Diana read our post about How Cement is Made and posted the following question in the Comments:
So how do I fix an interior wall crack, under the plaster and paint, that is about 1/16 inch wide, off center from the above portion by about the same, and narrows to disappearing? Any suggestions REALLY appreciated.
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FIY writer Sandra Simmons has the following advice:
First, investigate for any underlying problems and resolve them before fixing the crack.
Interior plaster is given to superficial hairlines and small cracks–cosmetic cracks that can be repaired as follows:
- Scrape off loose/broken plaster with a putty knife until the surface is flat and wide enough to allow reinforcing mesh tape (roughly 2-inches wide) to stick securely along its entire length without ripples. If your plaster has a design in it, you’ll scrape off the textured areas and sand a bit to smooth.
- Clean off plaster particles with a clean rag and ammonia. Let it dry.
- Cover the length of the crack with self-adhesive plastic mesh tape. If the crack dog-legs, use individual strips angled to follow the crack.
- Smooth on non-shrinking patching plaster, following the manufacturer’s application directions and recommendations for number of coats and drying time. A water-based product may recommend dampening the surrounding plaster with water before application with a wide putty knife. Feather the edges outside the mesh tape so the repair’s edges are invisible. Light sanding may be required.
- Retool any patterned plaster. Check with your home improvement store for confirmation that the patching plaster will hold a design and for advice on patterning tools.
- Repaint.
Any other ideas for Diana?
If anybody has done this repair and has tips or tricks for Diana, tell us about them in the comments below.
