How to Cover Plaster Walls

If you live in a home that was built in 1950s or earlier, you probably have plaster walls, unless the home has been extensively renovated. If they are maintained properly, plaster walls can last for a number of years. Plaster walls may have a textured surface to them; unless they have been renovated, plaster walls do not look like the smooth walls constructed of drywall. If you are considering covering your plaster walls with paint you should do a few things first to achieve a smooth wall look.

Wall sanders and sanding pads
Shop-vac

Instructions

- 1
  Thoroughly inspect your walls. looking for any cracks or any part of the wall that may be starting to crumble.
- 2
  Repair any cracks or reinforce any sections of your plaster wall that may be starting to crumble with premixed drywall mud. If you think or suspect there may be damage behind the wall that is causing it to break down, you may want to bring in an expert and him assess the structural condition of the plaster wall.
- 3
  Sand the wall using a wall sander fitted with the appropriate sanding pad. This will take some time and create a mess of dust, but when done you will have a smooth wall. Run your hand across the wall looking for any areas that do not feel as smooth as others. Sand those areas until the entire wall is uniformly sanded.
- 4
  Vacuum all the dust from the room and wipe the walls down with a damp cloth to make sure you have removed all the dust from them.
- 5
  Apply a coat of paint primer to the entire wall that you will be painting. When selecting a primer choose one that has "stain blocking" in its formula. Plaster walls will often have discoloration across them, and you don't want this discoloration bleeding through your paint.
- 6
  Apply the first coat of the paint color you selected. Allow to dry and repeat the process for a deep rich color and professional look to your painting job.

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