How to Fix Plaster Wall Waves

Plaster walls can be found in many older homes and even in new homes where the owner decided to use a different material than drywall. Plastering is a skill that takes years to learn, and it is all too common to end up with what are known as "waves" in plaster walls. When the surface coat is not applied evenly, it creates a wave pattern. In order to remove this pattern, you must build up the depressed area and make the wall level.

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

Instructions

- 1
  Mix a small amount of Plaster of Paris in a clean bucket. Use clean water and follow the package instructions. Do not mix until you are ready to begin work.
- 2
  Apply a skim coat of plaster to the depressed area of the wall. Load a small amount of plaster on to the hawk. Transfer some to a trowel and scrape it on to the wall in an upward motion. Use an even amount of pressure on the trowel. Scrape off any excess with the edge of the trowel.
- 3
  Let this coat set for 30 to 45 minutes and sand it smooth with a fine-grit sanding block. There should be no ridges or marks in the finish.
- 4
  Hold a level onto the wall. If the wave pattern is still there, it will not read level. Repeat skim coating the plaster, letting it dry and sanding it until the wall reads as level.

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