Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Hartington, NE

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.

Drywall can be better than plaster if you’re installing a new wall and want to keep costs low. It’s much cheaper than installing plaster and provides a smooth, uniform surface. Many homeowners simply paint over the drywall or add a texture like sand or orange peel. It’s also much easier to DIY than plaster, and if you need to change your layout, it’s much easier to remove.

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.

Plaster is a beautiful finish but is labor-intensive to install and remove. It’s vulnerable to cracking and more sensitive to moisture variance than drywall. Installing plaster on a new wall is an expensive process that can take days to weeks, depending on the scope. Removing a plaster wall can also be quite expensive and time-consuming.