How to Remove Plaster From Walls.

Plaster removal is a dusty and messy job so do wear eye protection and a dust mask. Cover all furniture with plastic drop cloths and drape doorways with the same to keep the dust out of the rest of the home. Use canvas drop cloths to protect flooring.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• work gloves
• dust mask
• eyewear
• chalk lines
• utility knife
• straightedge
• jig saw or similar
• pry bar
• aviation snips

1. Mark out the area you wish to remove as in article How To Remove Wallboard.
   
   Along the OUTSIDE edge of each cutting line, apply a double layer of masking tape. Press well into place.
   
   Using a metal straightedge and a utility knife, cut along this edge.
   
   Run down the edge with the knife several times, making sure the cut is at least 1/8 of an inch deep.

2. Start in the centre of the area you are removing and break up the plaster to be removed. Use the edge of your hammer for this.
   
   Remove all the plaster to within 3 inches of your cutting line and the same distance from floor and ceiling.

3. To remove the plaster along your cutting line, hold a small piece of board just inside the line and tap the board sharply with your hammer. Work gently here to avoid damaging the adjacent area.
   
   Remove the plaster cleanly along the line with your pry bar.

4. Use your jig saw to cut through the lath along the cutting line.
   
   Use the aviation snips to clip away the edges of the metal lath if it is present. Press any remaining lath against the studs.

5. With your pry bar, pry loose the wood lath.
   
   Pry out any nails or screws as well.
   
   Remove insulation and vapor barrier.
   
   This job is complete and the wall is ready for replacement.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are replacing a large part of any wall, it may produce a better finished appearance if you remove the whole wall.
• Always wear eye protection, a dust mask when doing this type of work. Heavy work gloves are essential for the latter part of the job.