If your home was built post-World War II then it is more than likely that your home will feature lath and plaster interior walls which are also known as dividing or non-load-bearing walls. The difference between load-bearing walls and dividing walls is that the plaster would have been applied straight onto the brick surface on supporting walls, whereas a dividing wall has wood battens for the plaster to attach to.
It can be easy to damage plaster in the form of missing chunks, damaged corners when moving furniture round or just carrying out daily household chores like hovering and moping. Damage can sometimes just appear over time like cracks and it is good to know how to treat these problems as soon as they appear.
Protect Your Area
Plaster work can be very messy, so to prevent the entire room being covered in plaster dust it is a good idea to lay down a dust sheet and cover any surrounding furniture.
Dig out the Original Crack
Using a Stanley knife or something similar, follow the line of the crack, digging it out until you can no longer see the original crack. This will create a deeper and wider channel to insert the filler, allowing you to create a smoother finish.
Clean the Groove
Once you have finished digging the cracks out it is essential to clean the area. The easiest way to do this is to use a vacuum to clean out the dust and debris created from the Stanley knife.
Mix the Filler
For the best results on cracks in the ceiling and walls, mix the filler with water until it becomes a thick paste. The paste needs to be thick enough to stick to a filler-knife even when help upside-down.
Dampen the Groove
To ensure the filler sticks as much as possible, it is a good idea to lightly dampen the area. Use a spray bottle for the best results.
Fill the Crack
To avoid future problems, ensure that when you are filling the groove that the filler goes right the way to the bottom. Take your time and make sure the paste is spread evenly. Fill the groove, leaving a little filler protruding about the surface, but be sure to wipe the surrounding areas clean.
Smooth Finish
Using a medium-grade sandpaper, rub the surface until the filler sits flush with the wall. Once this is complete leave to dry and then the wall is ready for redecorating.
Fixing damaged plaster is a simple job that anyone can do! Get the right tools and you can be a plaster-fixing pro but for bigger jobs, it is always the best idea to hire a professional plasterer to get the best results.
