Can you remove plaster yourself?

Plastering walls is a common technique used to create smooth finishes on interior walls. While plastering can create beautiful finishes, it does eventually crack, crumble and need replacing. Removing and replacing damaged plaster can be a big and expensive job, which is why many homeowners consider doing it themselves.

Removing plaster yourself is possible with the right tools and techniques. However, there are risks involved and factors to consider before taking on a DIY plaster removal project.

The basics of plaster walls

Before considering removing plaster yourself, it helps to understand what plaster is and how it was applied to walls. Plaster is a building material made from lime, sand, water and other additives. It is applied wet to walls and ceilings and hardens into a smooth, durable finish.

There are three main layers that make up a traditional plaster wall:

• Scratch coat – The first layer applied directly to the brick or lath surface to provide a key for subsequent layers.
• Brown coat – The second layer which provides the bulk and strength of the plaster.
• Finish coat – A thin, fine layer to create a smooth surface ready for painting and decoration.

Some key considerations when working with plaster walls include:

• Plaster can be brittle and prone to cracking as it ages.
• Plaster walls are thick and heavy, around 1-1.5 inches thick.
• Plaster may contain hazardous materials like asbestos, requiring special removal techniques.
• The plaster is adhered tightly to the bricks or lath behind.

Being aware of these factors will help when attempting to remove plaster yourself.

Can I remove plaster myself?

It is possible for a homeowner to remove plaster walls themselves in some situations. Here are some key considerations when deciding if DIY plaster removal is right for you:

• Accessibility – Can you comfortably access and work on the areas of plaster that need removal? Difficult to reach areas may require professional help.
• Asbestos testing – Old plaster may contain asbestos so should be professionally tested first. Asbestos requires specialist removal.
• Dust and debris – Removing plaster generates a lot of dust and debris. Can this be safely contained?
• Structural issues – Damage like cracking may indicate underlying structural problems needing inspection.
• Time and motivation – Removing plaster is a physically demanding, time-consuming job. Do you have the time and energy required?
• Disposal requirements – You’ll need to dispose of large volumes of heavy plaster waste. Is a waste disposal plan in place?

If you can appropriately manage these factors, plaster DIY removal may be possible. For complex jobs it is often better to hire a professional plasterer.

How to remove plaster yourself

If you decide removing plaster yourself is feasible, follow these key steps for safe removal:

1. Prepare the room

Plaster removal will generate a lot of mess and debris, so empty the room as much as possible. Use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and furnishings. Close ventilation ducts and vents and prepare dust containment strategies like plastic barriers.

2. Gear up for safety

Wear proper safety gear when removing plaster, including:

• Respirator mask
• Eye protection
• Ear plugs for noise protection
• Coveralls
• Gloves

Avoid direct skin contact with old plaster as it may contain irritants. An inexpensive tyvek suit will provide good protection.

3. Check for wiring and pipes

Scan the removal areas carefully looking for any wiring or pipes before starting. Avoid these areas when demolishing or carefully uncover them by hand. Turn off electrics and water/gas supplies when working nearby.

4. Pull off cove cornices

If the room has decorative cove cornices at the wall-ceiling joint, these should be removed first. Pry them off carefully with a spackling tool, working your way along the room.

5. Knock off the surface

With protective gear on, start knocking off the surface of the plaster using a lump hammer. Aim blows at the plaster surface rather than directly at the backing bricks or lath. Work in controlled sections.

6. Break out the plaster

Use a bolster chisel and club hammer to break out the plaster in chunks once the surface has been removed. Strike just behind where the surface has been knocked off. Be careful not to damage the underlying structure.

7. Remove debris

Collect up all fallen plaster debris regularly as you work using a dustpan and brush. Double bag debris before disposal.

8. Clean up thoroughly

Once all plaster has been removed, clean the area thoroughly. Carefully dispose of drop cloths, plastic sheeting and tyvek suits. Vacuum any remaining dust and mop floors.

9. Inspect and prepare backing

Inspect the condition of the exposed brickwork or lath backing. Repair any damage before re-plastering. Apply a bonding agent if needed.

10. Re-plaster

With the plaster removed, new plaster can now be applied. Follow typical plastering steps to re-plaster onto brick or lath foundations.

Challenges of DIY plaster removal

While it’s possible to remove plaster yourself in many cases, there are some key challenges to be aware of:

• Dust and debris – Plaster removal is extremely messy. Dust and debris will spread through the home and be difficult to fully contain.
• Plaster thickness – Up to 1.5 inches thick, plaster is heavy and awkward to demolish and remove.
• Potential hazards – Asbestos, lead paint, dust and lung irritation risks must all be managed.
• Structural damage – The plaster is adhered tightly so prying off can cause brick and lath damage if you are not careful.
• Time-consuming – Removing plaster by hand is physically tiring and time consuming. Progress will be slow.
• Waste disposal – Large volumes of heavy plaster waste will need appropriately transporting and disposing of.

Going into the project aware of these challenges allows you to prepare adequately. Otherwise it can be easy to underestimate the demands of plaster removal.

DIY plaster removal tips

If you plan on taking on a DIY plaster removal project, these tips can help:

• Cover floors, furnishings, vents and doorways thoroughly with plastic sheeting
• Wear disposable protective clothing to minimize dust contact and irritation
• Spray work areas with water to help suppress dust
• Use thick rubbish bags to quickly collect debris as you work
• Avoid over-exertion and take regular breaks to manage fatigue
• Work systematically in small, controlled sections for best results
• Check for hidden pipes and wiring before demolishing each section
• Leave bridges of plaster where needed for support until ready to remove
• Dispose of waste plaster responsibly at a registered site

Preparation and working carefully will help the project go as smoothly as possible.

When to get professional help

In some plaster removal situations, it is advisable to hire a professional rather than doing it yourself. Get professional assistance for:

• Potential asbestos – Should only be removed by licensed asbestos contractors.
• Areas with difficult access like ceilings or high walls.
• Sensitive or fragile surfaces like lath or split face brick.
• Major cracking or damage indicating structural issues.
• Large rooms or whole houses where quantity is overwhelming.
• If you damage substrate surfaces trying DIY removal.
• Safe waste transport and disposal of large volumes of debris.
• Quick or high quality results. Professionals work much faster.

Removing plaster has safety risks, is physically demanding and creates immense mess. If you are unsure, hire a professional for all or part of the project.

Cost to remove plaster professionally

If hiring a contractor to remove plaster, typical costs are:

Room size	Professional removal cost
Small room (9’x9′)	$300 – $800
Medium room (12’x12′)	$800 – $1500
Large room (15’x15′)	$1500 – $2500

Factors affecting cost include:

• Accessibility – Hard to reach areas cost more.
• Asbestos testing and removal – Adds $2-4 per sq.ft.
• Substrate repairs – Fixing lath or brick damage adds cost.
• Debris disposal fees – Approximately $50-150 per room.
• Region and contractor rates – Varies across different areas.

Get quotes from several contractors before deciding on the best value option.

Conclusion

Removing plaster yourself is possible with preparation and perseverance. However, it is a difficult, messy job with potential safety risks. For many people, getting professional help will give the best results.

Consider the factors carefully before deciding if DIY plaster removal is feasible. If plaster damage is extensive, hiring a professional plastering contractor is often the smartest choice.