Details on repairing plaster walls, here are a few steps that can help anyone that needs help in fixing plaster walls. There is a certain technique to it and if these steps are followed through correctly a hole in a plaster wall can be patched successfully.
1. Preparation- With a putty knife chip any loose or crumbling plaster from the edges of the hole until only solid plaster remains. Caution if you find seriously damaged lath underneath, the lath the lath must be repaired before replastering repair generally calls for the skills of a professional.
2. Undercutting all holes in plaster and all cracks wider than 1/8 inch or so must be undercut a procedure in which some of the old-but intact plaster is removed along the inner side of the hole (or crack) so that the patching material that is used as filler will bond securely to the solid plaster around the opening. To undercut use the tip of a beverage can opener or putty knife and scrape away a bit of the plaster under the rim of the hole. Then bevel the scraped area to make a V shaped hollowed under the surface. Vacuum or blow out the plaster dust from the undercut area.
3. Applying the first layer- Mix enough patching plaster to fill the hole almost completely. Moisten the back and edges of the hole with a sponge. Beginning at the undercut surfaces at the edges of the hole, apply the patching plaster is about ¼ inch below the surface of the undamaged plaster around the hole. While the patching plaster is still wet score its surface with the tip of the tapping knife. This scored surface will provide a firm grip for a second layer of patching plaster. Let the first layer set for about a half hour.
4. Applying the second layer. Mix a fresh batch of patching plaster. Dampen the scored layer of patching plaster and 2 or 3 inches of the undamaged surface and around the hole. Using a taping knife preferably wider than the hole, fill the hole with plaster to the level of the undamaged area, spreading the plaster onto the surrounding surface for an inch or so. Smooth this layer by drawing the knife blade evenly over the patched area. Let the plaster set
5. Completing the patch. Cover the filled hole with a smooth layer of wallboard joint cement or vinyl spackling compound, using a taping knife. Continue spreading the cement or spackling to an inch or so beyond the edges of the patching plaster. Let the patch area dry. When completely dry it will feel hard and have lost it clammy feel of wet plaster. Sand the dry area smooth with a sanding block and feather the edges of the compound into the surrounding surface. If you first do not succeed keep trying. Trying is the first step on becoming a great person. Thank you for reading.