You’ve just finished a house refurbishment, and your walls are covered in wet plaster and you’re itching to paint or put up some cool decorations.
But wait, how long does it take to dry?
If you don’t give it enough time you’ll end up with cracks or the paint will fall off later. That’s no fun! Plastering is a big part of fixing up a home. It makes rough walls smooth and ready for whatever you want to do next.
The thing is it’s not super quick and it changes depending on a few things, like what kind of plaster you used, how warm or wet the air is, and how much plaster is on the wall.
In this post, we’re going to figure it all out together: how long it takes, what makes it faster or slower, and how to keep your project running smoothly.
You might have one question: “How long does it take for plaster to dry before painting?” Don’t worry we’ll get to that soon!
What’s Plaster All About?
So what is plaster?
It’s that gloopy stuff people plaster on walls to make them smooth which is usually made from gypsum, lime or cement like a recipe for smooth walls!
There are different types of plaster for different jobs. The backing plaster is thick and fixes bumpy walls. The finishing plaster is smooth and makes everything look perfect. Then there’s skimmed plaster a thin layer for touching up old walls or hiding little scratches.
How long does it take to dry?
Most plaster takes 2 to 7 days to dry completely. But that’s just a guess, we’ll get to that in a minute.
If you’re working with a renovation company, they’ll probably tell you to wait a few days before you can do anything else.
Here’s a quick one: How long does skimmed plaster take to dry? If the room’s warm and not too damp, it’s usually 2 to 3 days.
Knowing this stuff helps you plan so you’re not stuck waiting and wondering what’s next.
What Makes Plaster Dry Fast Or Slow?
Drying isn’t just about sitting around, it’s about what’s happening in the room.
First, how much plaster you use matters. A big, thick layer, like when you’re fixing an uneven wall might take a whole week or even longer to dry. A thin layer, like skimmed plaster, dries way faster, maybe in just a couple of days.
The air around the plaster is a big deal, too.
If it’s super humid like after a bunch of rainy days or the plaster stays wet longer. It could take more than seven days! The room temperature counts, too. Plaster likes it best when it’s not too hot or too cold—somewhere between 10 and 20°C works great.
It’ll stay wet for ages if it’s freezing, like in a cold garage. It might crack instead of dry nicely if it’s blazing hot, like in a sunny attic.
Then there’s air movement. Should you dry plaster with windows open or closed?
If it’s warm and dry outside, open the windows! Fresh air helps the water in the plaster dry up faster. But if it’s rainy and muggy, keep them closed so extra wetness doesn’t sneak in.
If you’re plastering a single storey extension with many walls, it might take longer than plastering a tiny room. A small space, like a closet, dries quickly because there’s less to deal with.
When Can You Paint Or Sand The Plaster?
Okay, now for the fun stuff, when can you start painting or sanding?
How long does it take for plaster to dry before painting? You’ll want to wait 4 to 7 days.
The outside might feel dry after a day or two, but there’s still water inside the plaster that needs to get out. If you paint too soon, that water gets stuck and your paint will bubble up or peel off later. Nobody wants that!
What about sanding? How long to wait for the plaster to dry before sanding?
For a thin layer, like skimmed plaster, wait at least 24 to 48 hours. If it’s a thicker layer—like on a brand new wall wait 3 to 5 days.
If you sand before it’s dry, you’ll mess it up. The plaster will smear or your sandpaper will get all clogged. Imagine sanding a wet wall and ending up with a gooey mess—that’s what we’re trying to avoid!
Easy Ways To Make Plaster Dry Faster
Waiting can be boring so how do you speed up plaster drying?
One easy trick is to get the air moving. Open a window if it’s dry outside, or turn on a fan. When air flows around it grabs the water from the plaster and carries it away.
Another incredible tool is a dehumidifier. It’s a machine that pulls water out of the air—super helpful if your room is damp, like a basement or during rainy weather. It can make drying happen way faster!
You can use heat, too, but don’t go crazy. A small space heater on low a few feet from the wall, can help the plaster dry without any issues.
If you use too much heat, like holding a hairdryer right up to it. The plaster might crack instead of drying. That’s a bummer to fix!
These are great when you’re doing a house renovation and want to keep things moving.
Say you’re fixing up a room before your friends come over put a fan in there and you might save a day or two. Just don’t try anything wild that sounds too good to be true it might backfire!
Why Waiting For A Little Is Worth It
So, how long does plastering take to dry? 2 to 7 days depending on how thick it is, what the air’s like, and what type of plaster you used. It’s not always the case but knowing this helps you be in control.
If you’re working with a builder or adding a single storey extension you’ll need to plan for this. Fresh plaster needs time to dry before you can. If you don’t you might have to fix cracks or redo your paint later.
Try a fan, dehumidifier, or a little heat to speed it up. Check the weather too, if it’s dry outside that’s your chance to help it along.
Next time you look at wet plaster, you won’t feel stuck. You’ll know what to do. A little waiting means your walls will look fantastic and stay that way, your home deserves that!
FAQ
How long does it take for plaster to dry?
Plaster usually takes 2 to 7 days to dry fully, depending on thickness, air, and temperature.
How long do you have to wait to paint after plastering?
Wait 4 to 7 days after plastering to paint, so all the moisture is gone.
Is it safe to sleep in a freshly plastered room?
Yes, it’s safe once the plaster sets—about 24 hours—but keep the room aired out to avoid damp smells.
Does opening windows help plaster dry?
Yes, opening windows helps if it’s warm and dry outside, letting air move and pull moisture out faster.
