Drying Plaster Properly: How to Get the Best Finish

Creating smooth, even surfaces is a key part of preparing any room for painting or decorating, whether you're working on walls or tackling a ceiling after removing outdated popcorn texture. Plastering helps achieve that clean, polished look, but one critical step is often underestimated: allowing the plaster to dry completely. Rushing this process can lead to issues like flaking paint, surface cracking, or poor adhesion. Drying times vary depending on the plaster type, the thickness of the layer, and environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. In this guide, we’ll explain how to tell when plaster is fully dry, share tips to speed up the process, and outline how to safely decorate once your surfaces - walls or ceilings - are ready.

How Soon Can You Paint After Plastering?

Plaster doesn’t dry overnight - it typically needs several days to fully set, and the timeframe can vary widely depending on the type and thickness. A thin skim coat might be dry in just two to three days, while heavier layers, like those from bonding or undercoat plaster, often take between four and seven days. If you've applied multiple layers, especially on freshly prepared walls, expect the drying process to stretch up to two weeks.

Because different plasters have different drying characteristics, it’s important to choose the right one for your space and plan accordingly. The key here is patience. Jumping ahead with painting or decorating before the plaster has thoroughly dried can lock in moisture, which may lead to problems like bubbling, peeling paint, or a patchy finish. Waiting until everything is properly dried will give you a cleaner, longer-lasting result that’s well worth the extra time.

Is Your Plaster Dry? Here’s How to Check

To determine whether plaster has dried fully, start by examining its color and feel. Freshly applied plaster is noticeably darker, but as it dries out, it takes on a consistent light beige or pinkish hue. Touch is another useful clue, if the surface feels warm and dry, it’s likely ready. Any lingering coolness or dampness means moisture is still present.

Humidity in the room also plays a role. Hold your hand near the wall, if you sense moisture in the air or notice light condensation, the drying process isn’t finished yet. Only once the plaster is completely dry should you move on to painting, and selecting the right paint at that stage is crucial for long-term adhesion and a professional-quality finish.

Plaster Drying Hacks for Faster Results

Plaster naturally takes time to dry, but there are a few smart ways to gently speed things up without risking damage. The key is managing airflow and room conditions. Start by improving ventilation, opening windows or doors can help moisture escape, and placing a fan nearby keeps the air moving. If you're in a space with poor airflow, a dehumidifier can be a great solution to reduce humidity in the room.

Temperature also plays a big role. Keeping the room warm helps, but avoid blasting heat directly at the walls, doing so can cause the plaster to dry too quickly and lead to cracking. Aim for a steady, mild warmth to let the plaster dry evenly and safely.

Painting After Plastering

Before you reach for a paintbrush or roll out wallpaper, it's important to give your freshly dried plaster the attention it deserves. The right preparation can make all the difference in how your walls look and how long they stay looking great.

Start with a mist coat, a thinned-down layer of water-based paint that acts as a primer. This step helps seal the surface and ensures that subsequent layers of paint go on smoothly and evenly. Skipping it can lead to patchy, uneven finishes. Opt for breathable, high-quality paint made for new plaster to allow moisture to escape and avoid future peeling or bubbling.

If you’re planning to wallpaper, steer clear of thick or non-breathable materials straight after plastering, as they can trap moisture and cause long-term problems. A light sanding of the surface will also smooth out imperfections and help achieve a clean, refined look.

At Adam we take surface prep seriously. It’s what turns a decent result into a flawless one. From the first mist coat to the final stroke of colour, we deliver expert-level care and craftsmanship.

Want professional, lasting results? Visit Adam to discover how we can help you transform your newly plastered walls with confidence.