prepping drywall for a finish clay plaster

Hey there,

Building out here in the old cascadian region.. "we(s)t" side of the cascades. I have a small cabin with drywall for the interior walls and i will be applying a finish clay plaster to them. My understanding is that the drywall just needs the seams tapped and mudded and thats it...

Ive been told that if i want to be extra careful I could apply a glue and sand primer coat so the plaster will stick better... I was also told its not completely necessary...

Just wanted to double check all this with the community before i begin..

thanks!

Yes tape and mud joints, screws, and around electrical boxes.

And unless you have blue type sheetrock for veneers, i would definitely prime with wheat paste and sand for thin veneers or alis. For plaster thicker than a thin veneer, I'd prime with wheat paste, sand, horse and a little fiber.

Spray the drywall first for suction, bond, and to prevent drying out too quickly.  Plaster when the primer has tacked up a bit. If the prime is drying out mist it. Don't overwork the plaster off the wall. Better to let it bond well first. Then lightly rewet and rework if needed after the bulk hardened.

If it's bagged veneer (American clay, etc.), follow the instructions,  as they often have additional binders mixed in.

I prefer wallpaper wheatpaste, over diy wheat paste, especially on drywall veneer. Mix well and hydrate thoroughly in a cheap blender before mixing in your plaster.

For a thin veneer I'd  mix in some WP in there too.

Test inconspicuous areas like closets first to see how your clay plaster ratios play out as a drywall veneer.

Thank man!! Truly appreciate your help.