Beautiful Walls Made Easy With Inexpensive Plaster Technique

What do you do when your wall is damaged or pitted from removing wallpaper, or too many nail holes? This easy plastering technique takes just a few hours from start to finish. You will not need tools. And the only materials you will need are soap and water for preparing the wall and clean-up, premixed joint compound (in the 5 gallon bucket), and latex paint for the final surface coats.

You will need to purchase a 5 gallon bucket of pre-mixed joint compound, which costs less than $15.00. You can find it at your local home improvement center or hardware store. Any brand will work fine, except the lite version. You will also need to pick out latex paint in the color you would like for your finished wall.

To prepare your wall, wash it down with water mixed with a few drops of dish detergent, to remove any dust or oils that are on the surface. If you previously had wallpaper, you will need to make sure it is all off. It's ok if the surface is scrapped or pitted, but small pieces of wallpaper, when wet, will cause the plaster to fall off of the wall. So, starting with a clean surface is a priority in making sure your completed project will last for years.

Next open the big bucket of plaster and dig in, for real! Scoop out a big glob of plaster and mash it onto the wall, then begin smearing it around in circles. Just try a few styles or sizes of swirls till you find one that is pleasing to you. Then just go with it. It is amazingly easy and fun, even your children can help. It is almost impossible to mess it up. The plaster stays moist long enough to go over it numerous times, if you don't like what you've done. Once you find a pattern, continue it over and over. You can go from top to bottom or side to side. I prefer side to side, it seems to go faster that way. You can even do an area, like a 3 foot square section, then move over. I'm sure I've tried all the above ways. Just work it, till you find what is easiest for you. You do not need to do the corners or edges first. You will find that plastering progresses faster than you expect and in no time, you will have a whole wall done. Let plaster dry for at least 24 hours. If you notice moist spots, allow more drying time.

Now all that's left is painting. Use a quality latex paint and paint as directed on can. You may want to use 2 coats for an extra strong surface. This simple project is a quick and fun way to renovate your tired room and you will end up with gorgeous textured walls.