Plaster

Plaster is for cement-based and traditional plastering projects where a smooth or durable surface is the goal.

You’ll find guides on surface prep, bonding, scratch/brown/finish coats, patching, corner details, sanding and finishing, and how to avoid common issues like cracking, poor adhesion, and uneven texture.

If your project is “make this wall look right again,” this is the category to start with.

Construction worker smoothing plaster on wall wearing blue helmet

Repairing Polished Plaster Chips: Patch Blending Without Visible ‘Halos’

Introduction Repairing polished plaster chips means filling and feathering the damaged area so the patch matches surrounding sheen and texture without a visible ring. Start by cleaning and undercutting loose edges, use compatible repair material, and build thin layers that are troweled and polished to blend into the existing finish. Check product labels and manufacturer […]

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white plaster wall with uneven textured surface

Venetian Plaster Over Existing Texture: When to Skim, When to Sand, and When to Remove

Introduction Venetian plaster over existing textured walls means deciding whether to skim, sand, or remove that texture so the final finish looks smooth and bonds properly. In plain jobsite terms: skim if the texture is shallow and solid, sand if it’s flaky or slightly high, and remove if it’s loose, highly uneven, or has adhesion

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Hand holding plastering trowel against white wall background

Venetian Plaster Burnishing: Tool Choice, Timing, and How to Avoid Black Marks

Introduction Venetian plaster burnishing is the final rubbing of a polished plaster surface to compact and shine it using the right tools at the right moment. Pick flexible trowels or burnishers suited to your plaster type and check the product label for recommended tools, and make sure the base coat is dry and sound before

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Person holding paint roller with rust color near paint-splattered ladder

Clay Plaster Pigments: Color Mixing, Mottling Control & Testing – Timeline & Schedule

Introduction The timeline for working with clay plaster pigments can vary greatly depending on the size of your project and the complexity of your color scheme. Understanding how to manage your time effectively is crucial for a successful outcome. In this guide, we’ll break down the process into clear, time-based steps, helping you plan your

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Hand holding plastering trowel with fresh white plaster

Clay Plaster in Bathrooms: Timeline & Duration – Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction Installing clay plaster in your bathroom can transform the space into a warm, inviting haven. But how long does it take? Let’s break down the timeline and duration of this DIY project step by step. From surface preparation to final sealing, understanding the time commitment helps you plan effectively and ensures a successful outcome.

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close up of white gypsum plaster wall texture

Plaster in Kitchens: Grease Contamination Tests & Primer Choices – Timeline Before Painting

Introduction Preparing plaster kitchen walls for painting involves several steps, including testing for grease contamination and applying the right primer. Understanding the timeline of these processes helps you plan your project efficiently. This guide walks you through each step, focusing on how long it takes to test, clean, prime, and paint your kitchen plaster walls,

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Person holding plaster on hawk and applying with trowel

Restoring Plaster Picture Rails: A Step-by-Step Timeline to Preserve Shadow Lines

Introduction Preserving the original character of your home’s plaster picture rails involves careful repair and restoration. Understanding the timeline for this project helps you plan effectively, ensuring a successful outcome that maintains the shadow lines. From initial assessment to final touches, let’s break down the process into manageable steps, focusing on how long each task

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Close-up of decorative plaster cornice with leaf motif

Plaster Cornice Repairs: A Step-by-Step Timeline for Running Molds

Introduction Repairing plaster cornices with running molds can seem daunting, but breaking down the process into a clear timeline makes it manageable. This step-by-step guide focuses on the duration of each task, helping you plan and complete your repair project efficiently. Whether you’re restoring an old cornice or fixing damage in a newer home, understanding

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Ornate plaster ceiling medallion with floral and scrollwork design

Fixing Plaster Cracks at Ceiling Medallions: A Step-by-Step Timeline

Introduction Tackling plaster cracks around ceiling medallions can seem daunting, but breaking down the process into a clear timeline makes it manageable. This step-by-step guide walks you through fixing these issues efficiently, from initial inspection to final touch-ups. Understanding how long each stage takes helps you plan your project effectively and ensures you allocate enough

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Man applying plaster around window casing with trowel

Repairing Plaster Around Window Casings: A Step-by-Step Timeline for Straight Returns and Crisp Corners

Introduction Tackling plaster repairs around window casings can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the timeline, you’ll find it’s a manageable project. This step-by-step guide breaks down the process into digestible stages, helping you complete your repair efficiently and effectively. From assessing damage to applying the final coat of paint, let’s explore how

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