Should I prime and mud over the plaster wall back splash, or cut it out and lay new drywall?
Asked by Fabiola Mathieu 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 25, 2024
So, I removed the tile from the wall and now it’s a bit of a mess. Should I just prime and mud it, or should I go all out and replace the drywall completely?
Make sure to fill in any missing gaps with mastic. After it dries, go back over it. Are you planning on installing new tile?
If the space is large, consider covering it with 1/4 inch drywall. If you’re renovating, there’s no need to apply mud.
Would it work to sand it down and apply a thin layer of 45 minute quickset?
To make it smooth, try using drywall mud and applying multiple coats if needed.
Cutting it out and replacing it with new drywall is the simplest option. Then you can re-tile it.
So, what do you want to do with the wall once it’s finished?
You can’t just cut it out because it’s not drywall. Scrape off all the flakes, then prime and reskim.
Make sure to completely remove the old glued sections. I noticed a small crack on the upper right corner, which is common in plaster walls. To fix this, apply a mesh tape over the crack. After that, use a product that can be easily sanded but dries hard, such as (USG sheetrock, easy sand), to fill in the areas where the top layer of plaster is missing. Any area not meant for tiling should be coated and sanded as needed for a smooth finish. For the mesh tape area, extend the tape 3 to 5 inches on each side to ensure it’s well hidden. If the walls have a texture, match the repaired section or consider re-texturing the entire wall for a seamless look. Finally, select a paint with primer for the kitchen backsplash, opting for a high-quality, washable option.
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Remove any raised areas and apply a thin layer of thinset to smooth out the surface
I would recommend adding a thin layer of plaster over the surface