Planning around plastering work requires knowing both how long the plastering itself takes and how long the plaster needs to dry before the next trade can follow. Here is a guide to both.
Plastering Duration by Job Type
| Job | Plasterer time | Drying time |
|---|---|---|
| Re-skim single room | 1 day | 4–6 weeks |
| Re-skim whole house (3-bed) | 5–7 days | 4–6 weeks per room |
| Plasterboard & skim single room | 1–2 days | 4–6 weeks |
| External render (semi-det) | 3–5 days | 28+ days before painting |
| Coving installation (room) | 2–4 hours | 24 hours to set |
| Artex removal & skim (room) | 1–2 days | 4–6 weeks |
| Loft conversion boarding & skim | 3–5 days | 4–6 weeks |
Why Does Plaster Take So Long to Dry?
Gypsum plaster dries in two stages: setting (which happens within hours) and carbonation (where the calcium hydroxide reacts with CO&sub2; in the air to form calcium carbonate). The carbonation process takes weeks and cannot be rushed without causing cracking or surface defects.
Can You Speed Up Drying?
Keep the room ventilated but at normal temperature (15–20°C). Avoid blasting heating onto fresh plaster — rapid surface drying causes surface cracks while the interior remains wet. Dehumidifiers help remove moisture from the air without stressing the plaster surface.
What Comes After Plastering?
After plaster has dried: second fix electrics and plumbing, joinery (skirting, door casings), then decoration. The mist coat should be applied at week 4–6 minimum; two full coats of emulsion follow. Do not apply tiles to new plaster for 6–8 weeks minimum.
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