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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.

If you’re installing new drywall, you may need to skim coat the drywall first for a smooth finish and to allow the primer to adhere to the wall. It’s only necessary if there are imperfections in your drywall due to issues with the studs or improper drywall installation. If you’re refreshing existing walls, you may want to skim coat if there are imperfections across the wall. As an alternative, you can repair your drywall and sand it for a smooth finish before painting.

When you are learning how to tape and mud drywall, waiting for things to dry requires a lot of patience. So how long does drywall mud take to dry? On average, it takes about 24 hours. However, it depends on things like the thickness of the mud, as well as the room’s temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Using thin layers of mud in a warm, low-humidity room with good airflow reduces average drying time. You also could speed up drying time by making use of hot drywall mud, which consists of a powder that you mix with water, instead of using pre-mixed mud. 

If you're comfortable hanging drywall yourself, you may be comfortable finishing it. But it's worth noting that finishing drywall adds several steps to the process and a lot of waiting time. Hiring a drywall installer may be the way to go if you'd rather spend your time doing other things or are nervous about leaving a rough surface.