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We just bought a 1949 ranch, it has plaster walls. There are several cracks that while aren't too noticible, we'd probably like to fix (for no other reason than for re-sale value in the future). We will also be taking out a wall-heater and will need to patch that spot. I've never dealt with plaster, I'm young and drywall is much more familiar to me. What do we need to know about these types of walls, and patching them up or even just fixing little cracks? Thanks!
Don't be surprised if the hairline cracks return. I've had several older homes with plaster walls and no matter how much patching and painting I did (by professionals), most of the cracks eventually returned within a couple years. Use special screen material to fill larger holes before plastering - ask for it at Home Depot. They have kits for patching plaster walls.
well we probably won't fix the cracks until right before we sell it
Do you just use regular spackle for little holes and spots? or is there something different for plaster?
The wall heater is going to leave a huge hole, like over 2'x4'. That should be fun. I can see around it where they tried to patch/fill when they put the thing in, it looks horrible. I hope we can get it all fixed up.
Plaster board, or blue board are still somewhat common. 1949 is a little late for lathe- but not completely. So, I'm going to venture a guess that your house is board.
Check this out: Flawless Walls - Fine Homebuilding Article
Repairs can be made, you can even fill in holes- like you described. I've seen it done with d/wall but it usually cracks after awhile. Apparently, d/wall and blue board's different densities make them expand and contract at different rates.
Plaster board, or blue board are still somewhat common. 1949 is a little late for lathe- but not completely. So, I'm going to venture a guess that your house is board.
Check this out: Flawless Walls - Fine Homebuilding Article
Repairs can be made, you can even fill in holes- like you described. I've seen it done with d/wall but it usually cracks after awhile. Apparently, d/wall and blue board's different densities make them expand and contract at different rates.
My current home, built in 1951, has lathe. Thanks for posting the article.
For small cracks, you need to cut a reverse keway along the crack. (wider on the inside than the outside). Then fill it. This will prevent the patch from popping out. You also need to use a hard material. Drywall mud is too soft. Regular plaster is too hard and cannot be sanded. You can fill the crack 90% of the way and then tap over it with fiberglass mesh tape and then smooth that over with a skim coat of even drywall mud. I am not a fan of drywall mud. It is too soft and subject to dings and scratches. One beautiful thing about plaster is that it is very very hard and nearly indestructable. Paint holds up a lot better over plaster than over drywall or mud.
If you have a big hole and cannot get in to replace any broken lathe, use iamond lath (metal mesh). It is easy to cut to any size that you need.
If you decide to use regular plaster, find an old guy who knows how to do it. It is nto very forgiving. If you make a mistake and it sets, it is really difficult to trim down, fill, or sand. You really need it to be smooth to begin with.
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