Are you doing your handy work around the house and wondering how to help plaster dry and what not to do? DIY jobs often seem as easy as pie. That is why many people feel they can do them without consulting a professional. You may not want to admit it when you need help, but it comes in handy.
In this article, we take a look at the steps to take to help plaster dry quicker. The faster it dries, the faster you can get on with the rest of the repairs to paint over a bumpy wall. This may be you attempting to fix a messed-up job (whether by you or anyone else). Painting is a great way to reclaim your wall at a much more affordable cost than a total renovation. But, this also depends on whether the plaster is dry. Let us dive in and see how to speed up the process, shall we?
Why is plaster taking so long to dry?
Plastering requires some time to dry, and if not given enough time, the situation may become worse. Because of this, it is better to be well informed and also know what to avoid. The amount of time that plaster takes to dry will depend on various factors, such as the type of plaster used.
The amount of time it takes to dry will also depend on coverage per bag. The space that you will need to plaster may determine drying time. Depending on the weather conditions the wall is being exposed to, the drying time may vary. An inside wall will not have as much sunlight as an outside wall whereas, an outdoor wall is prone to weather elements like rain.
You want to avoid damp environments. This way, your wall will dry faster. So if you were working on an outside wall, you would do well to check on the weather forecast first. Another reason your plaster may be taking longer to dry is that it is thick. When mixed and applied, the thickness has a bearing on drying time, which is why some expertise is a good idea.
What is the normal plaster drying time?
While drying can be influenced by other factors, there is an average drying time that you can expect. Plaster is generally made by mixing it with water and then applying it to a wall. The mixture has to be the right consistency to ensure that it does the job. The amount of time that plaster takes to dry also depends on the surface to which it is being applied.
Fresh plaster will take an average of 2 to 3 days to dry if it is applied to the plasterboard. But, if you have used an undercoat or backing plaster, it can take up to 7 days to dry. Within this time, you will need to make sure that you maintain the best conditions.
New walls will usually need more layers, such as the undercoat and the skim coat. This will usually make it thicker and as such needing more time for the plaster to dry, so be sure to consider this. However, plastering a wall that was already plastered will be as time-consuming.
The amount of time it takes to dry can also be a few hours if you repair a wall or apply the plaster to a plastered wall. This is often referred to as skimming. If you want to paint over it, it is advisable to wait for about a week, especially if it was fresh plaster.
But, the time is much shorter when you are plastering over existing plaster. The type of plaster you used also determines how long it takes to dry. For repairs and small DIY jobs, you will need up to two and a half hours. The topcoat on plasterboard may take up to one and a half hours, while base coats for walls may take up to two hours.
3 Things to Do to Help Plaster Dry
You can help speed up the plaster drying time. But-, you must weigh the odds. For instance, you can use a dehumidifier. This helps to remove the moisture from the air. The downside is that this can dry it a little too much and crack the plaster.
The second common way to dry plaster is by using a heat source such as a heater. This way, you get to keep the area you want to dry nice and toasty, thereby drying the wall faster. This method also has the disadvantage of drying the wall a little too much and causing it to crack.
One of the most effective ways that are also safe is the use of natural sunlight. Try to let your plaster dry naturally. This may give you a better result than trying to speed it up. The point of it all is to allow heat in the room, around enough to dry it but not too much to crack it.
Please don’t use dehumidifiers to help plaster dry
Humidity is one of the best ways to keep the plaster from drying. With this in mind, make sure that the air in the room is as dry as possible. By nature, a humidifier is placed in a room to increase the amount of moisture in the air, which is the one thing you want to avoid when you need plaster to dry quickly.
I Accidentally Painted Over Wet Plaster – What Can I Do?
You must wait for the plaster to dry completely before you begin to paint over it. But, sometimes, you may paint over wet plaster, what do you do now? The issue with painting over a damp wall is that you trap moisture in the wall, and your paint may start to crack. In time, the moisture can also produce mold, which is hazardous when breathed in.
If you have painted over your wet wall, there isn’t much that you can do about it except wait and see what the effect is. If the wall stains, or bubbles, you may need to redo the process by sanding it off and starting again! If it dries with no repercussions, you are in luck. You can move on with your life.
How can I tell if my plaster is dry?
You can tell if your plaster is dry or even close to it by deciphering the color. When the plaster is wet, it looks earthy and has a dark color. As it dries, it becomes lighter. Think about how you can tell if a brown fabric is wet or dry. When wet, it is darker in color, and as it dries, it becomes lighter, returning to its normal hue.
Should I open windows for my plaster to dry faster?
The trick to drying plastered walls is making sure that there is free circulation of air and also a certain amount of heat. You can open the windows slightly so that you are not letting the heat out, but you also allow enough air in.
What do I do if the room I just plastered is damp?
This can happen if you plaster during the colder months of the year or the rainy season. As long as there is excess moisture in the air, the plastering time can be slowed down. In this case, increase drying time by about 50%. Understand that the wall will need more time than usual.
Final thoughts
Plastering your walls is a great way to give them a polished look. It is also a necessary step if you want to paint the walls and add a bit of color to the room. But, it does take some time to dry; the exact amount of time differs. To be safe, wait it out. Patience is key in avoiding bubbles, mold, cracks, or painting over wet plaster which can have hazardous effects.
We hope this guide helps you answer some questions about plastering. Also, keep in mind the factors that will influence plaster drying time like the season, type of plaster that is being used, the number of layers, the type of job, and the humidity. Happy plastering!
