How do you cover damaged plaster walls?

Author: Dan Pfeffer  |  Last update: Friday, January 30, 2026

If a large chunk of plaster has lost grip from the lath behind it, remove the plaster and form rectangular patches before repair. Use repair mortar to cover the patches completely. You can also make use of wall tiles to cover the wall and avoid plaster damages anytime soon.

How to cover up damaged plaster walls?

  1. Scrape off the adhesive.
  2. Prime with a really good primer - if there is no moisture behind the plaster.
  3. Skim coat the wall with 45 minute dry wall mud. Work fast. ...
  4. Let it dry. You can use a small space heater and/or a fan to speed drying.
  5. Lightly sand and float any visible imperfections with 20 minute drywall mud.

How to cover bad plaster walls without plastering?

without plastering you options are limited to covering it. You could sand down the worst bits, then use something like a polyripple, a textured paint you put on with a roller to disguise it.

How to disguise a badly plastered wall?

Apply drywall mud.

Drywall mud is fairly easy to work with, and you can give the mud an interesting texture after putting it up to hide any imperfections in your wall. Grab a bucket of ready-made drywall mud and apply it evenly over the surface of the wall with a 6-inch (15-cm) putty knife.

What is best to cover plaster walls?

I've always recommended using a PVA primer on bare exposed plaster or drywall, otherwise plaster can soak up fluid from the paint, causing it to crack. If there's a lot of discoloration in the plaster, a good oil-based primer, like Zinsser or Killz original, can help cover it up.

Quickest, EASIEST WAY To Fix Blown Plaster (CRACKS GONE FOREVER)

What do you put over old plaster walls?

Oil-based primers are the best option for old walls. They have superior stain blocking abilities, and will keep any old stains from bleeding through to new paint. Oil-based primers are also great at sealing out moisture, which can be a major problem for old plaster walls.

What is the best color to hide bad plaster?

Dark colors of paint hide drywall imperfections because light gets absorbed into the paint instead of reflecting off it, helping conceal dirt, smudges and fingerprints. Great dark colors include: Navy.

How do you hide cracked plaster walls?

Keep reading for some of the best options for hiding cracks in walls, with helpful info on installation and choosing the right one for your space.
  1. Wallpaper. ...
  2. Vertical Wide Wood Slat Paneling. ...
  3. Textured Paint. ...
  4. Paintable Wall Panels. ...
  5. Hanging Art or Mirrors to Create a Gallery Wall.

How do you hide plaster imperfections?

Cover with wainscoting or paneling: If the problems are extensive, consider adding wainscoting or decorative paneling to conceal the damaged areas.

Is there a thick paint to cover bad walls?

Paint designed for uneven surfaces may be sold under a range of names including elastomeric paint, high-build paint, crack-free paint or renovation paint (which is basically a filler and undercoat in one). These paints are much thicker than ordinary paints which gives them much better coverage.

Can you paint over damaged plaster?

Identify and address the root cause of damaged plaster before you repair and paint it. An oil-based primer is ideal to prepare plaster walls for a new coat of paint.

Is there a paint that smooths walls?

Polycell Polyfilla SmoothOver for Damaged and Textured Walls. Gives a smooth surface that's ready to paint…. This product is not for online sale and can only be purchased from selected stores. Coverage 2.5 litres will cover up to 5m²(average layer thickness 0.5mm).

Can you put drywall over old plaster?

Although you can drywall over plaster, you will slightly increase the wall thickness by doing so. Drywall sheets are available in thicknesses between one-fourth and three-fourths of an inch. Most rooms in a home will use drywall with a thickness of one-half of an inch.

Can old plaster walls be repaired?

Repairing plaster walls might seem daunting, but with the right techniques and tools, you can restore them to their former glory. This guide will walk you through the repair process for damaged plaster, from assessing the damage to applying the final coat of paint.

Can I put shiplap over plaster walls?

Can You Install Shiplap over Plaster Walls? If you are working with plaster walls, only install shiplap if the plaster is in fair condition, flat and solid. Instead of using nails, use construction adhesive. Nails can crack your plaster and make shiplap installation unsafe.

How to cover a bad wall without plastering?

Use wall lining paper

Wall lining paper, or insulation paper as it's sometimes called, is basically the same as hanging wallpaper. You will still need to use adhesive to apply it, but thankfully, you don't have to get the skimming action perfect because the lining paper will mask any imperfections.

How do you cover damaged plaster?

If a large chunk of plaster has lost grip from the lath behind it, remove the plaster and form rectangular patches before repair. Use repair mortar to cover the patches completely. You can also make use of wall tiles to cover the wall and avoid plaster damages anytime soon.

How do you fill imperfections in plaster walls?

Mist coat the walls first. This will make it easier to see any imperfections and seal the plaster. Get a decent easy to sand filler - Easi-fill works but the best I've found is Touprets TX110. Fill any imperfections including major trowel marks if any then sand down with a medium to fine grit sandpaper.

How to cover old plaster walls?

The cheapest solution is to cover them with drywall. This will give you a nice smooth wall. You can glue the drywall directly to the plaster which will work if the current plaster is not too uneven.

What is the best color to hide bad plaster on walls?

The right color choice can be your camouflage superpower! Light and airy shades like pale blues or creams can make a cramped room feel more spacious. On the other hand, darker and richer tones, like deep green or charcoal can minimize the appearance of textured walls or minor imperfections.

What is the best filler for cracked plaster?

However, a plaster filler like Polyfilla or a powder filler are probably the best options for filling plaster cracks, as alternatives such as caulk are best used for other purposes, like sealing gaps around pipes or tiles.

How to fix crumbling plaster walls?

The problem of the crumbling plaster can also be resolved by applying a mixture made of water and vinegar to the defective area or region. It shall act as a shield against the dampness of the wall by making the surface area much stronger than before.

How do you hide blown plaster?

The good news is that if you're lucky enough to only have a small section of blown plaster, you can easily fix it using a skim coat of PVA.

How do you paint over damaged plaster?

Let's take a look at the crucial steps to take before you start coating your walls with a fresh layer of paint.
  1. Smooth The Surface. ...
  2. Let Plaster Dry Completely. ...
  3. Scrub with Sandpaper. ...
  4. Prime the Areas. ...
  5. Apply a Base Coat. ...
  6. Paint the Walls.

Is there a paint that fills imperfections?

Breeze through prep work, skip the primer and start enjoying your painted walls faster with Glidden Performance Edge 3 IN 1. This groundbreaking formula is the one and only paint that can actually fill minor surface imperfections, like small nail holes and hairline cracks, and then prime and paint in a single coat!*

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