Old/Missing Plaster Repair
#1
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Old/Missing Plaster Repair
I just came into possession of an old farmhouse. All the walls are plaster with wood lath and most are covered with very old wallpaper. Several rooms have one foot cut outs from floor to ceiling down to the studs from when the heating was updated (and the walls never repaired). There are also spare doors we will be closing off and drywalling. I am starting the wallpaper removal process, some rooms are easier than others. The majority of the plaster I have been able to uncover looks fine albeit very uneven and with large bumps. We are looking to paint the walls.
I am debating whether to patch each large hole and resurface the plaster to smooth it or cover the whole thing with thin wallboard. I have read many mixed reviews. Any suggestions? (As always we are looking to be as cost efficient)
I am debating whether to patch each large hole and resurface the plaster to smooth it or cover the whole thing with thin wallboard. I have read many mixed reviews. Any suggestions? (As always we are looking to be as cost efficient)
#2
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Welcome to the forums!
Repairing is almost always the cheapest method. Whether or not it is quicker, depends on the job. If you laminate over the plaster with 1/4" drywall, you'll need to remove all the woodwork and modify it slightly so it will fit the slightly smaller room. I'm not sure what the elec codes are but you might also have to extend the electrical boxes.
I don't repair a lot of plaster but when I do, I use a setting compound like durabond. I believe it's more user friendly than plaster. Depending on the size of the hole, I'll either build it up with durabond or insert a piece of drywall slightly lower than the plaster finish and then durabond over it. We do have a few plaster pros and I'm sure they could guide you if you want to use plaster.
A pic or two might make it easier for us to understand what you need to repair
http://forum.doityourself.com/electr...your-post.html
Repairing is almost always the cheapest method. Whether or not it is quicker, depends on the job. If you laminate over the plaster with 1/4" drywall, you'll need to remove all the woodwork and modify it slightly so it will fit the slightly smaller room. I'm not sure what the elec codes are but you might also have to extend the electrical boxes.
I don't repair a lot of plaster but when I do, I use a setting compound like durabond. I believe it's more user friendly than plaster. Depending on the size of the hole, I'll either build it up with durabond or insert a piece of drywall slightly lower than the plaster finish and then durabond over it. We do have a few plaster pros and I'm sure they could guide you if you want to use plaster.
A pic or two might make it easier for us to understand what you need to repair
http://forum.doityourself.com/electr...your-post.html
#3
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Thanks! I will try to post pictures when I stop by the place tomorrow.
Fortunately/Unfortunately, there is not much woodwork. There are just plain wood door and window frames that we may be changing anyways and they are thick enough that 1/4" drywall won't really change the look too much. Also, we have an electrician coming out to bring the house and outlets up to code anyways.
Fortunately/Unfortunately, there is not much woodwork. There are just plain wood door and window frames that we may be changing anyways and they are thick enough that 1/4" drywall won't really change the look too much. Also, we have an electrician coming out to bring the house and outlets up to code anyways.
#4
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It's not that 1/4" drywall changes the look but unless you butt the drywall up to the wood trim [which IMO would look tacky] you need to remove all the casing and base, make up for the 1/4" difference with a 1/4" strip of wood [at the edge of the drywall @ windows and doors] and then recut the base [and crown mold,if any] to fit.
Also the drywall should be secured to the studs not the plaster lath.
Also the drywall should be secured to the studs not the plaster lath.