Wainscoting on plaster walls in bathroom

Hello,

I am new to home renovations and I am looking to put wainscoating mid way up the wall in my bathroom using a bead board kit with the baseboard and top moulding.

My home was built is 1939-1940 and on the wall there is tile which I am currently removing. The wall behind the tile is plaster. When I remove the tile some of the plaster comes with it.

What I would like to know is what do I patch the wall with and can I use adhesive and a finishing nail gun to install the wainscoting?
I was not sure if the finishing nails will hard the older plaster or if using this method the wainscoting will be secure.

The studs are 2-3 inches behind the plaster so I won't be able to secure the wainscoting to the studs.

Thank you!

Tracy

 

Welcome to the forums! I am assuming you will be installing chair rail over it. Correct me if wrong. You can possibly skim coat the plaster with a plaster repair material and install the panels using PL adhesive or even Power Grab, but I'd still chase the seams and edges with a finish nail or two. Not for permanent holding, but until the glue sets up.

 

Sorry to need to ask, what is PL adhesive?
Yes I was going to put up chair rail. The wainscoting paneling where I have about 1 foot sections of paneling to put in tongue and groove.

Will the finishing nails harm the old plaster?

 

PL paneling adhesive is a brand name, but any similar adhesive made for paneling will be fine. PL is used most often. I think the nails shot with a pneumatic nailer will move so fast it won't harm the plaster. Power grab adheres instantly without nails.