How to Repair Cracks and Defects on Plaster Work

Plaster work may have cracks occasioned by wrong mixes. The materials used are cement, lime and fine aggregates. This, when mixed wrongly result in the bonding on the wall to be weak. This will cause a hollow space in between the wall and the finishing. The effects of this is that the finishes will come off the wall. Other defects may also be caused by movement of the building structure during settlement. This cracks appear on the wall surface of beams.

In plaster work repair, the materials to use have to be selected carefully. Correct mixes are then done after the selection. One part cement and three parts sand is mixed as mortar. This ensures that the bonding is adequate. The wall surfaces should be prepared. This is by thoroughly hacking to give a rough surface. Remedies to plaster work should not be done over previously painted or finished surfaces. The wall should be wetted before work commences.

The plaster work repair area is first identified. The surface to work on is added one feet extra. This will ensure a bigger area is done and smooth jointing to the existing surface. After its hacked and wetted, the plaster is done. It starts by applying one coat of rough plaster. This should be in a slurry form. The next coat is done with mortar that is not very wet. A straight edge is used to scrap off excess mortar. The surface is then wood floated.

After the repair plaster is wood floated, the joint to existing surface is smoothed with a steel float. This will ensure there is no bump on the surface. The skimming coat is then applied to the new surface. The strokes are done vertical and horizontally until there are no stroke marks. This is let to dry and further decorations done after two weeks. The painting should be done over the whole will surface. This will give a uniform finishing on the wall.