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The tool you use to sand plaster will depend on the size of the project. If you’re just working on a small section of your wall to get rid of an uneven spot on the surface, hand-sanding might work. However, for larger projects, a drywall sander can make a huge difference when it comes to both time and elbow grease—and an orbital sander can help for detailed areas such as around ceiling fans.

While it’s most common to sand plaster dry, it is possible to wet-sand plaster, too. Doing so can reduce the amount of plaster dust released into the air and make it easier to work in smaller, more delicate areas (such as around wall trim). However, some people find that wet sanding leads to more imperfections, which is why larger walls are more often dry sanded to ensure an even finish.

Painting or plastering over water-damaged wall plaster is only a temporary fix and doesn’t fix the real problem. If you must, wait until the surface is completely dry before applying a new layer. However, we recommend you remove the damaged plaster and properly perform a repair or hire a professional to do it. Water damage repair is normally covered by your home insurance.

Once dried, Venetian plaster becomes a rock-like substance that’s durable and excellent at resisting damage. If properly sealed to resist moisture and maintained, Venetian plaster should last for at least a decade but potentially as long as a lifetime. Thanks to its mineral content, it can also develop a patina.