Search Results for: control joint

Introduction Plaster cornice repairs using simple running molds means making a flexible or straight guide that lets you press or cast matching profile runs to restore damaged cornice sections. It’s a hands‑on jig you shape to the original profile and use to form or press repair material in place. This approach is practical for small […]

Introduction Fixing plaster cracks at ceiling medallions means cutting relief gaps to stop old stresses and then rebuilding the substrate so the medallion sits on sound plaster, not cracked or loose bits. Start by exposing the damaged area cleanly, check the lath condition and how the medallion is attached, and decide whether to repair lath

Introduction Repairing plaster around window casings means removing loose material, backing up the returns, and filling and finishing so the casing meets the wall with straight returns and crisp corners. This is a hands‑on job that starts with good surface prep and the right tools—check product labels for compatibility and drying times before you buy.

Introduction Reinforcement can reduce cracking and visible lines at a plaster transition, but it cannot make two moving or failing substrates behave as one. First identify the junction: a gypsum-board joint, masonry-to-gypsum transition, timber-to-masonry junction, or exterior cement-render detail. Then use the tape, mesh, lath, bead, or movement-joint detail specified for that assembly. To keep

Introduction Salts in masonry plaster are soluble minerals that migrate to the surface as moisture moves through the wall, leaving white or powdery deposits called efflorescence and in worse cases causing spalling where the plaster flakes or crumbles. This usually comes from water intrusion, damp soils, or moisture wicking through masonry and carries salts via

Introduction You can plaster over painted masonry only when the existing paint, the masonry behind it, and the exact plaster system are all suitable. Cleaning alone does not make a weak, chalking, damp, or incompatible coating safe to cover: the new work can bond only as well as the paint and masonry beneath it. Choose

Introduction Plaster over cement board means using the right bond coat and a keyed scratch surface so the plaster mechanically and chemically adheres to the board. In plain jobsite terms: use a compatible bonding agent or cement-based scratch coat, make a consistent scratch pattern so the plaster keys, and follow product label instructions for mixing

Introduction Plaster key failure on wood lath happens when the plaster pulls away from or loses grip on the lath, leaving loose or hollow areas that will crack or fall out. This write-up shows practical ways to diagnose where keys failed, how to re-key small patches, and when adding mesh or repairing lath is the

Introduction Polished lime plaster in wet areas is not automatically waterproof; it’s a breathable finish that can resist splashes when detailed and sealed correctly. In practice that means treating the wall system—substrate, cement backer, membranes, and sealers—as a complete assembly rather than relying on the lime plaster alone. Check product labels and manufacturer instructions for