Repairing Peeling Plaster in a Bathroom

In a bathroom, plaster walls are exposed to high levels of humidity as well as actual water. Water-damaged plaster can crack and peel, creating an unsightly mess. Typically, it's the paint over the plaster that actually starts to peel, but this can be traced to cracking underneath the layer of paint. A new coat of plaster will need to be applied to patch the problem before repainting the area, or the problem will just keep occurring.

Chisel
Drop cloths
Plaster mix
Trowel
Sandpaper
Primer
Paint
Primer and paint

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the tub with a drop cloth. This is a dusty job, and the cloth will help catch any debris that falls. You don't want these getting into the drain.
- 2
  Scrape away the peeling plaster. Use a chisel, and scrape off the peels and any debris that may be around the area.
- 3
  Mix the plaster together in a small bucket. Read the manufacturer's label on the back of the plaster bucket or bag, and follow those instructions for mixing the plaster properly. Each type of plaster may have different instructions.
- 4
  Apply the plaster to the peeled area. Load up a small amount of plaster on a trowel, and scrape it over the peeled area. Work from the bottom up, and apply the plaster in a sweeping upward motion. Let the plaster set for 30 to 45 minutes.
- 5
  Sand down the plaster patch. Use a hand block sander to smooth out the area around the patch. The surface should be flush with the rest of the wall.
- 6
  Prime and paint the area. Use an oil-based primer and paint to cover over your patch.

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