Changing a thin coat plaster finish

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Gern Bletner - 28 Sep 2005 00:43 GMT

I'm remodelling a house that is just 11 years old. It has thin coat plaster
(over drywall) in several different finishes and I want to have one uniform
finish throughout. Most of the thin coat has sand in it, some is knocked
down, some not, and some is a random swirl finish. The ceiling is in the
best shape with a nicely done uniform swirl pattern in even rows. BUT my
wife hates the ceiling and wants to get rid of that finish too.

I tried to smooth one of the sand-finished walls with a wall board sander
equipped with a coarse screen-type abrasive but the sand finish was tougher
than the sander.

> Can I just cover over the old finishes with a new finish of my own choice?

If so, any pointers would be appreciated. I am willing to replace the
moldings and baseboards (already have the materials).

> If I need to remove or smooth out the existing finishes... what is the

best way? I've done a lot of remodelling over the years but never had to
deal with this before. Help!

Thanks.

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M&S - 28 Sep 2005 01:43 GMT

> I'm remodelling a house that is just 11 years old. It has thin coat plaster
> (over drywall) in several different finishes and I want to have one uniform
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> Thanks.

    Two options would be to put up 1/4" or 3/8" sheet rock over the
existing and start from scratch or your best bet, though it will be a
lot of work, may be to skim over the entire surface to bury the current
texture. You would need to scrape the surface thoroughly to remove any
loose material and clean it well with TSP to remove any dirt that would
inhibit adhesion of the new skimcoat. Sanding would help but if its all
sanded (sand in the plaster) it wont do much good.
    For some insurance in the past we have rolled on a coat of concrete
bonder (available at the lumberyard) before skimming over existing
plaster which has been painted. The risk is that the new plaster will
not bond to the painted plaster. The concrete bonder is basically elmers
glue you mix with water and apply with a paint roller prior to skimming.
    It will probably take a few coats to burry the sand completely but that
would be about the only way to get back to a smooth finish other than
option one. The concrete bonder is only needed (and its optional at
that) on the first coat.

Mark

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Homeowner Forum / Construction / September 2005

Changing a thin coat plaster finish