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You can skim coat plaster, but it’s better to repair the plaster itself. A skim coat is a thin coat of drywall joint compound spread over the surface of a wall. The result is a flat finish that looks pleasing, but part of the appeal of plaster is its imperfections and aesthetic. Skim coating is best when limited to drywall applications.

Skimming is covering drywall with a layer of drywall compound after installation or to smooth old walls. Plastering is covering walls with a mixture of gypsum or lime, cement or sand, and water. Plastering is more costly and labor-intensive than skim coating. Some homeowners and professionals refer to skim coating as plastering, even though the material spread over the wall is totally different.

Plastering comes at a higher cost than installing drywall, but it also provides some pretty enticing benefits. First, plaster usually lasts longer than drywall, so long-term costs will usually be lower. Second, plaster is a highly insulative material, so it might help make your living area feel more comfortable and keep your heating and cooling costs lower, especially in the summer and winter. Finally, plastering is naturally textured, so it helps hide imperfections and often adds warmth to your home that drywall won’t.

Plaster ceilings can sag for several reasons. In some cases, the plaster and other building materials shift and come apart over time, which is why you’ll commonly find drooping plaster ceilings in older homes. Improper installation, foot traffic, and water damage—often from a leaky roof or a broken pipe—can also cause plaster ceilings to sag.