How long does plaster take to dry?
Published 2/15/2025
Plaster takes up to 4 hours to be dry to the touch, and on average it will take 3 – 5 days to be completely dry.
Some jobs will take longer, perhaps up to 4 weeks for specialist plasters.
It’s important when you’re planning your decorating project to account for how long the plaster takes to dry before the painters can start.
If you have a nice finished wall, you might be keen to start decorating your room and bringing your furniture back in but doing so too early could cause future problems.
What affects plaster drying speed?
Let’s look at the main factors that impact the time it takes plaster to dry:
- Temperature: Think about what season you choose to have your walls plastered. A hot room will speed up the drying process but too hot and the plaster will crack. A cold room will slow the drying process down.
- Humidity levels: In order for plaster to dry, the water content needs to evaporate. Higher humidity means a longer evaporation time, leading to a longer drying time.
- Amount of plaster: A skim layer is thinner and will dry much faster than a full plaster which requires several layers and is ultimately thicker.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is very important. Opening windows and doors where possible to allow air and moisture to travel through will reduce plaster drying time.
How long does skimmed plaster take to dry?
A skimmed wall directly onto plasterboard will take about 2 days to dry, compared to the 3 – 5 for more traditional plaster layered.
A wall that has been skimmed rather than fully replastered from scratch will be a quicker job requiring less application layers.
You can read more about the difference between plastering and skimming in our handy guide.
How can I tell if my plaster is dry?
Your plasterer will advise you as to when you can start painting your walls and how long it will take for the plaster to dry in your situation, but a good tip is to look at the colour.
When applied and worked with, plaster is wet and your walls will look brown.
Once fully dry, your walls will look more of a pink colour.
The colour should be consistent, darker spots indicate that you need to wait a bit longer before painting as the plaster is not quite fully dry yet.
How can I get my plaster to dry quicker?
A general rule of thumb for a long-lasting, successful plastering finish is to allow your walls and ceilings the time they need to dry fully. Too fast and you could end up with cracks and issues when trying to decorate.
Below are a few tips to ensuring a smooth drying process:
- Keep an ambient room temperature
- Crack open a window to allow some airflow
- Work with experienced professionals who use the correct amount and consistency of plaster for your job
Get free quotes for your job from plasterers today!