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The best tool for skim coating drywall is a skim coating blade, which can smooth out joint compound in wide stretches. While you could use a smaller drywall knife for skim coating, the smaller size means it’ll take longer to smooth out each section. Instead, consider investing in a skim coating blade for the quickest application.

Both plaster and drywall are durable wall finishes, but they differ significantly in installation, cost, performance, and aesthetics.

Installation & Cost: Drywall installation is faster and more affordable, typically costing $1.50 to $3 per square foot. It uses premade sheets, making it a more accessible DIY project. Plastering is a labor-intensive craft that requires specialized skills, pushing costs to $2 to $10 per square foot. It involves applying a wet paste over a lath framework.

Durability & Performance: Plaster is generally more durable, longer-lasting, and provides superior soundproofing. It is also a better insulator, which can help reduce energy costs. Drywall is easier to remove for future renovations.

Aesthetics: Drywall provides a smooth, uniform surface ready for paint or texture. Plaster offers a high-end, naturally textured look that can hide imperfections and is often preferred for achieving a classic or historic aesthetic.

Which is better? The choice depends on your priorities. Drywall is ideal for those prioritizing a lower upfront cost, faster installation, and DIY potential. Plaster is the better option for a higher-end project where durability, soundproofing, and a unique, premium finish are more important than the initial cost.

Mudding drywall is a DIY-friendly project, but patience and practice are required for perfection. If you’re working in a highly visible area and want the best possible finish, hiring a professional drywaller is worth the cost. Pros have the tools and know-how to ensure a smooth surface with fewer sanding sessions and less cleanup.

The cost to texture drywall depends on whether you want to do the work yourself or hire a professional. The cost of the drywall mud is far lower than labor costs for applying it. The labor cost to spray drywall compound onto a wall is between $0.80 and $1.50 per square foot, while you’ll pay between $1.50 and $2 per square foot for the labor to apply the texture by hand.