How to Plaster a Door
Plastering a door is a bit unconventional, but some people do it to make it blend into a plastered wall, which gives a certain uniformity to a room's decor. Coating a door with plaster also makes it resistant to moisture, as most plaster is made with lime, which is naturally water-resistant. This makes plastering a good choice for doors in commonly humid rooms, such as bathrooms, basements and pool houses, though it's a viable option for any room in the house. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mineral spirits, paint thinner or medium-grade sandpaper
- Trisodium phosphate
- Scrub brush
- Stucco lath
- Finishing nails
- Hammer
- Dry plaster
- Bucket
- Trowel
- Plaster rake
- Finishing trowel
Instructions
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1
Remove stain, sealer or paint from the door. These can be stripped with solvents, such as mineral spirits or paint thinner, or you can sand the door down with medium-grade sandpaper.
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2
Clean the door with trisodium phosphate, hot water and a scrub brush. This removes residual solvent and other chemicals that may prevent the plaster from properly bonding to the wood. Rinse the door thoroughly.
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3
Attach a stucco lath to the door with finishing nails. Laths are grids made of plastic or metal netting -- they are designed to help plaster bond to smooth surfaces, such as wood or drywall.
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4
Mix the dry plaster in a bucket with water until it is the consistency of peanut butter. Test it by mounding a moderate amount of plaster onto a trowel, then hold it at a 45-degree angle. If the plaster falls off, add more dry plaster powder.
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5
Apply a thin layer of plaster to the door -- about 3/8-inch -- and smooth it with the trowel. Create grooves in the plaster with a plaster rake by moving the tool horizontally or creating a crisscross pattern. Allow it to dry for four to eight hours or until the it resists denting when you press it with your thumb.
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6
Apply a second thin layer. It only needs to be about 1/4-inch thick. Once you have applied the plaster, keep it smooth or add texture by moving a finishing trowel over it in different patterns until you reach the desired effect. Allow it to dry overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
Once the final layer of plaster is dry, you may need to sand down all the edges so the it is flush with the door and won't get caught in the frame when the door is closed.
