How to Remove a Plaster Covering on a Wall

Plaster is a thick, putty-like material made of lime or gypsum that is applied to a wall or ceiling in a thin coat. When the plaster dries, it hardens to create a durable surface. Plaster is installed on top of a series of closely-spaced wooden slats called lath. When you remove the plaster covering from a wall or ceiling, you must do so without damaging the lath if you want to reinstall a new plaster wall later.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Dropcloth
• Shovel
• Hammer
• Wheelbarrow

Instructions

1. Turn on a stud finder and place it flat against the plaster wall. Move the stud finder left or right until it lights up, indicating the presence of a wall stud. Draw an X on the plaster with a pencil to mark the stud. Locate the remaining wall studs.

2. Remove all items from the room and spread a dropcloth out onto the floor.

3. Turn a shovel so that the back of the blade is facing away from you. Hit the plaster wall in between two of the wall studs to crack the plaster. Continue hitting the plaster in the same location until a hole appears.

4. Move to another section of the plaster wall and repeat the procedure to remove the plaster. Continue until most of the plaster is removed.

5. Walk along the edges and bottom of the wall and knock out any small bits of remaining plaster with a hammer.

6. Scoop the broken plaster off the floor with a shovel and place it into a wheelbarrow to take outside to a Dumpster. If the room has a window, you may want to open it and discard the plaster into wheelbarrow set outside the window.

7. Gather the sides of the dropcloth up and carry it outside to the Dumpster.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a dust mask and safety glasses before beginning demolition.

References

• Fine Home Building: Removing Interior Wall Finishes
• HomeTips.com: Plaster Walls