Plaster is the foundation of a smooth, high-quality wall finish before further work. It is used for painting, decorative coatings or wallpaper, so the correct drying technology is critical. The drying time of plaster depends on several factors. PlasterX, a team of experts specializing in professional wall finishing in Melbourne, educates clients about the entire process of the process of applying finishing materials and helps them avoid mistakes associated with premature painting or wallpapering. This guide explains how long plaster takes to dry and how to assess surface readiness.

Typical Plaster Drying Times

The question of how long new plaster takes to dry does not have a clear answer, because it is a complex process that depends on many variables. However, you can determine average figures that will give you an idea of the time required. Keep in mind that faster drying doesn't always ensure quality — full evaporation of moisture is key.

For a standard gypsum plaster applied in a layer of up to 10-15 mm, under ideal conditions (temperature around 20 °C and moderate humidity), complete drying can take 7 to 14 days. This is the minimum time for the plaster to dry before further processing.

However, if the layer is thicker or a multi-layer plaster is used, this time can be significantly longer. Each additional millimeter of thickness can require up to one additional day of drying.

This is especially true for new plaster applied over large areas or in new buildings. In such cases, only the master can finally determine how long the new plaster dries. The process can take 2–4 weeks, and sometimes even longer, before the surface is completely ready for the next stage of finishing. It is also important to consider the type of plaster:

• Gypsum plasters dry faster than cement plasters because they absorb and release moisture more quickly and are applied in a thin layer (up to 2–3 mm), drying in just 1–3 days.
• Cement plasters take much longer, sometimes up to 30 days. The process of cement hydration takes longer than the drying of gypsum.
• Lime plasters - also require a long time to dry, as the process of carbonization of lime is slow.

PlasterX always adheres to the recommended time, but we always check the actual condition of the surface before starting further finishing work.

What Factors Affect the Drying Time of Plaster

The drying time of plaster can vary depending on the following factors:

• Type of material - cement, gypsum, or lime plaster have different compositions and drying behaviours.
• The thickness of the layer - the thicker the layer, the more days it takes.
• Air temperature and humidity - ideal conditions are +18-22 °C and 50-60% humidity.
• Seasons - for example, plaster takes longer to dry in winter than in summer.
• Good ventilation significantly speeds up drying by removing excess humidity from the air.
• Surface type - concrete, brick, or drywall do not absorb moisture equally.

PlasterX carefully monitors all these factors during the work to ensure optimal conditions for drying the material. Our experience allows us to accurately estimate when the plaster is dry and follow the technological recommendations to achieve a perfect result.

How to Tell If Plaster Is Fully Dry

The question of how to tell when the plaster is dry is essential, as premature finishing can lead to serious problems. Visual signs are not always sufficient, so you should pay attention to several key indicators. Even if the surface feels dry to the touch, there may be moisture inside, which could affect paint or wallpaper adhesion.

How to know that the plastered surface is already dry:

• The color of the coating evens out - from dark gray to light;
• Surface temperature - a dry wall is cool to the touch, but not cold;
• Test with a polyethylene patch. Stick a plastic film on the wall for 12 hours. If there is no condensation under it, the surface is dry.
• When sanding, dust should come off easily; if the surface smears or gums up, it’s still damp.

These simple methods will help you to know that the plaster is already dry and prepare the walls for the next stages of finishing.

The Influence of Weather on the Drying Process

Particular attention should be paid to seasonality:

• In summer, new plaster dries faster, but the risk of drying out with the appearance of cracks increases.
• Autumn and spring are the most optimal conditions for the natural drying of the coating.
• Plaster drying time in winter can extend significantly. In cold conditions, without heating and ventilation - sometimes up to 14 days or more. Risk of residual moisture freezing and damaging the plaster integrity increases.

At PlasterX, we carry out stripping, sanding, and finishing only after a thorough check of the coating's moisture content, regardless of the season. Our craftsmen know exactly when the plaster is completely dry.

Safe Drying and Long-Lasting Results: How PlasterX Gets It Right

Choosing the right time for drying plaster is not just a recommendation, but an important step in the repair and construction process. Ignoring any aspect of the surface treatment technique can result in costly mistakes that may only become visible days or weeks later. Remember that rushing through the drying phase can result in cracks, peeling, paint adhesion issues, and other defects that will require repeated work to clean the surface and start the process again.

If you are looking for reliable and experienced professionals to perform plastering work in Melbourne, PlasterX is your best bet. With over 19 years of experience serving the Melbourne market, we are experts in all types of plastering, from base coat application to topcoat and decorative elements.

Our services include:

• Professional application of gypsum, cement and lime plaster.
• Leveling of walls and ceilings.
• Restoration of damaged areas.
• Preparation of surfaces for painting and other types of decorative finishing.
• Consultations on the optimal choice of materials and technologies.

With PlasterX, you can be sure that your walls will not only be perfectly flat and aesthetically pleasing, but will also serve you for many days, months and years, maintaining their strength and visual appeal.