DIY Network

The Walls of Education From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-206

Homeowner Julie Green and host Amy Devers tackle the classroom's damaged plaster walls.

Materials:

Utility knife
10" wallboard knife
Plaster trowel
Sponge
Sandpaper and sandpaper block
Ready-mix joint compound
Regular formulation perlited plaster
Drywall tape
Cold chisel
Ball pein hammer

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. In the Green's classroom, the holes in the plaster are minor, so the job won't be that difficult.
   The first step is to prep the area by removing any loose or flaking plaster. Using a cold chisel and ball peen hammer chip away the damaged plaster. Or use a scraper to eliminate smaller pieces of debris (figure A). When chipping away damaged plaster, take care not to hit too hard as you could damage the wood lath behind the plaster. This process might make the hole larger, but will give you a good clean area in which to apply the new plaster.

2. Once the surface preparation is complete, mix up only the amount of plaster needed for the repair. Follow the instructions on the packaging to assure the proper mixture. Mix to the consistency of cake frosting.

3. Apply the mixture with the 10" wallboard knife (figure B), spreading 3/8" thick over the hole. Cross-scratch the first coat as it begins to set to allow the second coat to adhere well. If needed, apply drywall/plaster tape to the wall to fill in larger, bumpy areas. First apply a thin layer of plaster or joint compound, then apply tape. Apply more of the plaster or joint compound mixture over the tape (figure C) and use knife to smooth the mixture over the tape (pressing to remove pockets of air and plaster/drywall mud from beneath the tape) until even with wall.

4. Once the first layer has dried, apply a second layer. Apply another 3/8" layer and cross-scratch as you did the first time. Allow to dry thoroughly.

5. After the second layer has dried, finish the hole with joint compound that has been mixed and applied according to manufacturer's instructions. Apply very thinly using the 10" wallboard knife. Blend the layer into the wall and allow to dry.

6. With the hole patched, sand the area until smooth (figure D). Prime and paint as desired.