any plasterers out there i need some advice...thanks?

Question

Ive been plastering some holes around the house..the problem is the plaster is cracking as its drying, i mixed it by hand as i only needed a small amount...what am i doing wrong...thanks

Answer 1

hi , thewhi the reason your plaster is cracking is not the way you have mixed it ,you need to prepare the holes before plastering, either brush some water into the holes(be quite liberal), or alternitavley get some p.v.a glue and brush these into the holes first, this will stop the plaster drying out to quick and therefore cracking, and use plenty of water when troweling(smoothing off) and you shouldnt have any more problems, good luck

Answer 2

Hi UK builder here, Andy from Manchester is right its cracking because the water is absorbing into the wall quicker than the natural drying process and as such the plaster shrinks causing cracks. If you wet the area first this will stop this absorption it will also cause suction which helps the plaster bond to the wall. Oh it could also be out of date plaster.....

Answer 3

Deep holes require air to cure the mud which is why cracking occures! There is a 2 to 3 step proccess when patching deep holes! over and over while sanding in between coats!

Answer 4

there are 2 reason why mud is cracking --- 1- you may need to tape it first and the other is applying a thick layer of mud -- with thicker amounts of mud it will crack simply apply another coat

Answer 5

paint on some pva to seal the area first before plastering.

Answer 6

If the holes are too big, you may need to use a drywall mesh tape underneath.

Answer 7

I find joint compound works better for patching holes and repairing cracks.

Answer 8

You'r probably trying to put it on too thick in one go !!