Plaster
If you own a home built before the 1950's, you likely have plaster walls and ceilings. This material, made from gypsum, lime, sand and water, has been used for thousands of years to construct buildings. Since the 1950's, drywall has replaced plaster in most new construction, though some builders still use plaster because of its texture and unique look. The most common problem with this material is its tendency to crack over time, and can become unattached to the wooden support strips, called a lath, that hold the plaster to the structure. If your ceilings are starting to sag and crack, you can repair them yourself using simple tools. The project should be complete in about a day.
Instructions
1. Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles when completing this project. Because you will be working on the ceiling, debris could fall and damage your eyes.
2. Secure any sagging sections of ceiling. Drill drywall screws topped with plaster washers into any sections that appear to be bulging or sagging. This will reattach the plaster to the lath and prevent sections of the ceiling from falling in the future.
3. Spray any cracks or holes with water to moisten them before you begin patching. Moisture helps the patched areas dry slowly, which makes them less likely to crack in the future.
4. Blend a plaster repair mix with water in a bucket. Use only as much water as specified in the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Use your trowel to fill any cracks or holes with the plaster patching compound. Wipe away any excess so that the patch is level with the rest of the surface.
6. Wait 4 to 6 hours for the patch to dry, then lightly sand the area until it is smooth and even. Touch up the area with paint if desired.
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