How to Plaster Shells to a Wall

Prepare Shells

• 1

  Wash all seashells and other items in a basin of water. Do not use soap to avoid leaving a residue on the shells.

• 2

  Allow the shells to dry about 24 to 48 hours. Lay on a towel or plastic in a warm environment or even outside.

• 3

  Paint the shells with a clear coat of polyurethane. Brush on a water-base sealer or use a spray can and spray the shells and other items. Allow to dry several hours. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid any respiratory distress.

Plaster Wall

• 4

  Wipe down the wall using a wet sponge or rag. Ensure the surface is free from oil and grime.

• 5

  Stir up joint compound using a drill with a mixing attachment. If the joint compound is crumbly or looks dry, add a small amount of water during the mixing process. The plaster should be smooth and creamy.

• 6

  Use a putty knife to place a thick amount of joint compound on the wall. Take a drywall trowel and swipe the plaster into different formations. Ensure the plaster is about 1/4 inch thick on the wall. Stick the seashells and other items into the plaster. Hold in place gently for a few moments.

• 7

  Leave items that are firmly attaching to the wall in place. Other items may just make an indentation, when stamping into the plaster. Leave these items on a piece of plastic in the order of where they were placed on wall. Allow plaster to dry.

• 8

  Paint plaster wall using a rough roller moving in a vertical direction. More than one coat of paint may be needed. Allow paint to dry about two hours between coats.

Attach Seashells

• 9

  Attach any seashells that were too large to stick in plaster alone. Use a small dot of Super Glue or a hot glue gun and add to the inset of the plaster area, where the seashell originally made an indentation.

• 10

  Set the seashell in place and firmly hold. Do not let go of the shell for about 10 seconds.

• 11

  Check to ensure all shells are firmly in place after about 24 hours. Any loose shells will need extra glue.