How Long Does Plaster Dry?

by | Nov 7, 2022 | Plastering Services

If you’re currently having a plastering project in your house, you might be wondering how long it takes for the plaster to dry. Well, you’re in luck because, in this article, we will discuss this topic. 

One thing to note is that the answer to the question isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The truth is that there’s no definite answer. A couple of factors affect the drying time of plaster, such as the current weather, the skills of the?plastering contractor, and more. 

How to Determine if the Plaster Has Dried? 

The plaster will go through several phases during the entire process. First, it will be crumbly and dry. Next, it will become rubbery and dry when you apply paint. Then, it will become pale pink as it goes through the painting process. Eventually, it will change to dark brown. 

The best way to determine if the plaster has dried is to look at it. Typically, your plaster is ready for painting if it has transformed to dark brown and you don’t see visible grains anymore.? 

If you notice a couple of patches being darker compared to the other parts of the wall, there’s a chance that the plaster layer is thicker in certain areas. There’s also a chance that the current room temperature is affecting the drying time. 

If this is the case, your plaster still requires more time to dry.? 

Factors That Affect the Plaster’s Drying Times 

As mentioned earlier, there are no specific drying times for plaster. This is because it depends on several factors. Some of these factors include: 

  • Surrounding temperature (summer or winter) 
  • Humidity levels in the room 
  • If there’s plasterboard or not 
  • Number of the plastering layers 

Should You Wait for the Plaster to Dry? 

If you’re planning to paint your newly plastered walls, you must ensure they’re completely dry first.? 

It can often condense if you paint your walls while the plaster is still wet. This is because the paint will seal the wall’s surface. Moisture can accumulate inside the wall structure. 

What is the Average Drying Time of Plaster? 

When it comes to construction, most professionals usually apply plaster onto plasterboard. However, there are various methods of plastering. These methods can affect the drying time of the plaster.? 

For example, if you’re planning to install a plasterboard on your walls, the plastering contractor will have to use waterproof plaster. This is because plasterboard contains polymers that stop water absorption. Waterproof plaster usually takes around 2-3 days to dry.? 

On the other hand, if you’re plastering a solid background, such as cement or bonding, you’ll have to wait longer. Typically, plasters take around 5-6 days to dry when applied on bare walls.? 

To achieve the best results, consider keeping the room’s temperature below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so will help speed up the drying process. Aside from that, it also helps to lower issues with cracks and chips.? 

If you keep the room temperature above 41 degrees Fahrenheit, it will slow down the drying time.?