Plaster repair isn't complicated if the lath is still in place.
Major wall damage on a plaster and lath wall, of the kind of damage that goes all the way through both the plaster and lath, usually requires that sections of the wall be removed and replaced. However, it's often just the plaster that's damaged, with the lath still in place. If the damage isn't more than a few square feet, you can repair it by replastering the lath rather than getting into pulling out and replacing big swaths of the wall.
Instructions
1. Scrape off the loose or damaged plaster around the edge of the area to be repaired, using your putty knife, while leaving the exposed lath in place.
2. Spread patching plaster into the damaged area with your putty knife, putting the plaster directly on the exposed lath. Add as much plaster as is needed to fill the area, so it's almost (but not quite) level with the surrounding plaster. Use your 10-inch drywall knife to smooth the surface of the wet plaster.
3. Cut several strips of mesh drywall tape to the length of the damaged area, using a razor knife. Press the tape strips over the wet plaster surface, side by side, covering it completely. Don't let the tape overlap. Top the tape with additional plaster, in a thin layer, using your drywall knife. Let the plaster dry for a day.
4. Apply another thin layer of plaster, bringing the damaged areas almost level with the surrounding surface. Let the plaster dry for another day.
5. Apply a final layer of plaster, this time leveling it out completely with the surrounding wall and spreading the plaster with your drywall knife so it extends out a few inches around the damaged area and onto the surrounding wall. Let the plaster dry for another day.
6. Sand the plaster by hand, just enough to smooth it out. The repaired area is ready for repainting.
Related posts
Old style plaster ceilings don't last forever, especially in humid areas like bathrooms. Small repairs can be easily done with drywall patching compound. Larger repairs may need to be patched in w...
If you own an old home (at least 80 years old), it’s likely that your interior walls are plaster rather than drywall. Plaster walls are beautiful, durable and far more soundproof than m...
Repair Hairline Cracks in PlasterHairline cracks in plaster can indicate an overall structural problem that should be addressed. However, if the cracks are merely cosmetic, they can be repaired. U...
Splits occur in drywall seams when shrinking house frames cause poor workmanship or insufficient covering to break at the weakest point. Seams are blocked with a special paper tape and then covere...
Patch up holes in plaster walls with fiberglass mesh tape.Cracking or crumbling plaster walls are a nuisance to the structure and beauty of a wall. Though it may be tempting to replace damaged pla...
