Repairing plaster walls might seem daunting at first, especially when you’re greeted with telltale cracks or bulging sections. But understanding how your wall is put together can actually simplify the process. A typical plaster wall consists of a foundation of wooden slats called wood lath. Over these slats, two or three layers of plaster are applied. Knowing this helps you understand why certain problems occur and how to fix them effectively.
Start by assessing the extent of the damage. Small hairline cracks can usually be sorted with some filler and a fresh coat of paint. On the other hand, larger cracks or sections where the plaster is pulling away from the wall require more comprehensive repairs. Identifying what’s going on helps you figure out the tools and materials you’re gonna need.
When it’s time to get to work, creating a tidy and safe work space is key. You don’t want plaster dust getting everywhere, so throwing down some plastic sheeting and using a dust mask is gonna save you a lot of hassle. Gather your gear—bucket, trowels, structolite, and patching plaster—and you’re all set to tackle the job.
One critical part of the process is leaving the wood lath in good shape. It’s what holds your plaster securely in place. Typically, it’s smart to avoid removing lath unless it’s absolutely necessary because it can lead to more work and potential complications down the road. Instead, focus on reinforcing and repairing the existing structure with a robust material such as a structolite base coat, which provides a solid foundation for your new plaster layers.
Here’s a little secret: patience and precision are your best tools for a successful repair. Once you’ve mixed your base coat, apply it carefully, ensuring it gets into every little nook and cranny. Let it dry thoroughly before moving on to the next layer. This might test your patience, but rushing it could result in a less-than-perfect finish.
To wrap it up, stay organized and take your time. With some know-how and the right materials, even the most damaged plaster walls can get a second life. And who doesn’t enjoy a little home improvement victory every now and then?
Structolite (gypsum) is very easy to work with, applies very easily to existing wood lath. Mix to oatmeal consistency. Apply with a trowel or taping knife working off a plaster hawk. Make sure finish depth is approximately an 1/8″ to 3/16″ below surrounding plaster finished surfaces, let dry. Apply 1st coat of joint compound or plaster, when using plaster there should be a retarder in plaster so as not to dry quickly, refer to package labels on dry times. Never go past or thicker than the existing wall finish. Feather all edges around repair, lightly sand as necessary. Special note make sure wood lath is nailed properly and replace any missing lath with 1/4″ thick 2″ wide or rip as necessary. The structolite has a very long work time, plaster does not.
In the event a whole wall is bulging, cracked irreparably damaged options are lath and plaster removal or laminate wall using 1/4″ drywall and laminating screws. Tape, spackle, prime and paint. TY–MB
Always when removing old plaster and mud coat have a dust , particle or respirator mask on. In older homes going way back 1800’s and early 1900’s horse hair was a common element along with other nasty ingredients. Spores from way back can cause numerous respiratory problems.–MB
Making sure you have the proper finished depth and thickness of your base coat (structolite), straddle the area in question with a straight edge–a level, straight board. Place guide across repair area residing on surrounding good plaster wall areas, check at various locations from bottom of straight edge to top of structolite base coat. That dimension should be 1/8 inch to 3/16 inch, either remove or fill with material as needed.–MB