Tools & Materials Vol.3e: Wall Base Prep u2014 Plywood & Plasterboard

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ud83dudcda Tools & Materials Guide u2014 7 of 10

u2190 Tools Vol.3d: Wall Base Prep u2014 Sand Plaster Pt.2 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Tools Vol.4: Masking & Protection u2192

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2021-07-30 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

u270fufe0f 2026 Update from DIY Dad: Tools for Sand-Plaster Walls and Painting
How to Handle Sand-Plaster and Fiber Walls
1. Method 1: Seal and Wallpaper Over It
2. Method 2: Strip and Rebuild the Substrate
Substrate Preparation After Stripping
As a Landlord: The Cost Efficiency of Painting
ud83cudfe2 For Anyone Considering Apartment Investment or Renovation
Hello, this is DIY Dad. ^ ^
ud83dudd27 DIY Dad’s Recommended Power Tools
1. 📚 関連記事

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

Most Used

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18V Professional Impact Driver

My most-used tool. If you own one power tool, make it this.

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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 the substrate from scratch is a critical judgment call. ^ ^

How to Handle Sand-Plaster and Fiber Walls

ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Power Tool Combo Kit (18V)

Combo kits are always better value than individual tools u2014 one battery charges all.

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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 final finish.

Method 2: Strip and Rebuild the Substrate

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

Substrate Preparation After Stripping

Inspect the existing wall base (wood lath, metal lath, etc.)
Remove and repair decayed or softened sections
Apply 12.5 mm gypsum board
Fill joints with putty (joint compound)
Skim the entire surface with a thin putty coat for smoothness
After drying, sand smooth u2192 wallpaper or paint

Screw spacing for gypsum board: 300 mm maximum. Always locate studs and blocking first. ^ ^

As a Landlord: The Cost Efficiency of Painting

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Tool Storage & Workshop Organizer

A well-organized toolbox saves 20 minutes on every job. Multiply that by 100 repairs.

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Painting is one of the best-value renovation investments u2014 repainting walls and ceilings white brightens the room dramatically and impresses prospective tenants.

Hiring a contractor for a 6-mat room: 50,000u201380,000 yen. DIY cost: paint only u2014 about 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. ^ ^

Marutoku Shop | Renovation materials and lumber online u00bb

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

5) When the Existing Wall Has Plywood or Plasterboard Applied Over It

Screw holes and joint seams create surface irregularities that the wallpaper will pick up u2014 resulting in a poor finish. The solution is putty work. DIY Dad uses Wide Super putty for this.

Wide Super Putty

Mix water into the powder in a mixing bowl and work it to the right consistency.

Mixing Bowl

A silicone spatula is handy for mixing the putty in the bowl.

Silicone Spatula

Use this for mixing. Once mixed, use a trowel to spread the putty smoothly across the wall surface.

Putty Trowel

Putty shrinks slightly as it dries and hardens, so layering multiple coats is normal. For high spots, sand them down with sandpaper. Once dry, run your fingertips across the surface to feel for irregularities, then sand smooth.