Old-fashioned plaster walls involved spreading wet plaster over strips of wood lath. Modern drywall is pressed chalk covered in paper and screwed directly to the wall studs. Combining plaster and drywall isn't ideal; plaster tends to be a little wavy and ridged, while drywall is flat and straight. But for a plaster wall with a lot of the plaster falling off, drywall patches are often the best option.
Instructions
1. Go over the plaster with your hands, feeling for loose spots around holes and cracks. Anywhere the plaster moves when you press on it, use your hammer to knock it off the lath. Continue until only solid plaster is left.
2. Use your tape measure, level and pencil to mark squares on the wall to encompass the random shapes of the holes. Use your jigsaw to cut along the lines, removing the plaster from the lath. Try not to damage the lath.
3. Measure each of the holes. Transfer the measurements to your drywall sheets, drawing the squares with your pencil and level. Cut them out using your razor knife to score along the lines, then snap off the pieces.
4. Set the drywall pieces into place. Affix them with drywall screws every 6 inches. You can drive the screws into the wood lath, but it's best if each piece has at least some screws in the studs behind the lath. You'll be able to see the studs through the spaces in the lath.
5. Use your 6-inch drywall knife to spread joint compound over each seam between the drywall and the plaster. Make the lines about 4 inches wide. Lay your paper tape over the lines of compound. Lay a second line of compound over the tape, squeezing it flat with the knife. Dab and flatten a little compound over each of the screw holes in the drywall. Let the embedded tape dry for a few hours.
6. Use your 12-inch knife to spread another layer of joint compound over the lines, making the seams wider this time (about 8 inches across). Let it dry, then gently sand it smooth with your drywall sander and sanding screen. Lay a third and final coat of compound, this one about 10 inches across. Sand it smooth after it dries. The patched areas are now ready for repainting.
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