How Long Does Plaster Take to Dry? The Complete Guide
If you recently had your walls plastered or are updating a room, you may wonder: how long does plaster take to dry? This is a good question. Knowing the answer can help you avoid problems when decorating. Whether it’s a light skim or a full re-plaster, plaster drying time has a significant impact on the final result.
In this guide, we will discuss how long different types of plaster take to dry. We will also look at what affects drying time. We will explain how to know when your walls are ready for painting. Finally, we’ll explain how to dry plaster faster safely and avoid common issues like cracking or peeling paint.
What Affects How Long Plaster Takes to Dry?
No one-size-fits-all answer exists because drying time depends on several key factors:
- Types of plaster – Skimmed walls usually dry faster than full-coat plaster.
- Thickness – Thin layers dry quicker, while thicker coats take more time.
- Weather conditions – Cold, damp or humid air slows down the drying process.
- Ventilation – Good airflow can help speed up the drying.
- Room temperature – Ideally between 18°C and 22°C.
- Surface material – Plasterboard dries quicker than masonry or brick.
This drying process can vary depending on the time of year and conditions in your home.
How Long Does Plaster Take to Dry?
Average Drying Times
| Plaster Type | Drying Time |
| Skimmed Plaster | 3-7 days |
| Full-Coat Plaster | 7-14 days or more |
| Plasterboard Skimmed Walls | 3-5 days (Ideal conditions) |
If you’re working in winter or in a room with poor airflow, the drying time might stretch beyond these averages. How long plaster takes to dry depends not only on the material, but the environment around it.
When in doubt give it more time, it is always better to wait than to paint too soon.
What Does Dry Plaster Look Like?
Fresh plaster starts dark and damp-looking—often a deep brown or reddish shade. As it dries, the colour lightens to a soft pale pink or beige. You’re aiming for a consistent, even colour across the entire surface.
If you notice any patches that are darker than others, your wall is still holding moisture.
Touch is also a good indicator. Dry plaster should feel cool, smooth and chalky—not wet, sticky or cold.
Why You Shouldn’t Paint Too Soon
Tempted to paint as soon as the wall looks okay? Think again.
Painting plaster that is not fully dry can cause cracks and peeling. It can also trap moisture, leading to mould and damage later. Even if it feels dry, hidden damp areas can wreak havoc.
To stay safe, wait at least 7 days—and potentially up to 3–4 weeks in cooler or wetter conditions.
How to Dry Plaster Quickly
If you’re short on time, there are ways to help your plaster dry faster—but speed comes with caution. Quick drying should still be safe and consistent. To dry plaster quickly, focus on three key things: airflow, temperature, and humidity.
Start by improving ventilation. If it’s warm and dry outside, open windows and doors to create a cross-breeze. If it’s damp, stick to indoor fans and keep the air moving gently.
Keep your room at a steady temperature between 18–22°C, avoiding any direct heat on the plaster. If you’re using a heater, place it away from the wall and don’t go above a medium setting.
You can also use a dehumidifier, but always on a low setting. Set it to maintain around 60–70% humidity, and avoid placing it too close to the newly plastered wall.
Drying plaster too quickly by using too much heat or airflow can lead to cracks and uneven drying. Being patient and careful is best, even if you are in a hurry.
We know the waiting game can be frustrating. To speed things up, here’s how to dry plaster quicker without damaging your walls:
- Open doors or windows to increase ventilation, if the weather conditions allow.
- Use fans to circulate air gently in the room.
- Keep room temperature consistent around 18–22°C—avoid direct heat.
- Dehumidifier to dry plaster? Yes, but keep it on low. Set humidity at 60–70% and don’t overuse it.
Remember: drying plaster windows open or closed depends on the weather. If it’s humid or raining outside, close them and use indoor airflow instead.
How Can You Be Sure It’s Ready?
Knowing whether your plaster is ready for painting isn’t always obvious—but there are some clear signs to look for.
The colour should be consistent and pale. Your wall should feel dry and slightly cool, but not damp. There should be no darker patches or cold, sticky areas. If you’re seeing signs of a newly plastered wall but it’s not quite even in tone, give it more time.
Also consider the conditions in the room—have you had the door open for airflow? Has the heating been on consistently? Has it been a humid week?
If any of that makes you pause, don’t risk it. Painting too soon can cause major issues that take far longer to fix. Give it an extra day or two, or better yet, let one of our professionals check it for you.
Plaster drying might feel like a waiting game, but it’s a crucial step in any successful project. Rushing this stage often leads to disappointing results and extra time fixing mistakes.
The good news? With the right knowledge and some patience, you can get a smooth, long-lasting finish. This finish sets the tone for your whole space.
Let us help you get it right, from newly skimmed walls to final decoration. Explore our services, or call us today to get started.