How to Apply Drywall Over Plaster Walls

Use the screwdriver to remove outlet and switch covers on the wall.

Remove baseboard trim, in addition to the door casings and window trim. Create a map for the room, and mark the location of each piece so it will be easier to reinstall once the drywall is installed.

Attach the drywall dimpler to the cordless drill. Using a drywall dimpler instead of a regular drill bit is important, because it drives the screw to the proper depth and prevents it from going in so far that it tears the paper on the front side of the drywall.

Position the drywall on the wall. Attach it by driving the 2-inch drywall screws through the drywall and into the plaster and lath behind it. Don't worry about driving the screws into the studs, because the plaster and lath will provide enough grip for the screws. Place screws every 12 inches in the drywall to properly secure it to the wall. Failure to do this will result in movement in the drywall, which leads to cracking along the seams.