3 Steps to Prepare Existing Residential Walls for a Solid Plastering
Before the invention of drywall, solid plaster was the go-to option for covering walls and flooring. Even though many homeowners use plasterboard, solid plaster remains one of the most durable coatings for residential walls. Wall plaster has excellent acoustic properties and does not succumb to fire or water damage.
Solid plastering is possible for both new and existing walls. However, for an old structure, a few preparations are needed to improve the appearance of the coating. Therefore, here are three steps to preparing your walls for residential plastering.
Assess the condition of old paint
Do you have old paint on your walls? You can choose to remove the paint or apply plaster over it. However, this decision depends on the condition of the old paintwork. Is the paint in excellent condition, or is it chipped, bubbled or water damaged? Remove damaged or peeling paint before plastering your walls as the paint can cause the plaster to bubble, leading to problems with surface finish.
If the paint is in good condition, your contractor can plaster over it. However, the walls should be free of dirt and debris. When working on kitchen walls, beware of the presence of grease and cooking oils on your walls. Clean them with soapy water to create a clean surface for the plaster job.
Inspect your old plasterboard
Plasterboard is an affordable wall covering, but it isn't as durable as solid plaster. The boards deteriorate over time, especially if you install things like TV screens on them. Furthermore, plasterboard can't match up to the acoustic and fire resistance properties of solid plaster. Thus, if you have old plasterboard, you may wonder how to proceed with the new plaster job.
Just like with paint, it is possible to plaster over your plasterboard. However, the boards should be in excellent condition. Remove any damaged or crumbling plasterboard before commencing the work. Also, get rid of wallpaper and other surface coverings to create a smooth surface for the new plaster.
Repair existing wall cracks
When plastering over bare walls or old plaster, you need to repair existing cracks. If left unrepaired, cracks can show up on the new plastering and ruin your restoration efforts. Walls with superficial or minor spider web cracks require little work. You can fill the crevices with plaster and proceed to re-plaster the entire surface.
Conversely, walls with deep structural cracks need extensive prep work. These cracks can continue to grow even after a new plaster job. Thus, you need to repair these cracks to ensure the longevity of the new plaster. For buildings with active structural cracks, address the underlying foundation problems causing stress on the walls.
Preparing for a new plaster job can save you money and avoid delays with the project. Consult a construction contractor for professional help.