ᐅ Replastering a Wall Despite Rustic Plaster and Wall Panels

Hello everyone,

I’m new to the forum and hope you can help me. I’m moving into my grandmother’s old house soon. The wall plaster there is a bit problematic. Up to about 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) high, the walls are covered with wooden paneling, and behind that is only a thin base plaster. Above the wooden panels, the wall was coated with a very thick rustic plaster, which has apparently been painted over several times by now. I’ve attached two photos so you can get an idea.

I definitely want to re-plaster the entire wall.

Now I’m wondering if I should remove the rustic plaster throughout the living area (perhaps using a grinder?) or if I could simply plaster over the rustic plaster. Is it even possible to plaster directly over rustic plaster?

If it is possible, I would have the problem that I’d need to apply a noticeably thicker layer of plaster on the lower part to bring the entire surface to the same level.

Do you have any advice for me?
Thanks for your help.
Best regards

This looks like well-crafted paneling. Would it be an option to replaster the upper part and paint the paneling white?

I would also tend to keep the wood, paint it, and cover the rough plaster with drywall panels.
If that is not an option, then remove everything — I think it will be a very messy job to take off the plaster.

Regards, Yvonne

If you want to remove the paneling and plaster over it, you need to keep in mind that you won’t be able to get a seamless transition; the joint edge will always be visible. Otherwise, you would have to remove all the existing plaster to achieve a clean finish. From my point of view, I would paint the paneling, possibly remove the upper edge, or do as described above.