaned with TSP and water. The wall will have to dry completely and then PVA bonding agent is applied to the surface so the plaster adheres properly.

The most important part of plastering over paint is to ensure the surface you are applying the plaster to is in good condition. This means you may have to address damage or issues with the painted walls before you even begin to clean them. While this step may seem unnecessary, it is vitally important. Without a good surface to adhere to, the plaster will begin to crack and start falling off the painted wall. 

How To Put Plaster Over Paint

confused man standing

Applying plaster over paint isn’t a difficult task, but it does take time and consideration before attempting the job. Keep reading to learn how to properly put plaster over paint.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 2, 2022.

To put plaster over the paint, you must first prepare and clean the wall, apply a base coat of PVA bonding agent, and then skim the plaster over the surface. Of course, you will need to allow the wall to dry between the base coat application and plaster application.

Before even picking up the plaster, examine the painted wall and use a paint scraper to remove any part of the paint that is chipping and peeling. If there are any rough spots, use a sander and sandpaper to smooth them out. Then wash the entire wall with water and TSP cleaning agent. Let the wall dry completely before continuing. 

After the wall has dried, apply the base coat, which is PVA bonding agent, over the entire surface and let it dry. PVA bonding agent will allow the plaster to adhere to the paint and help prevent the plaster from cracking. 

Once the bonding agent is dry, use a trowel to skim the plaster over the surface. The plaster should be about 1/4 inch thick and spread evenly over the entire wall.

You can spread the plaster back and forth or even in a circular type motion to create the look and design that matches your aesthetic. The plaster is pliable for about an hour, so you can scrape it off and start reapplying it if you are not satisfied with the design. Once you have the look to your liking, use water and paper towels to clean the plaster off your tools. 

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 2, 2022.

Remember, it can take about 6 weeks before the plaster is fully cured, and you should never apply anything over the plaster for at least a week after application. 

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 2, 2022.

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