A Plastering Update. With Sigh.
Before.
After.
I don’t have the final coat on yet. But…so far…all seems OK.
And did I enjoy the process?
Oh, hell no. Even though the area is very small, it was awful. The plaster kept falling on my head and body and onto the floor. It was a mess to work with.
I am gonna next try a small area in the kitchen, a wall. This might prove easier. Stay tuned.
And I still plan to repair the damaged plaster ceiling in the Round Bedroom of the Cross House, which has only small areas of loss, but there is no way I will plaster the entire ceiling of the kitchen, Sewing Room, and entry. And no way I will plaster the massive loss to the carriage house living room ceiling.
So, if I cannot hire somebody to do this, I will…insert big sigh, here…install sheetrock.
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Sheesh! Plastering does not seem like any small feat, and i really commend you for trying a ceiling first. I would be so so so intimidated, but the house in some small way is probably thanking you. Good luck on the wall and I hope it proves much easier!
So sorry the plastering was so tough to do!
I know you had your heart set on plaster, however you have used sheetrock befor in other areas such as arches and to divide rooms. Ceiling work is tough.
Since it’s 192o’s era that you are trying to emulate, it won’t be the end of the world to have this repair done with sheetrock.
It will be finished and look lovely in the end, the sheetrock invisible:-)
Either watch some more youtube on plastering or just use sheetrock. It really will be ok if you use sheetrock. I imagine the walls will prove easier.
My great grandfather was a plasterer. I never met him but my grandma always said he was the best in town because his ceilings never cracked. It sounds like if even the pros had trouble with ceilings that you definitely started with the hardest part first.
What is important is that you did your best, Ross. Ceiling plastering are more challenging because of gravity and neck angle. Just a thought, (I never plastered before) will a thicker plaster (less watery) matter?
There are plastering machines that can do most of it except for the final putty coat. You might consider researching one? Also, i have a book on plastering, if you want it. let me know. I purchased it years ago from the Old House Journal magazine. Also, wonder if you are using Gypsum Wood Fibered Plaster for the scratch and brown coats, or Plaster with Vermiculite. If you used another kind, it may be more problematic to handle.
You know I have been following a lot of French chateau renovation videos, and though it makes me cringe sometimes, they all put up plaster board with a top coat of plaster as a finish.
I would certainly go with the drywall option at the Cross House. Especially the ceilings.
I mean if you had unlimited funds to pay for a really good plasterer….but especially in my neck of the woods, those experts are hard to find.
But great job! 🙂
Oh, I don’t envy you, after the final coat it will look great. Your work is so meticulous, you will triumph in the end.
Ross, Good job, but plastering sucks. It only makes sense to do small repairs, otherwise drywall. It’s been mostly obsolete for decades.
I don’t agree. It is only for expediency not quality that drywall has replaced plastering in modern construction. Plaster has advantages that drywall just doesn’t and dare I say drywall is an inferior product. I live in a ca. 1900 house with traditional 3 coat plaster walls and know for sound dampening, resistance to heat/cold transfer, and durability I heartily cheer for the art of true plaster walls. Ross, don’t listen to the naysayers. Find a plasterer- or maybe use a plastering machine to do the bulk of the work.
Hear, hear
Ross please don’t give up on the plaster! I agree with Michael that besides speed of application in a new build drywall has nothing on plaster. Plaster has so many advantages and offers a feeling which will match the Cross House while drywall does not.
I taught myself how summer 2020 in a house from the 1860s where in one bedroom the original plaster had been demoed but the lathe remained.
I watched YouTube videos and got pointers from John at Lancaster Limeworks where I ordered my traditional lime plaster (last works in the US).
I too started with the ceiling! It was really hard and the plaster fell on me too. Wear a baseball cap and the brim catches it.
What I learned: 1. Did you put hair in it? I forgot on my first batch to add horsehair and it. was. impossible. It just wouldn’t stick. The plaster needs hair to work! 2. Is it too wet? It needs to be fat but not drippy. You’ll know what fat is when you see, feel, and hear it but it’s like a good meringue.
In the end I finished the scratch coat in the room and hope to do the final in spring.
If I can do it, so can you!
It’s me again to add 3. Did you spray down the wooden lathe with water first? It needs to be damp.
This is all for traditional lime plaster. No idea what that pink stuff is. I suppose modern gypsum plaster is another ball game? Order some traditional plaster. Your house is so worth it.
Disclaimer: I don’t get money from Lancaster Limeworks, lol, just fell in love with the material and the guys there were great to me.
Been lurking on your blog from the beginning. Love your work, the house, your lights. You do such a great job. You inspire me so I thought I’d take this opportunity for my first comment to hopefully be helpful to you.