Repairing Cracks in Plaster Walls

Carpentry, Interior, Video by Danny Lipford

Plaster walls in older homes are often plagued by cracks and other defects such as pitting and uneven texture. If cracks are simply filled with spackling or joint compound, they have a tendency to telegraph back through. To solve this problem, apply self-adhesive fiberglass mesh drywall tape over the crack for reinforcement.

Cover the tape with several coats of joint compound to make the crack disappear. Mesh tape also helps prevent a ridge or “crown” from forming over the crack, as is often the case when traditional paper drywall tape is used.

If the walls have an uneven texture or are badly pitted, apply a thin skim coat of joint compound to the entire surface then sand the walls smooth.

To further enhance the look of the walls, an “orange peel” finish can be applied before painting. This is done by thinning the joint compound down and spraying it on the walls to even out any imperfections and give a textured look.

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2 Responses to “Repairing Cracks in Plaster Walls”

  1. Bernard Gleason Says:
    January 12th, 2008 at 8:06 pm

    You had an article on repairing walls which have been painted, but now after years, have ugly cracks on the walls. However, what do we do about the ceiling cracks? Also, if you use the mesh that you mentioned, I assume you cover that with a layer of plaster and then smooth it all. Do you do the same thing with the ceiling cracks?

  2. Jim Danials Says:
    July 23rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    What do you know about the new adhesive system for fixing plaster they showed on This Old House? They also put an article about it in this months magazine.

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