Tools & Materials Vol.3d: Wall Base Prep u2014 Sand Plaster Pt.2

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2021-07-29 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

u270fufe0f 2026 Update from DIY Dad: Tools for Sand-Plaster Walls and Painting

This post covers the tools for dealing with sand-plaster and fiber walls common in older apartments, and the tools needed for painting work. Deciding whether to work with the existing wall or rebuild from scratch is a critical judgment call. ^ ^

How to Handle Sand-Plaster and Fiber Walls

Method 1: Seal and Wallpaper Over It

Apply a sealer over the sand-plaster, dry, smooth with putty, then apply wallpaper. Relatively simple and affordable u2014 though heavy irregularities may affect the finish.

Method 2: Strip and Rebuild the Substrate

Completely remove the sand-plaster and rebuild with plasterboard or plywood. More labor and cost, but the cleanest result. DIY Dad used this for tatami room renovations. m(_ _)m

Substrate Prep After Stripping

1. Inspect the existing wall base
2. Remove and repair decayed sections
3. Apply 12.5 mm gypsum board
4. Fill joints with putty
5. Skim coat the entire surface
6. Sand smooth u2192 wallpaper or paint

Screw spacing: 300 mm max. Locate studs first. ^ ^

As a Landlord: The Cost Efficiency of Painting

Painting walls and ceilings white brightens the room dramatically and impresses prospective tenants. Contractor price for 6-mat room: 50,000u201380,000 yen. DIY: paint only u2014 3,000u20135,000 yen. ^ ^

ud83cudfe2 For Anyone Considering Apartment Investment or Renovation

Cost-effectiveness is everything. DIY Dad drastically reduces costs by doing the work himself. ^ ^

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Hello, this is DIY Dad. ^ ^

This post introduces the tools and materials used for wall base preparation before hanging wallpaper. The treatment varies depending on the existing wall condition.

4) When the Existing Wall Is Sand Plaster u2014 Severely Deteriorated

This is a different pattern from scenario 3! When the sand plaster is older and more deteriorated u2014 crumbling at the slightest touch u2014 the solution is to overlay plywood directly over it.

Tools needed: impact driver. Materials: plywood (2.5 mm or 4 mm), coarse-thread screws, wood glue.

Impact Driver

Used to drive the coarse-thread screws. If screw grip isn’t an issue, slim screws are actually better than the ones shown here u2014 they leave less splintering on the plywood surface for a cleaner finish.

Plywood (2.5 mm or 4 mm)

The panel being fastened to the wall.

Coarse-Thread Screws

Heavy-duty screws designed for wood-to-wood fastening.

Wood Glue

Honestly, it’s hard to imagine glue bonding well to crumbling sand plaster u2014 but it’s used as a secondary measure alongside the screws.

Wood Glue Refill Pack

When you’re using a lot of it, the refill pack is absolutely the way to go.

After overlaying the plywood, putty work follows. For the tools and materials for that step, refer to the previous post: Tools & Materials Vol.3e: Wall Base Prep u2014 Plywood & Plasterboard.

That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

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