Can lath and plaster be skimmed over?

Can lath and plaster be skimmed over?

Asked by Joyce on 10th Mar 2023
Expert Trade Answers
"Hi Joyce,
Yes, existing lath and plaster can be skimmed over. However, there are a few things to consider:

The walls/ceilings would need to be in reasonably sound condition and adequately prepared. The odd superficial crack is fine provided these are raked out slightly and bridged over with fibre tape (aka scrim).

If any part of the surface has become 'live' (or has debonded from the lath) these sections would need to be carefully repaired, by removing affected areas then patching - using bonding coat, or plasterboard, or sometimes both.
Ideally, the walls would be keyed by scratching with a scraper, a nail, or a float with embedded nails. Then the surface needs to be prime coated to control suction, which is achieved using either PVA or SBR and water solution, or a suitable PVA grit. Then the surface can be skimmed over.

Often (when it is viable to do so), plasterers will recommend overboarding such surfaces (particularly ceilings), as this can both reduce costs and risks to both the craftsperson and customer.

Hope this helps.
Kind regards,"
Answered on 10th Mar 2023 - Member since Feb 2023 - report
"Ideally board over or completely Remove old lath and plaster fix new plasterboards and then skim

Plastering Skimming and Building Service's"
Answered on 13th Mar 2023 - Member since May 2022 - report
"No it ideally need to be taken down as you will add weight with the new plaster and could all co.e down"
Answered on 12th Mar 2023 - Member since Mar 2023 - report
"Yes it can be skimmed over if it is still solid and well adhered to the Laths, and if the ceiling get’s prepared properly!"
Answered on 10th Mar 2023 - Member since Feb 2023 - report
"Yes ,but it will need roughing up with a chipping hammer , then 2 coats of pva before skimming ,also any cracks would need to be scrim taped first"
Answered on 10th Mar 2023 - Member since Nov 2022 - report
"Yes it can! But it all depends on its integrity an inspection would only take a couple of minutes and depending on whether it is safe to do so and won't cause the ceiling to collapse with extra weight it can be done however I'd its integrity is compromised you have 2 options overboard with plasterboard using double the amount of screw you would usually use screwed into the joists or pull everything down and apply new plasterboard to the existing joists anymore question please don't hesitate to find fresh lines plastering &drylining"
Answered on 10th Mar 2023 - Member since Jan 2021 - report
"Yes if can best to fill in any cracks with bonding an skin over but I would recommend reboarding an skiming"
Answered on 12th Mar 2023 - Member since Mar 2023 - report
"Yes it can take out any loose plaster then use a bonding coat Skrim the cracks pva the wall then re plaster it"
Answered on 10th Mar 2023 - Member since Dec 2018 - report
"personally id rather remove due to the weight of all ready existing lath and plaster then adding 20 kg plus probably fixed with tacks rather than screws so would not advise but can be done"
Answered on 15th Mar 2023 - Member since Mar 2016 - report
"Yes lath and morta walls can be plasterd over, use blue grit as its a primer and good grip in the grit to skim"
Answered on 10th Mar 2023 - Member since Feb 2023 - report
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