Are you renovating an old building? These types of restoration projects can be quite fun. It is always rewarding to see a building transform from old and damaged into something modern and sleek.
Your renovation project will involve all sorts of obstacles. Dealing with old, worn out, and damaged plaster walls might be one of these damages that you will need to restore.
Let’s take a quick look at the most common plaster wall issues you are likely to notice and the best ways to restore them.
Common Issues in Old Plaster Walls
Plaster walls can show all sorts of signs of wear, especially if the building was neglected. Here are some of the most common issues you might discover in an old plaster wall.
- Cracks
Your walls could have a hairline crack all over the surface or might even have a couple of deep cracks where joints are no longer properly connected. Cracks can be caused by a number of issues such as plaster shrinkage, dry shrinkage, and debonding, or they can occur due to chemical reactions. - Holes
It is pretty easy to accidentally punch a hole into a plaster wall when you are moving heavy furniture around. It is also common to see plenty of drill holes in plaster walls where picture frames, TV sets, or shelves might have once been mounted. - Dented Areas
Dents can also form in the plaster upon impact or if some of the internal materials start sagging or crumbling away. - Crumbling Plaster
Exposed plaster will eventually start to crumble. It is also common to see crumbling around dents, holes, or cracks in your walls. - Stains
Stains that can originate internally or externally. External stains can usually be removed by repainting the walls. Internal staining can be a lot more troublesome because it usually means that there is some moisture seeping through the walls. This indicates a leak in one of the plumbing lines and could mean mould growth in which case the wall will need to be replaced. - Peeling Wallpaper
Old plaster walls can also have lots of peeling wallpaper that will need to be cleared away before the wall can be treated and repainted.
A Quick Restoration Guide for Plaster Walls
The restoration process will depend on the type of damage you are dealing with. With small issues like small holes, cracks, or small dents, the holes or dents can be patched up with layers of paintable caulk. The damaged areas are filled out and the surface is sanded down until everything is perfectly smooth.
If your plaster walls have larger holes or lots of crumbling your repair process will be more extensive. The crumbling and brittle plaster will first need to be stripped away. A mesh tape and compound will then be used to patch up the area. After the major patch, layers of plaster will be applied to smooth out the surface. The wall will also be sanded down to smooth everything out.
A Quick Repainting Guide for Plaster Walls
It is important to properly clean and prepare plaster walls before coating them in paint, especially if the walls endure lots of repair work. The walls are usually washed to remove debris, oils and dust. Any wallpaper and wallpaper glue is also scrapped off and removed.
Patched plaster areas will first be primed. A mist coat can then be applied because using a brush can cause some unwanted brush strokes. Finally, the entire wall will be painted with various coats of paint to provide a perfectly smooth and even surface finish.
Get Old Plaster Walls Professionally Restored
For plaster walls with significant damage, it is always best to use someone who specialises in these types of repair projects. At We Fix Walls, we specialise in plaster wall repairs and painting. Our skilful team can get all of the damages fully restored and will ensure that you are left with a velvety smooth wall with a perfect coat of paint. Give our plaster wall experts a call and we will help you revive any old or damaged wall.
