How to Change a Plaster Wall With Sheetrock

Plaster walls are common in many older homes. While this material creates a very hard veneer on the walls, it is subject to cracking. Unlike drywall, plaster cannot expand or contract. When the house shifts, the plaster will crack. While you can change a plaster wall by tearing it down and starting over, this method is expensive and creates a very large mess. To avoid this and lower your costs, you can simply hang drywall over the old plaster.

Stud finder
Masking tape
Drill
Masonry screws
Sheetrock
Drywall tape
Joint compound
Trowel
Fine-grit sanding block

Instructions

- 1
  Find the studs in the room with an electronic stud finder. If the walls are particularly thick, the stud finder may not work, but typically it will pick up the location of the studs. Mark these spots off with a pencil.
- 2
  Make masking tape "x's" over where you will be installing your drywall screws. Masking tape will help give the bit something to bite on instead of slipping on the plaster. Make one "x" every twelve inches vertically on the wall studs.
- 3
  Hang the first panel with masonry screws and a drill. Line the Sheetrock panel up on the wall. Have a friend hold it in place while you insert the screws. Dimple the surface of the Sheetrock with the head of the screw, but do not puncture the paper.
- 4
  Continue hanging the panels until the plaster is covered. Line up your panels exactly to make the taping process easier.
- 5
  Tape your seams with self-adhesive drywall tape. Press the tape into the Sheetrock panel firmly to get a good seal.
- 6
  Apply joint compound with a trowel over the tape and your screw dimples. Use only a thin layer of compound. Scrape it on with a trowel and scrape away any excess with the edge of your trowel. Cover the tape completely and fill in the dimple holes. Let the joint compound set for up to eight hours or until it is hard to the touch.
- 7
  Sand the joint compound with a fine-grit sanding block until it is flush with the rest of the Sheetrock panel. The surface should be completely smooth to the touch. You can now prime and paint the Sheetrock.

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