How to Make a Plaster Wall Level Before Adding Tiles

Before laying tile over a plaster wall, the surface must be perfectly level. Unfortunately, plastering is not an exact science and if a professional did not plaster the wall, chances are there are waves and other imperfections in the surface. To make the wall a level surface, you will need to build up any depressions in the plaster and smooth out any protrusions. This project will take at least two hours to complete, depending on the size of the wall and the disparity from level.

Plaster of Paris
Clean bucket
Hawk
Trowel
Level
Fine-grit sanding block

Instructions

- 1
  Find the areas that need to be leveled. Hold a level over the wall, and mark with a pencil all spots that are depressed and need to be filled.
- 2
  Mix the plaster of Paris and water together in a clean bucket. Follow the package instructions for the exact amounts, but it is typically two parts plaster to one part water. Stir the mixture until there is no dry material in the bucket.
- 3
  Use a trowel to smooth the plaster onto the depressed areas. Work from the bottom up, and apply a 1/4-inch thick coat of plaster. Use a sweeping motion with your hand, and apply even pressure on the trowel. Scrape off the excess as you work, and smooth out any trowel ridges that appear. Let the plaster set for 45 minutes.
- 4
  Sand the patched area smooth with a fine-grit sanding block to remove any ridges and uneven areas.
- 5
  Place a level over the area again. If the area is still not level, add more plaster, working with a 1/4-inch thick coating every time until you get a level reading.

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