I'm currently renovating a 1970s condo, and I've got metal studs with plaster on mesh metal lath as my wall structure. I'm really interested in adding wainscoting but I'm unsure about how to properly install it on these walls. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
A great approach for installing wainscoting on plaster walls is to use construction adhesive for both the panels and the cap trim. You can use brad nails to hold things in place while the glue sets, but keep in mind that you might need to ensure the nails work well with your specific plaster type.
For plaster walls, I highly recommend Loctite PL 505 adhesive. I've personally used it for attaching chair rails and tongue-and-groove planks, and it does a fantastic job with wainscoting as well. It has a long open time and excellent grip, so you won't necessarily need nails to keep everything secure while it dries. Check out the product data for more details!
Right? I’ve found that brad nails work for certain types of plaster but sometimes they just won't go in. It’s hit or miss!