You’ve got to love plaster. That rock-hard compound, which became mainstream around the 1950s, provides us with seamless surfaces that are mould-resistant, fire-resistant, and noise-deadening.
However, plaster walls adjust to changes in the foundation and the weather and can experience cracks and breakage. They can get worn down in time, significantly above and next to doors and windows.
Here are seven quick steps in properly repairing and restoring plaster walls:
1. Assess the Damage
The initial step is to inspect the cracks. If the cracks are small and only surface deep, you may be able to repair them reasonably quickly. However, if the cracks are large or run deep into the plaster, you may need to hire a professional plastering service to fix the issue.
2. Choose the Right Tools and Materials
For starters, you’ll need a good utility knife or a painter’s 5-in-one tool, drywall knives (6-inch and 12-inch), scissors, and a shop vacuum. You’ll also need a joint drywall compound, paper drywall tape, and a sanding sponge (150 grit).
If the cracks are small, you may only need a putty knife and some spackling compound. You may need a chisel, hammer, and patching plaster for larger cracks.
3. Prepare the Area
When repairing cracks in your walls, the first step is always to clean the surface and remove any loose plaster. Once the surface is clean and ready, you can apply a primer to help the repair material adhere to the wall better. You also need to protect areas you do not want to damage.
Once the cracks are clean, you will need to apply a primer. This will help the repair material to better adhere to the wall.
4. Repair the Cracks
Once the area is prepped, you can begin repairing the cracks:
- Score the Crack: Use a good utility knife or a painter’s 5-in-1 tool to cut along the edges of the crack, making it slightly bigger and removing any loose pieces. Don’t force your way into the crack. Instead, scrape slowly and gently. Moreover, use a shop vacuum to get all the dust and crumbs out of the crack.
- Cut the Paper Drywall Tape: Measure and cut one or more pieces of paper drywall tape to fit the crack. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut the tape. Tearing it by hand would make a jagged edge.
- Spread the Joint Compound: Using a 6-inch drywall knife, take a small amount of joint compound and spread it over the crack in a thin layer, leaving a path slightly wider than the paper tape.
- Tape the Crack: Put the tape on the muck by hand, and then use the 6-inch knife to smooth it out in one or two passes, with no air pockets or wrinkles. Let the joint compound dry all the way through.
- Sand the Repair: Lightly sand the compound with a 150-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper to eliminate any bumps or ridges you can see. Sand it carefully so that the tape doesn’t show.
- Apply a Third Coat of Joint Compound (Optional): Using the 12-inch knife, add a third layer of joint compound to make the edges longer. Wait until the joint compound is entirely dry before lightly sanding the area to make it smooth.
5. Allow the Repair Material to Dry and Sand the Area
Once you have applied the repair material, allowing it to dry completely before proceeding is essential. After the dry repair material, you must sand the area to smooth it out.
6. Apply a Prime Coat and Paint
The final step is to apply paint or sealer to the repaired area. This will help to protect the repair and make it less noticeable. Moreover, this also helps seal the repair and prevent further damage.
Once the repair is complete, you can paint the walls to cover any remaining imperfections.
7. Clean Up and Prevent Future Damage
When you’re finished repairing the cracks, be sure to clean up any leftover spackling compound, joint compound, or sandpaper to help prevent future damage.
Conclusion
Repairing cracked plaster walls is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can easily fix the cracks and make your walls look as good as new.
If you don’t have time to fix your cracked plaster walls and simply want the professionals to do it, We Plaster & Recruit is here for you. We are a registered plastering company offering reliable plastering service that gives you value for your money. We serve the Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Queensland areas, providing quality interior repair and services. Contact us today!