Plastering the living room
There are many different uses for plaster in the modern world. Investigators often pour plaster to make a permanent impression of footprints or tire marks. Dentists use plaster to make molds for dental work. Even doctors use plaster for such every day treatments as putting a cast over a broken bone. For most of us, however, the most common use of plaster is for general repair and maintenance around the home. This is particularly useful for repairing dents and holes in walls, or filling in old nail holes before painting a wall.
Instructions
1. Pour a measured amount of dry plaster compound into a bucket. The amount required will depend on the size of the job that you are doing. Refer to the directions on the packaging to determine how much dry plaster should be used. Those who are plastering over drywall seams on a construction site, or making plaster casts of footprints, for example, will need to mix a large batch of plaster. Conversely, someone who is just filling a few nail holes will only require a minimum amount of plaster compound.
2. Add water to the mix. The water should also be a measured amount, according to the directions on the packaging for the amount of dry plaster mix that you poured into the bucket. The ratio of water to plaster is important, because if you use too much water the plaster will be runny, and too little water will result in plaster that is dry and crumbles easily.
3. Mix the plaster using a putty knife or a paint stir stick. You will need to mix the ingredients thoroughly so that everything is blended well and no dry powder remains. The end result should be a firm mixture with the consistency of thin dough. The exception is if you are a doctor needing to dredge gauze through the plaster, you will need a thinner texture, but thick plaster is ideal for most uses.
4. Using your putty knife, scoop up a generous amount of plaster and smear it over the hole or crack that is to be filled. Scrape off any excess and put the extra back in the bucket. You do not have to worry about having it perfectly smooth in comparison with the rest of the wall, because you will be sanding the surface down before the job is finished. The main thing is to have the hole or crack filled, without having any large clumps of unnecessary plaster remaining on the wall, ceiling or whatever you are repairing.
5. Allow the plaster to dry. Drying times may vary by the brand of plaster and the amount that was required to complete the job. Use the instructions on the packaging for a general idea of how long the plaster will take to dry. An over night drying will not hurt.
6. Sand the area so that it is flush with the rest of the wall. Plaster is very easy to sand, and a simple piece of sandpaper and a little elbow grease is all it takes. There is really no need for elaborate electric sanders for this process. Simply sand the plaster down so that it is even with the wall, then sweep or vacuum the dust that fell to the floor.
7. Paint the wall so that the repair is blends in naturally with the rest of the room and is hidden from view.
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