DIY plastering repairs

daivid

I'm working through my house a room at a time re-decorating. All rooms are papered, we've been warned by neighbours that the plasterwork is notoriously bad on this estate, and so far (bedroom 1 and kitchen diner done) this has been true.

I've moved on to another bedroom and had large amounts of plaster fall off/ pop out whilst steaming and scraping the paper off. Pics below. I'd like to have a go at fixing this myself.

I do understand that plastering is a highly skilled trade but I hope with some helpfully advice I can do a good enough job for a spare bedroom even if I still decide to get a plasterer in to do some of the tougher jobs.






Does this look like a plausible DIY job? My experience to date is limited to patching smaller areas (similar to the better of the 2 walls) and prepping the walls & mixing plaster when I had the kitchen diner done professionally. As said earlier I'm happy to have a go to see what I can do, if it goes wrong in this room and I have to hack it back to get it done professionally after I'm fine with that.

Any tips and/or links to sources of good information would be welcome,
thanks in advance!

Vnkn0vvn

It's sad to see you didn't get any responses. I would love to see how it ended up. I'm in the same position myself.

Mr.Generous

If your going to have a go yourself that crumbly mess would be really difficult - but not impossible.

Here's what I'd do - others may not share my opinion.

Knock off all the old lime plaster, it will hairline crack if you paint and eventually come away from the masonry supporting it.

Board it with square edge plasterboard, stick it on with drywall adhesive or a foam gun and special board foam if you fancy trying that, better insulation and easier to level.

Once boards are set do all gaps and joints with filler (I use drywall adhesive but many alternatives)

Once this is set commence a plaster skim coat. Get a decent float, plastic are easier, metal require wearing in for finishing. Just lash the plaster on spread really thin. Don't try and get each patch smooth when starting off. Cover one wall / recess / chimney breast or whatever then start to smooth.


Use a water spray or a wet paintbrush, damp down your float and smooth the plaster.


As my brother in law (a plasterer) says when his work is so much better than mine...

"Its easy, just practice for 20 years."

If its poor when fully dry (days) don't panic, sand high spots, fill hollows and repeat as necessary.


Oh and use skim bead for external corners or you will never get great results.

Good luck.

gardner1

One more tip when using steamer to take old paper off.....to much steam softens the plaster......its a knack getting paper just steamed right so scraper doesn't dig in plaster