Plaster Answers
Is skimming plaster the thing to use when depth is too shallow for diy fillers?
Q. I've had to peel away loose paint off a wall and have ended up taking off several layers going back years. Now I have a one foot square patch 1mm deep to 'fill'. Tetrion and the like only recommnd themselves where the depth is at least 3mm. Therefore my question, is skimming plaster the answer and can I can a small bag of the stuff? Or perhaps a ready mixed fine surface product? So much disagreement!
Asked by Rickyboy - Tue Sep 25 06:55:53 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 8 Answers - Comments
A. without actually seeing it I would say yes on the information you have given and most small DIY shpos will sell you a small bag
Answered by confucious says - Tue Sep 25 06:59:51 2007
Q. I've had to peel away loose paint off a wall and have ended up taking off several layers going back years. Now I have a one foot square patch 1mm deep to 'fill'. Tetrion and the like only recommnd themselves where the depth is at least 3mm. Therefore my question, is skimming plaster the answer and can I can a small bag of the stuff? Or perhaps a ready mixed fine surface product? So much disagreement!
Asked by Rickyboy - Tue Sep 25 06:55:53 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 8 Answers - Comments
A. without actually seeing it I would say yes on the information you have given and most small DIY shpos will sell you a small bag
Answered by confucious says - Tue Sep 25 06:59:51 2007
Has anyone ever used plaster in a decorative manner in a bathroom to hide a bad wall?
Q. I recently took down wallpaper in my bathroom to find out the walls are in bad shape. Making them smooth is out of the question and so is wallpaper. What are your opinions on taking plaster and making streaks with the trowel all the way down the wall like waves in the plaster. Then painting it. I was hoping this would cover all the imperfections and keep the look updated. Any other ideas with plaster or any other way to cover would be appretiated. Venetian Plaster effect would be nice but needs to have smooth walls to start which is my problem. So unfortunately that is not an option.
Asked by smile4u - Sat Sep 1 23:48:46 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 6 Answers - Comments
A. I just re-did my bathroom and faced the same problem. It turned out beautifully! I used what is called "sheet rocking mud" and slapped it on the walls, then used a home-made tool to texture. There are infinite ways to texture! Get creative! Here are some sites: Happy remodeling!
Answered by Ryan M - Sun Sep 2 00:19:40 2007
Q. I recently took down wallpaper in my bathroom to find out the walls are in bad shape. Making them smooth is out of the question and so is wallpaper. What are your opinions on taking plaster and making streaks with the trowel all the way down the wall like waves in the plaster. Then painting it. I was hoping this would cover all the imperfections and keep the look updated. Any other ideas with plaster or any other way to cover would be appretiated. Venetian Plaster effect would be nice but needs to have smooth walls to start which is my problem. So unfortunately that is not an option.
Asked by smile4u - Sat Sep 1 23:48:46 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 6 Answers - Comments
A. I just re-did my bathroom and faced the same problem. It turned out beautifully! I used what is called "sheet rocking mud" and slapped it on the walls, then used a home-made tool to texture. There are infinite ways to texture! Get creative! Here are some sites: Happy remodeling!
Answered by Ryan M - Sun Sep 2 00:19:40 2007
What should I use to strip paint off of an old plaster wall?
Q. We bought an old house, and many of the rooms have plaster walls, instead of wood. The paint in the bathroom is in REALLY bad shape, and I would like to strip the paint and re-paint it with something more durable. I've looked into products like "Zip Strip", but the guidelines never cover plaster, or even drywall, only wood and brick. Will Zip Strip work on plaster, or will it cause damage? I really want to remove all of the older paint before I start re-coating the plaster. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.
Asked by MamaBear - Sun May 11 11:59:22 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 4 Answers - 1 Comments
A. All the suggestions offered previously, can and will damage your plastered walls. Plaster is a porious substance. Any chemical applied to it, will leech into the plaster, and will not come out. Therefore, chemicals with strong aroma like most strippers, will not go away after attempting to strip the existing paint. Also, most strippers, have the ability to desolve the surface of the plaster, causing damage beyond what you are not happy with at this point. The product Zip Strip, is a good product provide it is used on wood. You will find the cost of the product prohibitive, for large projects. Also, again, it will damage plaster. If your painted plaster is pitted, chipped, broken away from its lathe/wire mesh backer, your best course of… [cont.]
Answered by bobinn - Sun May 11 12:40:10 2008
Q. We bought an old house, and many of the rooms have plaster walls, instead of wood. The paint in the bathroom is in REALLY bad shape, and I would like to strip the paint and re-paint it with something more durable. I've looked into products like "Zip Strip", but the guidelines never cover plaster, or even drywall, only wood and brick. Will Zip Strip work on plaster, or will it cause damage? I really want to remove all of the older paint before I start re-coating the plaster. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.
Asked by MamaBear - Sun May 11 11:59:22 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 4 Answers - 1 Comments
A. All the suggestions offered previously, can and will damage your plastered walls. Plaster is a porious substance. Any chemical applied to it, will leech into the plaster, and will not come out. Therefore, chemicals with strong aroma like most strippers, will not go away after attempting to strip the existing paint. Also, most strippers, have the ability to desolve the surface of the plaster, causing damage beyond what you are not happy with at this point. The product Zip Strip, is a good product provide it is used on wood. You will find the cost of the product prohibitive, for large projects. Also, again, it will damage plaster. If your painted plaster is pitted, chipped, broken away from its lathe/wire mesh backer, your best course of… [cont.]
Answered by bobinn - Sun May 11 12:40:10 2008
What is the easiest way to cut old plaster walls and the reinforcing wire?
Q. I need to do some remodeling and am cutting out some old plaster walls that have the reinforcing wire. I need a hand or power tool that will cut this. The cuts need to be clean since I am saving a few of the plaster tray ceilings.
Asked by mckgolfman m - Sun Mar 15 19:26:22 2009 - Maintenance & Repairs - 4 Answers - Comments
A. Easiest way is with a Sawzall and a plaster cutting blade. The plaster blade cuts on both forward and backward strokes, and will make quick work of it. A standard Sawzall blade just cuts on the backwards stroke. Hope this helps.
Answered by woodtick314 - Sun Mar 15 19:34:53 2009
Q. I need to do some remodeling and am cutting out some old plaster walls that have the reinforcing wire. I need a hand or power tool that will cut this. The cuts need to be clean since I am saving a few of the plaster tray ceilings.
Asked by mckgolfman m - Sun Mar 15 19:26:22 2009 - Maintenance & Repairs - 4 Answers - Comments
A. Easiest way is with a Sawzall and a plaster cutting blade. The plaster blade cuts on both forward and backward strokes, and will make quick work of it. A standard Sawzall blade just cuts on the backwards stroke. Hope this helps.
Answered by woodtick314 - Sun Mar 15 19:34:53 2009
How do you hang picture molding on aging plaster walls?
Q. How do you hang picture molding on aging plaster walls? I need to install picture molding on old plaster walls, but am not confident once the job is done and the first heavy picture is hung the whole system won't come crashing down. How do you know if you use a finish nailer and 2" nails that you have hit anything strong enough to hold up pictures, or do or can you use the trusty stud finder technique. Helpful hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Asked by michaelsan - Thu Aug 23 23:13:31 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 2 Answers - Comments
A. Fastening molding to plaster walls. Yes, you can use a stud finder. The newer electronic stud finders work well. I would also glue the molding to the plaster. Todays glues hold well. Additional hints- You can cut the head off the finish nail and put the nail in a drill to spin the nail in. This will help keep the plaster from cracking. You can also predrill the hole with a regular drill bit. If you are using a nail gun, the nails are thin enough and fire in fast enough that the plaster does not usually crack. These nails hold very well as the bend and twist as they go into the wood. I have a picture molding that I installed this way in my home. I have a very heavy mirror and frame hanging from it. It holds well. Good luck and Have fun!
Answered by rallanmartijr - Thu Aug 23 23:39:37 2007
Q. How do you hang picture molding on aging plaster walls? I need to install picture molding on old plaster walls, but am not confident once the job is done and the first heavy picture is hung the whole system won't come crashing down. How do you know if you use a finish nailer and 2" nails that you have hit anything strong enough to hold up pictures, or do or can you use the trusty stud finder technique. Helpful hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Asked by michaelsan - Thu Aug 23 23:13:31 2007 - Decorating & Remodeling - 2 Answers - Comments
A. Fastening molding to plaster walls. Yes, you can use a stud finder. The newer electronic stud finders work well. I would also glue the molding to the plaster. Todays glues hold well. Additional hints- You can cut the head off the finish nail and put the nail in a drill to spin the nail in. This will help keep the plaster from cracking. You can also predrill the hole with a regular drill bit. If you are using a nail gun, the nails are thin enough and fire in fast enough that the plaster does not usually crack. These nails hold very well as the bend and twist as they go into the wood. I have a picture molding that I installed this way in my home. I have a very heavy mirror and frame hanging from it. It holds well. Good luck and Have fun!
Answered by rallanmartijr - Thu Aug 23 23:39:37 2007
How do you remove plaster from brick?
Q. I have a very old house that has the remnants of plaster on the basement walls. Any suggestions on how to remove it without damaging the 210 year old bricks? Would you use a muratic acid solution once the sand base is is removed to clean up the bricks?
Asked by Jon R - Wed Sep 5 18:11:51 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 4 Answers - Comments
A. We have a house built in 1855,brick w/ lots of varying depths of horsehair/sand plaster all through it. We wanted to see some of the brick wall in the kitchen and decided to remove the plaster on one wall. I used a hammer (gently) to break most of the plaster off and then used a sharpened putty knife to get under the rest and popped it off in chunks. It took a long time and was one hell of a mess, but it was worth it ! I then used a heavy wire brush to clean up the brick washed it down and then sealed it w/ a water based flat varnish. It protects the brick,lets it breath and kept the rustic color and texture that we loved ! It's held up for ten yrs and looks like I just did it !
Answered by pvr34 - Wed Sep 5 20:08:37 2007
Q. I have a very old house that has the remnants of plaster on the basement walls. Any suggestions on how to remove it without damaging the 210 year old bricks? Would you use a muratic acid solution once the sand base is is removed to clean up the bricks?
Asked by Jon R - Wed Sep 5 18:11:51 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 4 Answers - Comments
A. We have a house built in 1855,brick w/ lots of varying depths of horsehair/sand plaster all through it. We wanted to see some of the brick wall in the kitchen and decided to remove the plaster on one wall. I used a hammer (gently) to break most of the plaster off and then used a sharpened putty knife to get under the rest and popped it off in chunks. It took a long time and was one hell of a mess, but it was worth it ! I then used a heavy wire brush to clean up the brick washed it down and then sealed it w/ a water based flat varnish. It protects the brick,lets it breath and kept the rustic color and texture that we loved ! It's held up for ten yrs and looks like I just did it !
Answered by pvr34 - Wed Sep 5 20:08:37 2007
Plaster or joint compound to repair rips and tears from removing wallpaper?
Q. I recently removed wallpaper. The walls are in decent sape except in some spots the top layers tore off, exposing a brown cardboard-like material. The largest of the gashes is 6" x 15." Should I use plaster or joint compound? Thanks.
Asked by guruchild73 - Tue Jul 1 10:00:01 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 2 Answers - Comments
A. You want joint compound. Use a putty knife and try to get the layer as smooth as possible. As it dries, it will shrink, so after sanding you may have to apply a second later, let it dry and sand it before you paint.
Answered by teacherjen2004 - Tue Jul 1 10:04:14 2008
Q. I recently removed wallpaper. The walls are in decent sape except in some spots the top layers tore off, exposing a brown cardboard-like material. The largest of the gashes is 6" x 15." Should I use plaster or joint compound? Thanks.
Asked by guruchild73 - Tue Jul 1 10:00:01 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 2 Answers - Comments
A. You want joint compound. Use a putty knife and try to get the layer as smooth as possible. As it dries, it will shrink, so after sanding you may have to apply a second later, let it dry and sand it before you paint.
Answered by teacherjen2004 - Tue Jul 1 10:04:14 2008
All of the walls in my house are plaster. Would it be possible to just install drywall over the plaster?
Q. All of the walls in my house are plaster and we would like to replace them with drywall. Instead of knocking out all of the plaster, would it be at all possible to just screw drywall into the studs over the plaster? The plaster walls are all in pretty good contidion - the ceilings in most of the rooms are some kind of fiber tile, except in the bathroom and closets which are plaster (these are badly cracked). Any help and/or suggestions would be appreciated!
Asked by ~*Mrs. GM2*~ - Wed Aug 9 08:19:40 2006 - Decorating & Remodeling - 6 Answers - Comments
A. Certainly it's possible,,, despite the three "S's" You'll have to locate studs, remove moldings, probably have to change door framing and jams, change window locations or allow that they can still be changed at some point, remove receptacle boxes,,,( allowing them to be relocated to flush with the new wall. You should locate any wiring and record its location for future reference. Most everything else about the job will be as if new construction, cutting, taping, mudding, finishing, any and all the usual associated mess,,,plus plaster residue and mess. You'll be better using screws as opposed to nails, and expect that plaster will crack. The ceilings should be redone as well. The "Fiber Tile" certainly can be painted,… [cont.]
Answered by DIY Doc - Wed Aug 9 09:01:12 2006
Q. All of the walls in my house are plaster and we would like to replace them with drywall. Instead of knocking out all of the plaster, would it be at all possible to just screw drywall into the studs over the plaster? The plaster walls are all in pretty good contidion - the ceilings in most of the rooms are some kind of fiber tile, except in the bathroom and closets which are plaster (these are badly cracked). Any help and/or suggestions would be appreciated!
Asked by ~*Mrs. GM2*~ - Wed Aug 9 08:19:40 2006 - Decorating & Remodeling - 6 Answers - Comments
A. Certainly it's possible,,, despite the three "S's" You'll have to locate studs, remove moldings, probably have to change door framing and jams, change window locations or allow that they can still be changed at some point, remove receptacle boxes,,,( allowing them to be relocated to flush with the new wall. You should locate any wiring and record its location for future reference. Most everything else about the job will be as if new construction, cutting, taping, mudding, finishing, any and all the usual associated mess,,,plus plaster residue and mess. You'll be better using screws as opposed to nails, and expect that plaster will crack. The ceilings should be redone as well. The "Fiber Tile" certainly can be painted,… [cont.]
Answered by DIY Doc - Wed Aug 9 09:01:12 2006
How do you get plaster dust out of hair?
Q. I am renovating a 100year old home that has horse hair plaster on the walls. I wear a hat and bandana when we are tearing down walls but the plaster dust has made my hair stringy and greasy. I have been trying to use different shampoos to get it out but nothing helps. Is there anything I can use to clean my hair that will remove the plaster?
Asked by - Tue Mar 29 16:15:47 2011 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 2 Answers - Comments
A. Old plaster is lime based - this usually dries out my hair really bad and I need lots of moisturising conditioner afterwards. The dryness of my hair makes it really hard to brush and it feels awful for days after, but conditioner does help. I'm not sure you'll ever get all the plaster dust out in one go. When I'm organised which isn't as often as it should be, I wear a hat. Hats which cover all your hair are quite good, especially beanie hats, as they do help keep the worst of it off your hair - tuck your hair in if it's long. I also notice that a lot of builders wear these. I guess a shower cap over the top might be even better but really sweaty and I couldn't bear to wear one of those. With the dust levels in your house from disturbing… [cont.]
Answered by - Tue Mar 29 17:59:09 2011
Q. I am renovating a 100year old home that has horse hair plaster on the walls. I wear a hat and bandana when we are tearing down walls but the plaster dust has made my hair stringy and greasy. I have been trying to use different shampoos to get it out but nothing helps. Is there anything I can use to clean my hair that will remove the plaster?
Asked by - Tue Mar 29 16:15:47 2011 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 2 Answers - Comments
A. Old plaster is lime based - this usually dries out my hair really bad and I need lots of moisturising conditioner afterwards. The dryness of my hair makes it really hard to brush and it feels awful for days after, but conditioner does help. I'm not sure you'll ever get all the plaster dust out in one go. When I'm organised which isn't as often as it should be, I wear a hat. Hats which cover all your hair are quite good, especially beanie hats, as they do help keep the worst of it off your hair - tuck your hair in if it's long. I also notice that a lot of builders wear these. I guess a shower cap over the top might be even better but really sweaty and I couldn't bear to wear one of those. With the dust levels in your house from disturbing… [cont.]
Answered by - Tue Mar 29 17:59:09 2011
Cleaning off old plaster that was applied directly to cement blocks to prep for drylock?
Q. i want to chip off the old plaster that is directly on cement block in my basement so that I can drylock insulate and drywall. My question is how do I clean off all of the loose particles? Is there a type of brush with a vacumn I could use? Any ideas?
Asked by steady - Wed Jun 11 16:36:46 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 2 Answers - Comments
A. You didn't tell the whole story. Hard to tell what you mean. But here goes. A side grinder with a wire wheel will remove loose. But if you are going to frame , insulate and drywall, why remove. Just frame.
Answered by - Wed Jun 11 19:05:39 2008
Q. i want to chip off the old plaster that is directly on cement block in my basement so that I can drylock insulate and drywall. My question is how do I clean off all of the loose particles? Is there a type of brush with a vacumn I could use? Any ideas?
Asked by steady - Wed Jun 11 16:36:46 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 2 Answers - Comments
A. You didn't tell the whole story. Hard to tell what you mean. But here goes. A side grinder with a wire wheel will remove loose. But if you are going to frame , insulate and drywall, why remove. Just frame.
Answered by - Wed Jun 11 19:05:39 2008
How much water to plaster do I use for Gypsum Plaster of Paris?
Q. I have approximately 4 oz of plaster and I don't know how much water to put in to make plaster for a mould.
Asked by Naomi - Sat Dec 12 16:36:38 2009 - Sculpture - 1 Answers - Comments
A. 2 oz (1 part water to 2 parts plaster of Paris by weight)
Answered by - Sun Dec 13 00:21:48 2009
Q. I have approximately 4 oz of plaster and I don't know how much water to put in to make plaster for a mould.
Asked by Naomi - Sat Dec 12 16:36:38 2009 - Sculpture - 1 Answers - Comments
A. 2 oz (1 part water to 2 parts plaster of Paris by weight)
Answered by - Sun Dec 13 00:21:48 2009
how do i plaster to a wall behind the toilet with all that pipework?
Q. im just starting out learning how to do plastering and finding it quite interesting.ive been doing it for a few months now and gaining loads of confidence.now the tricky bit?.how do you plaster around the back wall of the toilet m m ?? can anyone provide any tips?
Asked by rod - Wed Jun 27 09:13:04 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 5 Answers - Comments
A. If a low level cistern this can be removed and also the toilet itself. Make sure water is isolated. Then remove the cistern first and then the toilet. This will leave a whole in the wall for the waste outlet. Dont forget that there is water in the bowl of the toilet so becarefull or else it will go all over the floor.If you do a stage at a time top down you will be ok. But you must make sure water is isolated. This then makes it easier to get to the back wall.
Answered by valf - Fri Jun 29 20:14:53 2007
Q. im just starting out learning how to do plastering and finding it quite interesting.ive been doing it for a few months now and gaining loads of confidence.now the tricky bit?.how do you plaster around the back wall of the toilet m m ?? can anyone provide any tips?
Asked by rod - Wed Jun 27 09:13:04 2007 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 5 Answers - Comments
A. If a low level cistern this can be removed and also the toilet itself. Make sure water is isolated. Then remove the cistern first and then the toilet. This will leave a whole in the wall for the waste outlet. Dont forget that there is water in the bowl of the toilet so becarefull or else it will go all over the floor.If you do a stage at a time top down you will be ok. But you must make sure water is isolated. This then makes it easier to get to the back wall.
Answered by valf - Fri Jun 29 20:14:53 2007
How do i plaster an old brick wall in my garden?
Q. I have an old brick wall in my garden that looks a bit scruffy. I am thinking of plastering it and then painting it to make the garden look a little more attractive for the summer. I have heard that plastering is a tough job but can someone give me an insight into what materials i.e types of plaster etc i would require. Many thanks.
Asked by sm110384 - Sun Feb 17 09:51:13 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 6 Answers - Comments
A. You could just put a coat of cement on it and rough it up a little using a brush
Answered by Wiz - Sun Feb 17 09:56:37 2008
Q. I have an old brick wall in my garden that looks a bit scruffy. I am thinking of plastering it and then painting it to make the garden look a little more attractive for the summer. I have heard that plastering is a tough job but can someone give me an insight into what materials i.e types of plaster etc i would require. Many thanks.
Asked by sm110384 - Sun Feb 17 09:51:13 2008 - Do It Yourself (DIY) - 6 Answers - Comments
A. You could just put a coat of cement on it and rough it up a little using a brush
Answered by Wiz - Sun Feb 17 09:56:37 2008
How do you clean venetian plaster?
Q. I applied venetian plaster to my kitchen walls, and included a washable topcoat. My daughter spilled what looks like grape juice along the wall, and I can't seem to get it clean. Any suggestions?
Asked by Melissa B - Wed Jun 21 00:48:22 2006 - Cleaning & Laundry - 1 Answers - Comments
A. Try Clorox cleanup. Works well on walls without damaging them.
Answered by simplyme712000 - Sat Jun 24 21:16:48 2006
Q. I applied venetian plaster to my kitchen walls, and included a washable topcoat. My daughter spilled what looks like grape juice along the wall, and I can't seem to get it clean. Any suggestions?
Asked by Melissa B - Wed Jun 21 00:48:22 2006 - Cleaning & Laundry - 1 Answers - Comments
A. Try Clorox cleanup. Works well on walls without damaging them.
Answered by simplyme712000 - Sat Jun 24 21:16:48 2006
How to rescue a painted plaster wall?
Q. I have just found out that I should have sealed the plaster walls I have just painted before putting the paint on. It was water based paint, and I just discovered that masking tape takes the paint off! Apparently I can use watered down paint to prime the walls first, but can this be done after painting, or do i need to sand all this paint off and then do the watered down paint? Any suggestions welcome!
Asked by captainmish - Mon Jan 28 17:36:38 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 5 Answers - Comments
A. If you use a medium grain sandpaper and do the whole wall you can get it looking fine again..Once you have sanded dilute your paint by about 15% then do the whole wall so it is all evenly applied.Then recoat it all again once the first coat has dried, normally about 5 hours in optimum drying conditions... For future reference use should use a low tack masking tape available at most DIY stores...
Answered by Tinker - Mon Jan 28 18:28:36 2008
Q. I have just found out that I should have sealed the plaster walls I have just painted before putting the paint on. It was water based paint, and I just discovered that masking tape takes the paint off! Apparently I can use watered down paint to prime the walls first, but can this be done after painting, or do i need to sand all this paint off and then do the watered down paint? Any suggestions welcome!
Asked by captainmish - Mon Jan 28 17:36:38 2008 - Decorating & Remodeling - 5 Answers - Comments
A. If you use a medium grain sandpaper and do the whole wall you can get it looking fine again..Once you have sanded dilute your paint by about 15% then do the whole wall so it is all evenly applied.Then recoat it all again once the first coat has dried, normally about 5 hours in optimum drying conditions... For future reference use should use a low tack masking tape available at most DIY stores...
Answered by Tinker - Mon Jan 28 18:28:36 2008
How long does plaster takes to REALLY dry?
Q. I did a plaster block with plaster of paris and it's been three days since i did it and is still humid. Is hard already but as i start carving it instead of dust i get into a humid layer and i have to stop carving to get the accumulated plaster away. It annoying! I've tried to heat it up to see if it dries faster but it doesn't. I also tried a fan but didn't work either. So does anyone knows how long would i have to wait for plaster to REALLY dry or how can i make it dry faster! Thanks.
Asked by - Thu Aug 26 15:31:23 2010 - Sculpture - 1 Answers - Comments
A. it is useable within about 45 minutes after sitting...but it actually takes about 48 hours to dry completely through...but it will dry much much quicker if it was taken out of the container it was made in when possible
Answered by - Thu Aug 26 17:14:43 2010
Q. I did a plaster block with plaster of paris and it's been three days since i did it and is still humid. Is hard already but as i start carving it instead of dust i get into a humid layer and i have to stop carving to get the accumulated plaster away. It annoying! I've tried to heat it up to see if it dries faster but it doesn't. I also tried a fan but didn't work either. So does anyone knows how long would i have to wait for plaster to REALLY dry or how can i make it dry faster! Thanks.
Asked by - Thu Aug 26 15:31:23 2010 - Sculpture - 1 Answers - Comments
A. it is useable within about 45 minutes after sitting...but it actually takes about 48 hours to dry completely through...but it will dry much much quicker if it was taken out of the container it was made in when possible
Answered by - Thu Aug 26 17:14:43 2010
How do you remove pink discolouring from exterior plaster?
Q. The plaster is white stone plaster. The Plaster has streaks of pink starting to show on it.
Asked by grumpy - Wed Sep 9 11:24:44 2009 - Maintenance & Repairs - 1 Answers - Comments
A. Unless you can discover if something was thrown onto the surface, it is likely something is bleeding through it. You may end up painting over it.
Answered by sensible_man - Wed Sep 9 11:48:22 2009
Q. The plaster is white stone plaster. The Plaster has streaks of pink starting to show on it.
Asked by grumpy - Wed Sep 9 11:24:44 2009 - Maintenance & Repairs - 1 Answers - Comments
A. Unless you can discover if something was thrown onto the surface, it is likely something is bleeding through it. You may end up painting over it.
Answered by sensible_man - Wed Sep 9 11:48:22 2009
How much plaster does it take to make a full body life cast?
Q. For a school project, I need to take a full body cast (minus the head) of a person. Because it doesn t' need to be highly detailed, and because I'm poor, I'm skipping the alginate and just planning to use plaster, specifically I'm gonna use plaster bandages as it's milder and less irritating to the skin. I will reinforce the cast with wooden dowels. What I'm looking for is a rough estimate of how much plaster bandages will I need to cast the entire body? It's an adult woman, 5'7" 135lb I am going to use plaster bandages because each strip of the cloth is coated with powdered plaster, and will therefore only 'activate' once it's been put in water. Each bandage will remain dry and inactive until the people helping me need to use it. I… [cont.]
Asked by wanderingraccoon - Fri Jan 23 12:36:00 2009 - Sculpture - 2 Answers - 1 Comments
A. If you're not fast you're going to waste more than you use.Have you thought this out ?(as you'll have to do it in sections)
Answered by Benjamin G - Sat Jan 24 00:09:34 2009
Q. For a school project, I need to take a full body cast (minus the head) of a person. Because it doesn t' need to be highly detailed, and because I'm poor, I'm skipping the alginate and just planning to use plaster, specifically I'm gonna use plaster bandages as it's milder and less irritating to the skin. I will reinforce the cast with wooden dowels. What I'm looking for is a rough estimate of how much plaster bandages will I need to cast the entire body? It's an adult woman, 5'7" 135lb I am going to use plaster bandages because each strip of the cloth is coated with powdered plaster, and will therefore only 'activate' once it's been put in water. Each bandage will remain dry and inactive until the people helping me need to use it. I… [cont.]
Asked by wanderingraccoon - Fri Jan 23 12:36:00 2009 - Sculpture - 2 Answers - 1 Comments
A. If you're not fast you're going to waste more than you use.Have you thought this out ?(as you'll have to do it in sections)
Answered by Benjamin G - Sat Jan 24 00:09:34 2009
How to patch up a plaster wall?
Q. Ok long story short I got angry today and smashed a weak spot in my plaster wall. I covered it up with a photo but sooner or later my parents are gonna find out. The damage is basically a slightly depressed 3 quarter-circle crack with the remaing quarter still attached to the rest of the wall. How can I do a near seamless patch up of this? I'm quite good with my hands and have some DIY knowlege and planning to buy some ready-to-mix plaster, fill the depression in, sand it off and then coat it with a little paint. Would this be the best way? If you know a better way or have any tips it would be much appreciated! Thank you!
Asked by rotciv_gan - Tue Oct 31 10:08:27 2006 - Maintenance & Repairs - 5 Answers - Comments
A. Your fix is exactly what I would do. But, you might want to tell your parents anyway, and tell them you would be more than happy to fix it, it was your fault. Best line a parent loves (at least this parent) "Yes, I learned something from this"! As a mom, I would know that my kid was fixing something, I would smell the paint fumes, mom's have a 6th sense. Good luck.
Answered by cowboys21angel - Tue Oct 31 10:12:10 2006
Q. Ok long story short I got angry today and smashed a weak spot in my plaster wall. I covered it up with a photo but sooner or later my parents are gonna find out. The damage is basically a slightly depressed 3 quarter-circle crack with the remaing quarter still attached to the rest of the wall. How can I do a near seamless patch up of this? I'm quite good with my hands and have some DIY knowlege and planning to buy some ready-to-mix plaster, fill the depression in, sand it off and then coat it with a little paint. Would this be the best way? If you know a better way or have any tips it would be much appreciated! Thank you!
Asked by rotciv_gan - Tue Oct 31 10:08:27 2006 - Maintenance & Repairs - 5 Answers - Comments
A. Your fix is exactly what I would do. But, you might want to tell your parents anyway, and tell them you would be more than happy to fix it, it was your fault. Best line a parent loves (at least this parent) "Yes, I learned something from this"! As a mom, I would know that my kid was fixing something, I would smell the paint fumes, mom's have a 6th sense. Good luck.
Answered by cowboys21angel - Tue Oct 31 10:12:10 2006
What is the difference between drywall plaster and plaster of Paris?
Q. The reason I ask is I would like to try my hand at carving in plaster, but when I tried to make a block out of Plaster of Paris I couldn't get the center to dry, no matter how long I waited. So, How can I make a block of plaster than can be carved, and is there a difference between drywall plaster and Plaster of Paris? Should I try using drywall plaster?
Asked by storytllr1961 - Wed Mar 7 14:59:35 2007 - Sculpture - 1 Answers - Comments
A. Although Drywall plaster is mostly comprised of semihydrated calcium sulphate (plaster of paris) it has a lot of fiberous binders and fire retardant chemicals mixed in as well as a "foaming agent" which makes it quite crumbly when the supporting paper is removed. Don't try to carve it, it won't work well. The reason that the center of your block did not dry is that you mixed the plaster incorrectly, it sounds like your plaster to water ratio was too low and you may have not have agitated it enough. properly mixed plaster will form a block of even hardness, no problem.
Answered by theegorider - Thu Mar 8 02:21:21 2007
Q. The reason I ask is I would like to try my hand at carving in plaster, but when I tried to make a block out of Plaster of Paris I couldn't get the center to dry, no matter how long I waited. So, How can I make a block of plaster than can be carved, and is there a difference between drywall plaster and Plaster of Paris? Should I try using drywall plaster?
Asked by storytllr1961 - Wed Mar 7 14:59:35 2007 - Sculpture - 1 Answers - Comments
A. Although Drywall plaster is mostly comprised of semihydrated calcium sulphate (plaster of paris) it has a lot of fiberous binders and fire retardant chemicals mixed in as well as a "foaming agent" which makes it quite crumbly when the supporting paper is removed. Don't try to carve it, it won't work well. The reason that the center of your block did not dry is that you mixed the plaster incorrectly, it sounds like your plaster to water ratio was too low and you may have not have agitated it enough. properly mixed plaster will form a block of even hardness, no problem.
Answered by theegorider - Thu Mar 8 02:21:21 2007
From Yahoo Answer Search: 'plaster'
Sat Jan 14 12:10:21 2012