In this segment, Henrique shares the best techniques for patching and repairing cracks in plaster walls. His go-to material is a flexible patch compound, Sheetrock® Brand Dust Control Patch and Repair Compound, specifically used for stress cracks on the wall.
To patch plaster walls, a few products are commonly recommended: Plaster Patch Compound: Products like Pre-mixed Plaster Patch or DAP Plaster of Paris are specifically designed for repairing plaster. They adhere well to existing plaster and can be sanded smooth.
However, a plaster filler like Polyfilla or a powder filler are probably the best options for filling plaster cracks, as alternatives such as caulk are best used for other purposes, like sealing gaps around pipes or tiles.
If your plaster walls are textured, you might use the UGL plaster patch as your finish coat too. It has a sandy feel to it. If you have smooth walls like I do, the finish coat will be joint compound, which is definitely not a plaster restoration product, OR Plaster of Paris, which can be.
Taping Compound: Best for Applying Tape and Covering Plaster Cracks. True to its name, a taping compound is ideal for embedding joint tape in the first phase of finishing drywall joints.
Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, is a paste of gypsum, water, and additives that is used to fill gaps and seams between drywall panels. Plaster is more expensive and labor-intensive than joint compound, but it also offers better sound insulation, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
USG Plaster Bonder: Pink is a vinyl acetate homopolymer emulsion used to bond new plaster to any structurally sound interior surface. It provides enhanced plaster adhesion to surfaces like gypsum plaster, cinder block, stone, drywall panels, and other similar materials.
The problem of the crumbling plaster can also be resolved by applying a mixture made of water and vinegar to the defective area or region. It shall act as a shield against the dampness of the wall by making the surface area much stronger than before.
Formula: CaSO4. 12H2O. Uses: Used in medicine to make plaster cast.
Joint compound can also be used to fix small holes, smooth out dents in walls, or make small or medium repairs in plaster walls. Although you can use it for filling holes and other smaller projects, it is sold in large containers and designed to cover a large area.
DIY Repairs
Fill and sand: Address cracks and gaps by filling them with a suitable filler and sanding the surface smooth before repainting. Prime and paint: Apply a quality primer to create an even surface for paint. Then, choose a high-quality paint to cover any inconsistencies and create a fresh, uniform look.
Acrylic Spackle Acrylic spackle is flexible like vinyl, giving it many of the same qualities. It can be used indoors and outdoors on surfaces like wood, plaster, brick and stone.
Thickness: Plaster is often applied in thicker layers compared to jointing compound. It is built up in multiple coats to achieve the desired thickness, while jointing compound is typically applied in thinner layers, focusing on filling and levelling the joints between plasterboard sheets.
Drywall panels can be installed directly over plaster walls, which requires careful planning and preparation. Plaster repairs can be time-consuming and expensive. Therefore drywall installation directly over existing plaster is an alternative. If you have access to cracked plaster, you can attempt to repair it.
With your wall now patched and smoothed, it's ready for painting. Begin by applying a coat of primer over the repaired area to seal the surface and ensure the paint adheres evenly.
Around the early 1930s, however, gypsum became the “rock” of choice in American plastering. Made up of calcium sulfate dihydrate, gypsum is still the standard we see in most interior mixes today (it's also the main ingredient in drywall).
: a plaster with high adhesive properties made especially for use as a first coat on interior concrete surfaces.
1.0Definition of Plaster of Paris
It is a white powder made by heating gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate CaSO 4·2H 2O. The chemical name of plaster of Paris is calcium sulfate hemihydrate. Its chemical formula is CaSO 4. 0.5H 2O.
It's better to use a softer, slower-setting lime-based plaster, like the one developed for Big Wally's line of plaster-repair products, takes about an hour to set, isn't prone to cracking or delaminating, and needs no sanding, which keeps dust to a minimum.
Can I skim over peeling or flaking old plaster? Peeling or flaking old plaster can be repaired by skimming.
Resources. In this segment, Henrique shares the best techniques for patching and repairing cracks in plaster walls. His go-to material is a flexible patch compound, Sheetrock® Brand Dust Control Patch and Repair Compound, specifically used for stress cracks on the wall.
Polyurea. This is also considered one of the best waterproof chemical for wall plaster. It is a resilient and flexible protective coating, known for being water-resistant, abrasion resistant, and very strong. This chemical compound also contains antibacterial properties, for that extra protection.
Browning plaster
It's very similar to bonding plaster, but more absorbent, and thus most useful with more absorbent surfaces. They are used by professional plasterers as an undercoat for paint and adornments. It's a versatile base for painting, good mouldings and decorations.