![]() Once dry, using your drywall sanding block or sanding sponges, lightly sand the dried joint compound relatively smooth. Don't worry if air bubbles show up, the surface shrinks and cracks as it dries, or the surface is quite uneven, this is normal. If you've used the pre-mixed bucket, you'll probably need to wait at least 24 hours, maybe a bit more. If you've used the bag mix style of mud, you should be set after a couple of hours. Let the first thick coat of mud dry thoroughly. Once the whole patch is covered, apply the mesh over the patch and smooth it into place. ![]() Make sure you work the mud into the joints really well and that all of the wall where the mesh is being applied has mud on it. Once your screen is cut, apply a generous layer of your joint compound to the patch. The screen should cover every joint around the patch and should overlap the joints by at least a few inches. It is much easier to cut it before it has joint compound all over it. Make sure you pre-cut your piece of fiberglass screen that will cover the area. The mesh lets the joint compound really work between the surfaces and bond things together. If you use the paper, you will probably end up with a crack where the edge of the paper sits before too long. Try not to use the paper tape in this situation, unless you are working with drywall to drywall joints. You can also use the yellow self adhesive drywall mesh if you'd like. This fiberglass screen is strong, sturdy, inexpensive, and does a great job. We prefer to use simple window screen that you buy in large rolls at the hardware store. This lets the joint expand and contract over time without transferring the crack through to the surface. The next step is applying a fiberglass mesh of some sort to make sure the joints don't end up causing a crack in the wall down the road. In our case, after several years of ignoring it, the outlet was finally not hanging freely out of the wall. At this point you should be beginning to sense progress. With the patch cut attach it to the wall with a few 1 1/4" drywall screws. I used the utility knife and a lot of patience for this step, otherwise I would end up with even more crumbling plaster. The first step to the process was to cut a larger hole with a more consistent edge around the outlet to give us something stable to which we could attach the drywall patch. When we started this little patching project, the plaster was jagged and falling apart around each outlet in the room. We had installed these outlets several years back when we had to do some major work to our kitchen below this room (thanks, Termites.), and I just never patched the horrible job I did cutting holes in the plaster. When we were doing our quick guest bedroom makeover a little while back, we were faced with several large holes around the outlets throughout the room. Drywall Plane for small modifications to sizes (optional).I prefer not to use the lightweight, but that is just my own preference. Setting Type Joint Compound - The powder mix setting type is best because it dries harder (I like the 90 minute bag), but the pre mix bucket will work too.Drywall Taping Knife (for spreading and smoothing mud).Fiberglass Screen or Drywall Fiberglass Tape.Drywall scraps for the patch (usually 1/2", but sometimes 5/8" depending on the thickness of the plaster).So sit tight and enjoy, we hope it is helpful the next time you run into a hole or crack in your walls that need a little attention. ![]() Whether you're patching drywall or old horse hair plaster and lath, these steps will apply to your situation. Lucky for you, our pain is your gain! We've gotten quite adept at patching plaster over the years, and we're going to share the step by step secrets to our success. And, if you're Wendy and me, you've had the joy of spending years patching cracked and failing plaster, giant holes in the walls and ceilings, and holes that you've created in your own walls. If you're an owner of an old home, especially one with plaster, you've probably had the pleasure of trying your best to patch a hole or two and trying to make it blend with the rest of the wall. If you are a homeowner that enjoys DIY renovation, you've probably had the opportunity to patch a hole or two in your drywall.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |