I need instructions on repairing large cracks in lath and plaster walls.?

Question

I have an older home, and some of the walls are lath and plaster.
When I removed some curtain rods from the walls it left some pretty good size cracks in the plaster--the lath is visible through the cracks. Is it a do-able job for a novice?

Answer 1

First things first, put down lots of papers, an old rug, canvass, any thing that will catch old plaster. Get a ladder, put on a mask a hammer and a wonder bar or screw driver. tap the plastering around the existing hole and follow the cracks, If you get a hollow sound pry or break the plastering and let it fall. When you have got rid of all the loose plastering, wait till he dust settles. (Leave the old plastering and the papers, or old rug on the floor, It will catch the new plastering that you waste, lots easier to clean up)

get a chair set down and look the ceiling over. How much area needs re plastering now. I bet a lot more than you originally thought. (attempting to plaster to loose plastering is a good way to waste a lot of time, about the time you are finished or the next day, it will be on the floor) (I am a slow learner, have had this happen several times). Back to the ceiling. lots of space to patch or a little. Time to make a decision. Patch, plaster , sheet rock or panel. Small spots, maybe the size of your hand. Take an old soft paint brush and wet the lathe, this will also help get rid of the dust, then start mudding. Use sheet rock mud, 1/8 to 3/16 deep first layer. let it dry good, may take a couple of days, give it another coat, let dry, keep this up till you have the new dry mud thicker than the old plastering. Sand it down, even, (a long handled sander is worth the money if you have much sanding to do. Add a skim coat of mud, feather it out, the wider the finishing trial you have the easier it is. let it dry, take a look at it, cuss a little, sand some more and add another skim coat. let dry, lightly sand. Now maybe you have it good enough to paint. You have just learned while most plasters, drink more than the average.

Answer 2

Chris is absolutely right.

Buy a tub of drywall compound at the local hardware store. You shouldn't need much.

Start by dampening the plaster around the cracked area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then trowel in some drywall mud. Don't fill the hole completely. Let the mud dry, then fill the remainder of the hole, leaving as smooth a surface as you can.

When it is completely dry, sand it smooth and finish it as you like.

Answer 3

There are some ready made fillers to use that are a lot easier to use than gypsum or Plaster of Paris.

Your local building supply stores will have some.

Try for Polyfilla or Selley's.

It is reasonably easy to use and you could probably get help from an assistant or on Polyfilla or Selley's web site. They will also show you what tools you will need.


Good Luck

Answer 4

Oh yeah, use a gypsum mud mix, overfill it, and feather back the edges. Then sand it smooth. I've done a lot of this in my home.

Answer 5

Repair the crack with paper joint tape and drywall compound just like drywall seams. If you do not use the tape, the crack will re-appear in your repair.

Answer 6

a little bit of drwall mud will do wonders for your problem, my friend. i do remodels for a living and have found nothing beter for a cheap fix for plaster than joint compound. good luck.

Answer 7

just get you a half gallon of sheet rock mud. and whereever there is a crack just take a putty knife and fill them in.