Introduction
DIY home improvement has never been more popular, and for good reason. It’s satisfying, budget-friendly, and lets you take control of your home’s transformation. But when it comes to plastering, things aren’t as easy as they seem.
If you’ve ever watched a YouTube tutorial on plastering, you might think, Hey, I can do that! But what the videos don’t show are the countless mistakes, the painstaking cleanups, and the frustrating do-overs that happen when things don’t go as planned. As a professional plasterer, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called in to fix DIY plastering disasters—some so bad that homeowners ended up paying more than they would have if they’d hired a pro in the first place.
In this article, we’ll uncover the shocking truth about DIY plastering, the most common mistakes, and why even experts are speechless at some of the DIY attempts we’ve seen.
Why DIY Plastering Seems Like a Good Idea (But Isn’t Always)
It’s easy to understand the appeal of DIY plastering.
You can save money on labor costs.
It looks simple in online tutorials.
There’s a sense of accomplishment in doing it yourself.
But here’s the reality check: plastering is not like painting a wall or putting up a shelf. It’s a skill that requires precision, speed, and the right technique—things that take professionals years to master. Without them, things can go very, very wrong.
The Most Common DIY Plastering Disasters
Even the most enthusiastic DIYers can find themselves in deep trouble when they attempt to plaster without experience. Here are some of the most common (and cringeworthy) mistakes:
1. Lumpy, Uneven Surfaces
Plaster needs to be applied smoothly and evenly. When it’s not, you’re left with bumps, ridges, and waves that make your walls look like a badly frosted cake.
Why it happens:
- Poor mixing technique leads to lumps.
- Using the wrong trowel or applying pressure unevenly.
- Not working fast enough—plaster starts drying before you can smooth it out.
True Story: A homeowner once tried to fix a hallway wall themselves. They ended up with so many peaks and valleys that the wall looked like a lunar landscape. They spent hours sanding it down—only to call me when they realized they had made it worse!
2. Plaster That Dries Too Fast (or Too Slow!)
Timing is everything in plastering. If your plaster dries too fast, it can crack. If it dries too slow, it can stay soft and never fully set.
Why it happens:
- Mixing too much plaster at once (it sets quickly, leaving no time to work).
- Applying it in direct sunlight or in a room that’s too hot.
- Not considering the type of plaster being used.
Pro Tip: Mix in small batches, control your room’s temperature, and use a misting spray to slow drying if needed.
3. Cracks Everywhere
Cracks are one of the biggest DIY plastering headaches. They happen when plaster dries unevenly, shrinks, or is applied too thickly.
Why it happens:
- Applying thick layers instead of multiple thin coats.
- Not prepping the surface properly before plastering.
- Skipping the curing process (plaster needs time to bond properly).
True Story: One DIYer was so frustrated by cracks appearing in their newly plastered walls that they kept patching them with more plaster—only for the cracks to keep coming back. Turns out, their house had moisture issues, and they were sealing in the problem instead of fixing it.
4. Plaster That Won’t Stick
You apply the plaster, step back to admire your work, and then—chunks start peeling right off the wall.
Why it happens:
- The wall wasn’t properly cleaned or primed before plastering.
- Old paint, dust, or wallpaper glue is preventing adhesion.
- Using the wrong type of plaster for the surface.
Pro Tip: Always clean, prime, and prep your surface before plastering. A bonding agent can make a huge difference!
5. DIY Repairs That Make It Worse
Sometimes, a homeowner will try to fix a minor crack or hole—and end up making it look worse than before.
Why it happens:
- Using the wrong materials (e.g., drywall compound instead of plaster).
- Not blending the patch properly, leaving visible edges.
- Over-sanding, creating dips instead of a smooth finish.
True Story: One homeowner called me after trying to patch a hole with spackling paste instead of plaster. The patch was lumpy, never fully hardened, and crumbled at the first touch. We had to redo the whole wall.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Plastering
What seems like a money-saving project can actually end up costing you more. Here’s why:
Wasted Materials – Plaster sets quickly, and if you mix too much, you’ll throw a lot of it away.
Buying Tools You’ll Never Use Again – Trowels, hawks, mixing drills… these costs add up.
Time Investment – What takes a pro a few hours could take a DIYer days.
Fixing Mistakes – Many DIYers end up hiring a professional anyway—to redo the whole job.
When DIY Is (and Isn’t) a Good Idea
DIY is okay for:
- Small patches or minor repairs.
- Learning basic plastering skills on non-visible areas (like a garage wall).
Call a pro for:
- Full walls and ceilings.
- Decorative or Venetian plaster finishes.
- Recurring cracks or water-damaged plaster.
What the Pros Do Differently
So, what makes professional plasterers so much better at this?
Perfect Mixing & Consistency – No lumps, no waste.
Flawless Application – Smooth, even coats with no streaks.
Speed & Efficiency – We know exactly when to smooth, sand, and finish.
Problem Solving – We understand how to handle humidity, temperature, and wall conditions.
Pro Tip: If you want to try DIY plastering, start with a small wall in a low-traffic area—not your main living space!
Conclusion
DIY plastering might seem like an easy way to save money, but in reality, it’s a tricky, skill-based process that can go wrong in countless ways. If you’re confident and willing to learn, start small. But if you want smooth, professional-looking walls without the stress, hiring a pro is always worth it.
If you’ve already tried DIY plastering and need help fixing it—don’t worry; we’ve seen it all!
Need expert plastering help?
Contact us today for a free consultation! Whether you’re starting fresh or need a professional fix for a DIY disaster, we’ll make your walls look like a masterpiece.