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You should do a little bit of sanding between adding coats of mud. Knock down any ridges or significantly imperfect areas through sanding, which should help you apply the next coat of mud smoothly. If your first coat of mud is pretty smooth after it dries, a quick sanding is all you’ll need. Don’t forget to wipe away any dust after each sanding process.

Plaster can be a difficult DIY to master, especially if you plan to plaster an entire room, rather than patch a small area. Before you begin a plaster DIY project, you need to know which tools and type of plaster to use. It's also important to know how to prepare the surface and apply the plaster for a smooth finish. If that all sounds like a lot of work, you may prefer hiring a local plaster repair contractor to do the job.

You can plaster over regular drywall, but it's essential to prepare the surface properly. Before plastering, the drywall should be clean, free of dust, and any loose or peeling paint should be removed. Applying a primer specifically designed for plastering can improve adhesion. Some professionals recommend applying a base coat of plaster or joint compound to create a better surface for the plaster to adhere to. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and durable plaster finish over regular drywall.

While a normal moisture level for drywall is between 5% and 12%, replacement is recommended if you get consistent readings above 17%. At this level, the drywall is likely too compromised by extensive moisture damage to be considered safe. You can replace either the entire sheet or just the affected section. If you are unsure after a visual inspection, it is best to have a contractor or water restoration provider use a professional moisture meter to get an accurate reading.