Plaster walls require a certain amount of care that many other walls don't usually need. Small wooden slats are connected to wall studs and then layers of plaster are spread over the slats to form the walls. In order to remove the plaster, it is necessary to break up the plaster by force--a messy job to say the least. Simple demolition with hammers may damage the slats behind, so removal requires more time, a gentler touch, and a slightly different method to get it done.
Instructions
1. Switch the power off to the room where you plan to remove the plaster from the slat wall. Even if you are not working with a wall that has a power outlet it is a good safety measure to take. For power, run an electrical cord from another room.
2. Remove any finishing from the walls. This includes electrical outlet or switch plates, baseboard, chair rail and crown molding, or anything else that is in place on the wall. Cover the floor with plastic sheeting and tape the seams with plastic tape. If there is no door to the room, consider also taping plastic up over the door to keep dust and debris from spreading throughout the house.
3. Open a window to allow for ventilation into the room. If possible, open more than one to allow the room to vent while working. Ensure there is enough lighting; either through windows or through portable electric lights. Put on a face mask and safety glasses to protect yourself from debris and dust. Bring a large trash barrel into the room for cleanup of plaster debris while working.
4. Start at either the right or left hand top corner of the wall. Use a ladder to get to the top where the wall meets the ceiling, use a drill and 3/16-inch bit to make a series of holes into the plaster to a depth of approximately 1/2-inch. This will loosen the plaster in that area and make it easier to remove it without damaging the slat wall. Drill the holes in approximately 3-inch square area.
5. Use a light duty hammer to gently tap at the area with the newly drilled holes. The weakened plaster will crumble from the wall to expose the slats beyond. If some pieces of plaster cling to the slats it won't matter, they will scrape off later with the rest of the plaster.
6. Begin sliding the sharp edge of the pry bar against the broken edge of plaster to dislodge more and more of it. Slide it evenly along the edge of the slat wall and under the plaster. It will loosen more with each piece that comes loose so it should start falling off easily. Keep working the pry bar over the slats and breaking off the plaster until it is all off.
7. Repeat the scraping over any sections where plaster remains until the wall is clear of all plaster. Use a broom to wipe the walls down to remove any loose debris and dust clinging to the slats and help you see if there is any lingering plaster.
8. Fill the trash barrel with the plaster debris. Pick up larger pieces by hand and use a shovel to pick up any medium sized pieces. For the smaller debris, roll the plastic sheets up and trap the refuse inside it. Place the rolled plastic into the trash and remove it from the room. Use a broom or vacuum to remove any bits or dust left behind.
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