How to Cover a Brick Wall With Plaster

Prepare the wall for plaster. Clean the brick with a scrub brush and all-purpose cleaner to remove soot and grime. Inspect and remove any loose mortar or brick pieces.

Wear safety gear such as gloves, goggles and a dust mask. Mix a batch of premixed dry Portland cement in a metal bucket by adding water. Follow specific instructions on the bag concerning the amount of water to be used. Each manufacturer may add different aggregates to their concrete, affecting the amount of water to be used. Trowel the cement into the grout or mortar joints of the brick fireplace to level out all brick areas. Work quickly before the cement product dries. Cement begins to set within 15 minutes.

Paint the entire surface with a bonding primer. Use a rough nap roller and press lightly on the roller while working in a vertical pattern. If the bonding primer is absorbed into the brick, add a second coat to the surface. Allow the primer to dry 24 hours before plastering.

Blend drywall compound with a mixer attached to a hand drill to ensure the plaster is moist and fresh. Add a small amount of water if the drywall compound is crumbly and dry. Wipe on joint compound with a trowel. Hold a drywall trowel in hand, with the edge against the brick wall. Wipe the drywall compound onto the brick wall. Use no more than 1/4 inch of compound to avoid cracks. The compound may be applied smooth or with movement and texture.

Wait 24 hours for the drywall compound to dry. Sand the entire surface with a medium grit sanding block. Wipe off all dust with a damp rag. Paint the surface using latex paint in your desired color.