Hardened Hole
 |
 Milwaukee 49 56 0052 1 1 8 Inch Hardened Hole Saw $4.99 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 8m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
Hardened Hole
How to Repair Cracks and Small Holes in Plaster ?
Few new homes have plaster walls anymore because installation requires skilled labor and because the settling and drying out that occur as a home ages cause plaster to crack. If you live in an older home that has plaster walls, the good news is that you can easily repair small holes and cracks yourself. The bad news is that you have two choices when it comes to large cracks and holes: Call a specialist to do the difficult repairs, or replace the plaster with drywall.
You can buy plaster patching compound in 3- to 5-pound boxes, which is likely to be enough for your project, but don't worry if you have to buy more than that. The powder will keep for years if it's not exposed to moisture; store it in a tightly covered container or zip-top plastic bag.
- Use a masonry chisel and hammer to pick at the hole and make it larger. A larger hole takes more patching plaster, which helps it adhere better.
- Scrape damaged and loose plaster away from the hole with the tip of a screwdriver.
- In a bucket or small tub, mix powdered plaster patch with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use either an electric hand mixer and one beater or a power drill with a mixer attachment, depending on what you have. Don't worry — the plaster patch is water-soluble and washes off easily.
- Using a broad knife, fill the crack or hole with the patching compound, and smooth the compound with the flat edge of your knife. (A broad knife works better than a wide-blade putty knife because its sharp edge removes excess plaster and smoothes the patch better.)
- After the patch is dry, sand it with 180-grit sandpaper, using a circular motion, until it feels smooth and totally flush with the wall.
- Wipe the patch with a damp rag to remove dust, and let it dry completely before applying primer and paint.
If you have more than a couple cracks or small holes to repair, mix a small batch of patching compound and repair only two or three of the bad spots. That will give you an idea of how long it takes to do the repair and how long it takes for the compound to harden. And if you find that you work slowly, you won't waste as much compound as you would if you mixed a large batch.
About the Author
Looking for Portable Tool Table Plans for your woodwork power tools?
Just check out the internet, there are Handsaw Storage Rack Plans to satisfy all skill levels. And you can download Wood Sawhorse Plans Here!
MIlwaukee Ice Hardened Hole Saw