Plaster Walls
Plaster is a building material made of gypsum, limestone, sand and water. It is installed over wooden strips, called a lath, or lathe. Until the 1950s it was the most common material used to create walls and ceilings in homes and commercial buildings. It was during the 1950s that drywall became popular, and plaster's popularity began to decline. Many old houses are still built using plaster, and after so many years, it can begin to show its age. Some of the most common problems with this material include cracking, holes, and sagging where it has become disconnected from the wooden lath. Many people are surprised to find out how easy it is to repair these signs of damage and restore there original walls.
Instructions
1. Reattach sagging sections to the lath using a screw gun and plaster washers. Simply install one plaster washer every 4" on center along the loose plaster. This will tighten up the appearance of the finish and keep it from crumbling or becoming further damaged.
2. Use a putty knife to remove any loose plaster from holes or cracks. Doing so may widen the holes, but don't worry. You have to make them bigger and remove loose material before you can fix them.
3. Mix regular joint compound with water according to the instructions on the package. Add water slowly so you don't overdo it. Too much water causes more cracking later.
4. Fill each crack with joint compound. Apply it with your putty knife, making sure to fill the entire void, then wipe away any excess until it is level with the wall surface.
5. Repair holes by patching them in layers. Apply a 1/4" layer of joint compound to each hole, then allow it to dry for 4 to 6 hours. Repeat this process until the hole is completely filled. If you apply a layer that is too thick, it may be too heavy for the lath, and will end up sagging and cause further problems.
6. Sand the patched areas lightly until they are smooth and even. Touch them up with paint if desired.
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