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Free
House Repair Tutorials - Fixing and Patching Walls
Plaster
or dry wall is commonly used for walls. Other decorative materials
such as plywood paneling, paper, or just paint are used to help
the appearance of the wall. Unfortunately, common fasteners do not
perform too well when used on plaster and result in holes or cracks
which are unattractive. Settling or shrinking of walls also cause
cracks.
Patching A Wall
Popping Nails - The heads of nails used to fasten plaster board
to studs often pop out. This is caused by moisture changes in the
studs which squeeze the nail out.
To remedy popped nail heads, first drive additional nails about
2" above and below the popped nail head.
Drive the nails, including the popped nail, until a dimple shows
around the head. Be sure you hold the plasterboard tight to the
stud. Dust off all loose paint and plaster and fill the dimple with
patching plaster using a wide putty knife. Let dry and if patch
shrinks re-apply patching plaster. When patch is completely dry,
sand with fine sandpaper and paint.
Small Cracks - Small, narrow cracks can be filled with patching
plaster. First remove loose plaster and with an icepick or knife,
clean the crack so it is wider at the bottom than on the surface.
This allows the new plaster to stick better. With a brush or damp
cloth remove loose plaster dust. If water mixed plaster is used
dampen the crack.
Fill the crack with patching plaster using a criss-cross motion
to work it in. With the wide putty knife feather the edges of the
patch, about 2" on each side of the crack, so it will be less visible.
When dry sand
lightly and paint.
Large Cracks - When the crack is large the wet plaster will not
stick. If this is the situation buy a roll of patching tape at a
paint store. Clean off all loose plaster. Fill the crack with plaster
and press the perforated tape into the wet plaster with a wide putty
knife. Squeeze out any excess plaster so there will not be a lump
in the wall. Let it dry, sand lightly and paint. A coat of sizing
will make the paint stick better
and look better.
Holes Through Wall - If there is a large hole through the
wall patching plaster will not stick. Two methods can be
used:
(1) The first method.
Mark a rectangle on the wall which includes the hole. With a knife
or key hole saw cut out the rectangle being careful not to break
it. On a scrape piece of plaster-board copy the section of wall.
Then mark a frame about 2" wide around the section of wall. This
is the size of patch to cut. After cutting remove the paper on one
side and the plaster from the frame around the patch The 2" frame
of paper will stick out like an ear all around which will hold the
patch in place. Spread patching plaster around the edge of the hole
and around the edge of the patch. Put the patch in the hole and
press the paper ears into the plaster and hold it while it sets.
Sand lightly and paint.
(2) The second method.
Cut a piece of metal plaster lath or heavy screen larger than the
hole. Fasten one or two wire ties to the lath and insert through
the hole. Pull the lath up behind the hole and wire to a stick of
wood placed across the hole on the front side of the wall. Moisten
the edge of the hole and spread a base coat of patching plaster
to within 1/8" of the finished surface. Roughen the surface with
a stick or nail so the finish coat will stick, After the base layer
is dry remove the stick and clip the wires close to the surface.
Trowel on the finish layer being sure it is flush with the wall
surface. Let it dry good and then paint. If the patched area is
large apply a coat of sizing before painting.
Next Page: Fastening to Plaster Walls
©
Michigan
State University Extension. Please see their disclaimer
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