One of the common problems people undertaking a home DIY project will encounter is repairing holes in plaster.
Regardless of the age of your home you will inevitably find cracks or holes in walls and ceilings. Sometimes these are caused by the house shifting slightly over time, but more often it is just general wear and tear that is the culprit. Holes from picture screws, gaps between cornice and walls, and accidental damage are perhaps the most common problems that need attention.
Which type of lining?
You may not know which type of wall you are repairing until you get into the job, but the most common are:
- Laden plaster
- Rendered Brick
- Plasterboard
- Fibrous Plaster
All of these can be repaired or patched using a cornice adhesive, a multi purpose compound, or a combination of the two.
What you will need
Here is a complete list of the items you will need:
- A multi purpose compound
- Cornice cement
- A roll of fibreglass tape
- 150 grit sandpaper
- Mixing Pot
- Plastic or metal joint knives (100 mm and 200 mm)
- Stanley Knife
- Sanding Block
Many of these items will already be in the tool kit of the home DIY enthusiast.
Cracked plaster - laden plaster or rendered brick
Preparation
Use a sharp tool to remove any flaky or loose plaster and paint. Then use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dust; but do not soak the area. For gaps greater than 3 mm, prefill with a good quality cornice cement. Apply the fibreglass tape over cracks. Should the tape not adhere to the surface, apply a thin layer of multi purpose compound in which the tape can imbed, but be sure to wipe off any excess compound.
The fix
Using a 100 mm joint knife, apply a thin layer of the multi purpose compound over the joints; remove any excess and allow for a 24 hour drying period. Lightly sand the first coat and, using a 200 mm joint knife, apply a second coat of the multi purpose compound approximately 300mm wide. Again, remove any excess and allow 24 hours for drying.
For the final coat, repeat the last step, this time spreading the compound to 400 mm wide and feathering the edges with a soft sponge. Leave a further 24 hours to dry. Lightly sand the repaired surface taking care not to damage the surface of the surrounding area.
Cracked plaster – plasterboard and fibrous plaster
The procedure for this type of surface is the same as above, with one important difference: If the plaster is loose, use 30 mm plaster nails with a 200 mm spacing to refix back to the frame.
Once your plaster repair is complete its time to start painting!
More DIY information
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