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Tips for Working on Plaster Walls
Instructions for Plastering Walls
By Dean Novosat
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If you live in an older house, say 50 or 60 years or older, there is a good
likelihood that you have plaster on your walls. Plaster walls were very common,
especially in the late 18th century and 19th century. Plaster was fairly readily
available, was workable, and was capable of producing very smooth walls and
ornate embellishments. It was and is however, very difficult to work with. It
took a fine plasterer many years to learn his trade under the careful
instruction of a master plasterer. |
Plaster is still widely available, though rarely used. Just check the
painting aisles of your local home improvement center and you'll see it mixed in
with spackle and patching compound. The reason for its demise was the invention
of joint compound. Unlike plaster, joint compound (or drywall compound) is easy
to work with. It is slow to set up and harden, is very easy to sand, mixes
easily, can be purchased already-mixed, and is easy to clean up. Joint compound
works by simply letting the water evaporate out, leaving the hard, white stuff
on the wall.
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Plaster, on the other hand, sets up quickly, hardens like cement, is very
difficult to work with once it starts to set up, is hard to clean up, and must
be mixed up as needed and in quantities that can be worked with quickly. Plaster
as it sets up, is actually a chemical reaction between the solid plaster and the
water.
For this reason, joint compound is the natural choice for most new homes and
patching / plastering wall jobs. However, plaster is by far the superior product. A plaster wall
is rock hard, has a solid sound, and feel, is not easy damaged or scratched, and
can withstand some abuse. These properties make for some interesting remodeling
and repairs.
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A simple task such as hanging a hook for a picture frame can cause large
chunks of plaster to break free from the wall and come crashing down. Try to
drive a drywall screw into plaster can be an exercise in frustration as chunks
break out of the wall and the screw getting dulled by the plaster, Drill bits
and saw blades dull instantly on contact.
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Because of these challenges with plaster, I have compiled a few tips for
working with it. Be aware, that these work for me in most situations, but
plaster can be different and behave differently in different locations, so work
very carefully.
Tips for Working on Plaster Walls
1. When hanging a picture frame from a hook with a nail in it, first tape a
large piece of masking tape over the area where you will drive the nail. This
will help prevent chip-out. Once the nail is in place, remove the tape.
2. Another way to insert a wall hanger for a picture frame is to drill a
small pilot hole for the nail. The pilot hole need not be deep. Just deep enough
to penetrate the topcoat of plaster. If you see brown dust coming from the drill
bit, you are through the topcoat and into the brown coat.
3. To drive a screw through plaster, always drill a pilot hole!
4. Never use a drywall screw in plaster to hold anything! Even though it may
seem that the plaster is holding it in place, you risk tearing out a large chunk
of plaster should you find a weak spot. Always screw through the plaster and
into the studs.
5. When screwing through plaster and into the wall studs, make sure you are
into the wall studs and not the wood lath that holds the plaster on the wall!
Pulling down lath is one of the worst things you can do, as it will pull down
large chunks of plaster with it!
6. Standard stud finders don't work on plaster walls. You need stud sensors
that feature some sort of deep penetrating technology. Common stud finders are
designed for half-inch drywall walls and can distinguish plaster thickness very
well.
7. Use the tapping technique to find studs. Plaster has good harmonics and by
tapping or rapping it with your knuckles, you can usually hear the hollows
between the studs fairly easily.
8. Like anything else in an old house, be extra careful! There weren't
building codes when many of these houses were built so there is no guarantee
that you wall studs are evenly spaced, that there aren't old pipes in the walls,
or that abandoned and antiquated plumbing and electrical lines exist in the
walls.
Remember, work slowly and smartly! Never rush an old house project. Take a
few minutes to think things out several times. You will still run into
surprises, but if you work slowly and deliberately, hopefully, they won't ruin
your day!
About the Author: Dean
Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer and remodeler. He has transformed every home
he has lived in. He has several websites including:
http://www.build-decks-patios.com and
http://www.the-kitchen-designer.com.
How to Repair a Large Drywall Hole Ebook
- If you have a large hole in your drywall and need to repair it,
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repair your damaged wall so that it looks as good as new.
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