How Long Does Skimmed Plaster Take to Dry?
Since it's a much thinner final layer of plaster, skimmed plaster dries faster than a thicker base coat, but the full curing time is usually two to three days.
Often, if the skim has set quicker and is a uniform pale pink colour, you can prime and paint it a little sooner, but timing is essential to ensure you get a perfect finish!
Plaster drying times also vary depending on the material you're plastering onto.
For example, two to three days is the average for plastering onto plasterboard, but this extends to around five or six days if you're plastering onto something solid like a cement or bonding render.
Many other factors also contribute, such as the weather, humidity and temperature in the room, so you can speed things up with a well-placed dehumidifier or by simply opening a few windows!
Factors in the Time it Takes for Skimmed Plaster to Dry
Drying time is crucial before painting new plaster, so the general advice is to wait longer, rather than a shorter period if you're aiming for an even appearance.
The best way to check whether your skim coat is ready is to check for dark spots or patches that indicate higher moisture levels, usually in deeper plaster areas.
Painting too soon will mean the paint flakes or even moulds.
As we've mentioned, the weather and heat have a considerable impact, so skimming in the winter, when the air is cold, and ventilation is likely decreased, adds around another day or two to drying times.
Skimming jobs in the summer are set faster because properties are naturally warmer, there is less moisture in the air, and the increased sunlight all help the curing process.
In some ways, a longer drying time is beneficial. If you're working in warm conditions, the plaster can dry too quickly and crack, so it's a delicate balance between speed and efficiency!
Other Considerations in Plaster Drying Times
It takes anything from a few hours to three days to skim a room. The other factors depend on the nature of the job and the size of the room.
For example, a small room takes about six to twelve hours to skim, so you might find that the plaster is still very damp throughout the room because you applied the first skim coat fairly close to the final application.
Conversely, a large space needing three days to skim will usually begin to dry out before the work has been completed.
However, it's wise to wait for every layer of plaster across the walls and ceiling to dry completely before attempting to prime or paint.
There are also several ways to reduce the drying time required:
- Prepare the walls carefully with a sand and cement coat if you're starting from scratch and skimming at the end.
- Heaters aren't usually recommended because the targeted heat can cause some patches to dry much faster than others, resulting in a distorted finish or even cracks and damage to the wall.
- Dehumidifiers are another option and remove excess moisture from the air. The same caveat applies - if you suck the water from the plaster too quickly, it might be forced to dry out unnaturally and cause weaknesses in the application.
The best way to help your skim coat dry without the potential issues we've identified is to go for natural ventilation and warmth.
Turning on the central heating is fine, although you should switch off any radiators directly next to a newly skimmed wall.
Opening the windows and doors is also advisable since the improved ventilation will assist in the drying process without impacting the plaster.
Frequently Asked Questions - How Long Does Skimmed Plaster Take to Dry?
Now we'll answer some of the typical questions about skimming a wall and waiting for the plaster to dry!
What Are the Best Products to Use for a Plaster Skim Coat?
You'll find a huge range of plaster compounds out there and can opt for a specialist plaster designed for skimming, or use regular plaster and thin it down if necessary to ensure the solution is workable and fine.
Skim coats are usually applied with a regular plastering trowel, and you can use two or even three coats if you have a particularly bumpy wall to contend with!
Can I Skim a Wall Myself?
You sure can - however, we'd note that skimming is a more complex and intricate task than general plastering.
If you don't have experience in skimming, it's advisable to contact a professional to ensure your finish is perfect the first time around.
Do Skimmed Plaster Walls Need to be Sanded Before Painting?
Plaster produces fine dust, so giving the wall a rub down and gentle sand can help remove any residual surface debris before you apply paint.
Not all plasterers will sand down skimmed walls, but if the plaster finish isn't perfect, you can use fine sanding paper to achieve a smooth surface.
How Hard is it to Apply a Plaster Skim Coat to a Wall?
Skimming is a tough skill to get right because the application needs to be absolutely level, even and uniform across the wall.
This final plaster layer is the surface you'll paint onto, so any imperfections, grooves or bumps will appear.
What Do I Need to Do to Prepare a Wall for a Plaster Skim Coat?
Preparation is key to getting an excellent finish. The first steps are to remove any old paint, flaky plaster or wallpaper, so you have a raw surface to work with.
You should remove old plaster back to the brickwork if it is dry and crumbly or in poor condition, but you can skim over existing plaster if the wall is in decent shape.
Next, you'll usually apply a PVA solution, watered down, and use this to seal the wall or ceiling. This diluted solution can drip, so it's wise to cover all floor surfaces and furnishings to protect against drips.
Finally, you'll want to switch off the power if you're plastering around light switch plates, ceiling lights or plug sockets, and cover them (cling film works perfectly!).
References:
- https://plasteringforbeginners.co.uk/what-is-the-plaster-drying-time/
- https://www.mybuilder.com/questions/v/7738/how-long-before-painting-on-newly-skimmed-walls
- https://experttrades.com/questions/how-long-does-plaster-take-to-dry
- https://cementanswers.com/how-long-does-skim-coat-take-to-dry/
By Johnny Fuller
Home Improvement editor at NWrenovations.com
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