How To Repair Cracks In Plaster Walls

Steps for Repairing Plaster Walls

How to Fix Small Cracks in Plaster

You can handle some small cracks with a two-coat process using a flexible patching compound, and there isn’t any sanding required.

Adhesives Can Also Do the Job Well

Rory Brennan, a Vermont-based plaster restoration expert, developed Big Wally’s Plaster Magic, a two-part adhesive, to reattach plaster without plaster washers. A kit that includes everything you need to repair loose plaster costs a lot less than how much it would cost to remove that much plaster, haul it away, then hang and tape the wall or ceiling. Where should I check for cracks in plaster? One common place to check for cracks is above door jambs and windows. They are also common at joints between the drywall and plaster. Make sure to check for these types of cracks and repair them before doing any painting. Why do cracks in plaster occur? As the house settles, the walls start to shift slightly. This is because the materials behind the walls are constantly contracting and expanding, which can cause cracks. Should I use joint compound or patching compound? Joint compound is the best choice for larger cracks, and it should be used with materials to reinforce the joint, like mesh drywall tape. For small cracks, flexible patching compound is a good choice, because it will continue to move and flex with the other building materials.

Resources

Mauro 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. Mauro also used fiberglass drywall tape 2”x 150’ (50mm x 45.72m) by Dynamic.

Shopping list

Fiberglass mesh drywall tape Joint compound Flexible patching compound Tack cloth

Tools