What to Do With Plaster Walls

Restoration

• Plaster walls often crack. When fixing a plaster hairline crack, use latex caulk. The material can be repainted when still moist. For larger areas, use a joint compound and apply with a hand trowel. Allow the areas to dry and lightly sand. Roll a primer over the patched area before repainting. The primer blocks any material from the plaster or caulk seeping through to the paint layer and causing a stain to occur.

Hanging Pictures

• Drywall is much softer than plaster to hammer a nail through. A plaster wall often doesn't take nails very well. Instead, drill a small hole into the wall. Insert a wall anchor, followed by a screw. The wall anchor expands and attaches itself to the plaster. Don't tighten the screw all the way, so that you can hang the picture on it. Anchors are often purchased with the coordinating-size screw in the package.

Removal

• Though historic plaster should be preserved, plaster may be so damaged in some environments that it cannot be saved. This is commonly seen when the home has had excessive moisture problems over the years. Removing plaster is a time-consuming process. The plaster may contain heavy amounts of coal soot, as well as asbestos. Remove plaster only if it does not contain any toxic materials. The plaster should be inspected by an EPA-approved laboratory. The process is very difficult and should be completed only by someone trained in plaster restoration and repair. Once the plaster and associated lath are removed, the areas can then be replaced with drywall.

Additional Tips

• Plaster walls are very similar to walls created from drywall. Paint and wallpaper techniques remain the same. A variety of faux finishes, mural and stencil treatments work well over plaster walls and have been used for centuries to decorate the hard surface. Benefits of plaster include strong fire-resistant qualities and durability.