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Last updated: 1 November 2023

Can you plaster over paint?

If you're planning to apply a fresh coat of plaster to a room in your home and you're wondering, can you plaster over paint? We have the answer for you right here.

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If you're planning to apply a fresh coat of plaster to a room in your home and you're wondering, can you plaster over paint?

We have the answer for you right here... Keep reading to find out more.

Can you plaster over paint on a wall?

The simple answer is yes. There’s no reason why you can’t apply a plaster coat onto a painted wall – but you'll need to carry out the proper steps to prepare the wall for the new plaster.

How to prepare a painted wall for plastering

To successfully prepare a painted wall for a fresh coat of plaster, follow these steps:

  1. Scrape off any loose or flaking paint

  2. Sand down the wall until smooth

  3. Apply a coat of Thistle Bond or two coats of PVA

  4. Plaster the wall while the bonding agent is still tacky

This method will create a strong and durable plaster finish that, once dry, will be ready for painting.

Can I plaster over paint myself?

If you’re a confident DIY enthusiast, you can try plastering over a painted wall yourself. By following the steps above, you’ll have more chance of a successful finish.

Want some tips on plastering? No problem, you can check out our guide on how to plaster for useful advice and handy hints.

Hire an experienced local plasterer near you

However, if you’re unsure about your skills as a plasterer, we recommend hiring a professional to do the job.

An experienced local plasterer will do the job to a professional standard and save yourself the hassle of doing it yourself.

To find the best plasterers in your area, simply enter your postcode into the box below and search are online directory of approved tradespeople near you.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

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