Guide to Plastering Old Houses

 

In order to maintain the quality of old homes, you can freshly plaster the walls which is one of the final steps used when finishing the interior or exterior walls. However, you need to use the proper tools and techniques to ensure there is no moisture damage or it does not result in decay or damage. By properly plastering the walls, you can enhance their durability as well as the beauty of the old home. Moreover, you would be able to restore the walls to their former glory.

Let’s check out the essential steps to maintain old homes through plaster restoration:

Assess the Condition of the House

The first step is to identify the condition of the house and the existing plaster. You need to look for signs of deterioration such as cracking, loose plaster or delamination coats, staining on the walls, mechanical damage and missing areas, or crumbling and flaking. Different areas of the house along with the exterior may have different types of damage. You can take the help of interior and  to evaluate the condition.

Since old homes primarily used lime plaster, identifying if the house has a traditional plaster or a modern plaster-like gypsum-based plaster is used. You can understand what type of plaster has been used by assessing its colour.

If it is an off-white plaster, it is typically a lime plaster whereas if it has a pinkish colour, it is a plaster bound with gypsum. And, if it has an earthly colour, then the plaster has been made using an earth binder. Based on the type of plaster, you can make the necessary decision regarding the next step you need to take for repairing the plaster.

Remove Old Paint

The next step is to remove the old and chipped paint from the surface of the walls. But before that make sure you have the necessary set of tools required for the process. These can include plaster mix, mixing buckets, trowels, sandpaper, brushes, and hawks, among others.

Alternatively, you can opt for professional plastering services to experience a hassle-free process. By using paint scrapers and sandpapers or chemical strippers, you can remove old paint from the walls. It is important to remove all traces of plaster leftover from the previous work. This could interfere with the new plastering job, hindering its setting process on the wall.

Look Out for Historic Markings

When you are restoring old houses, it is important to look out for fascinating evidence that marks the building’s history. This can be decorative schemes, candle smoke marks, or symbols on the walls. Remember to take special care of these markings when restoring your house.

Prepare the Surface and Plaster

Preparing the walls is an important step in restoring old homes. Thoroughly clean the walls to remove any spec of dust, dirt, or grime that can affect the adhesion of the new plaster. Make sure the wall is stripped down to the bare plaster by using a brush or a vacuum cleaner. Cover your ground and nearby surfaces with drop clothes to catch any falling debris or plaster.

Make sure to prime over stained areas so that the plaster will adhere properly. If you notice any cracks, repair them before moving on to the plastering process. Test the wall by running your fingers over the wall surface. If it comes away caked with dust, then it needs more work. You can speed up the process by spraying the wall with water to help the new plaster stick to the walls.

Now prepare the plaster using cool and clean water in a bucket. Pour the plaster mix into the water and stir the mixture well. You can also use an electric drill for the mixing process to get the job done much faster. However, if you are only fixing a small area, it is recommended to mix by hand in a smaller bucket so that the plaster will set slower and give you time to work.

Patch, Repair, and Apply Plaster

Now use the plaster mix to apply a base coat using a trowel. Depending on the condition of the wall, you may need to apply multiple layers of coats. If you are restoring traditional lime plaster, you can use a scratch coat to enhance adhesion for the finish coat.

Scoop the plaster with the edge of your trowel. Smear the plaster onto the wall, starting with the bottom corner in a gentle arc. Use a similar process to smoothen the plaster a little at a time. Make sure to hold your trowel at a slight angle so that it does not pull the plaster away from the wall. Use a comb-like tool to create grooves in the scratch coat before you apply the finish coat using a trowel. You can use paintable caulk to fill minor cracks in the wall or if there are large holes, they can be drywall and sanded so that there is a smooth and even surface.

Allow the plaster to dry and implement necessary sanding or smoothening processes to even out the surface. Remember to plaster the wall in sections so that you evenly cover the entire surface. Smoothen the first coat of plaster and repeat this process a few times to ensure a polished finish. Take care of the historical markings and use a float or brush to get an even finish. After you allow the plaster to set, you can paint it or add any other decorations of your choice.

Thus, by following the above steps, you can successfully plaster your old home without any discrepancies. Make sure to clean your walls regularly and monitor them so that there are no new cracks and damage. You can also choose to paint the plaster or leave it in its natural state to revive the beauty of your old house.