Plaster also works on ceilings.
Craftsmen used plaster to create smooth, durable walls for centuries but use in new homes dropped when drywall became available. To create plaster, you mix powdered gypsum with water. After spreading the mixture on the wall, it dries and undergoes a chemical change that creates a strong surface. However, even modern plaster wall applications have disadvantages and are susceptible to problems like cracking.
Hanging Artwork
Plaster walls become rock hard if they cure properly. This makes hanging framed artwork and shelves difficult. Even driving in a small nail for a lightweight print leaves a minor crater, says This Old House. Adhesive hangers that attach to the surface of the wall don't leave dents in your plaster but usually can't support a giant frame or a heavy shelf. Trying to attach a nail to the lath behind plaster causes vibrations that create cracks. Drilling holes before installing nails prevents cracks, and you'll need to sink a screw into a stud to support heavy hanging items.
Loose Attachment
As you spread plaster over the lath used as a backing, small amounts squish through the wood or metal to create small protrusions. These protrusions, also known as keys according to HomeTips.com, anchor the plaster to the wall. Earthquakes, normal household vibrations and age can lead to the deterioration of the keys. Eventually, whole sheets or chunks of plaster simply fall off the lath. This requires a tricky patching process that may leave you with lighter colored splotches unless you repaint the whole wall.
Cracks
As a plaster wall ages, cracks can develop. If the wall has wood laths, the swelling and shrinking of the boards as they absorb and lose moisture pushes the plaster and cracks it, says the National Park Service. Pressed board backing used with modern plaster veneers is resistant to this problem. A low amount of gypsum binding agent mixed with too much sand also leads to weak plaster prone to cracks. Applying a second coat over a completely dried base makes the top coat dry too fast, leading to hairline cracks and a weak finish prone to crumbling.
Repairs
While plaster can last years without cracking if applied properly, making a small repair when it does break is a complicated process. Drywall allows you to cut out just the damaged area and replace it. You can patch gaps or missing sections of plaster with patching plaster or plaster of Paris according to Ask the Builder. Neither of these materials allow for sanding, making it difficult to smooth the new plaster to match the wall's surface. Once the patch has dried, it is usually impossible to remove it without damaging the surrounding surface.
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