How do I repair old plaster?

Dorothy Gerhart
by Dorothy Gerhart

I have a wall in my 1921 era house that was water damaged. It is plaster lathe. The paint pealed off in one section. I scaped it down and then used joint compound tp level it off, after it had dried. The compound just turns to dust and does not stick. Is the problem wirh the compound, the plaster or what? Is there something I should put over the plaster to make the compound stick?

  2 answers
  • Everything Pretty Everything Pretty on May 15, 2019

    It should stick. Was your joint compound old or has it been frozen in storage? Here are some tips https://www.ehow.com/info_8416043_can-compound-used-plaster-walls.html

    • Dorothy Gerhart Dorothy Gerhart on May 15, 2019

      Not old. I had used it on another project earlier, no problem. I was wondering if I primed the plaster first, if it would stick better. Haven't tried it yet.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on May 15, 2019

    Dorothy, this is interesting. I've always thought that joint compound would do the trick on Plaster and a quick Google search says so too. I'm wondering.... Did you happen to use spackle instead of joint compound? A good all purpose compound, sand or scrape the plaster first to smooth it a little, and allow to dry a full 24 hrs should do it.

    • See 1 previous
    • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on May 15, 2019

      I agree. Seems like it should work. You could try misting the plaster with water before repairing. That should improve the adhesion.