Sometimes I tend to overthink things and it takes me forever to get things done. Well, this past weekend I decided to finally fix part of a wall and ceiling that had started to come away from the lathe. You know cause that would be one of those “simple” fixes. I’ve done plaster repair in my previous house without any problems. The plaster was drying fine or so I thought, until in the morning I had brown spots where it looked as if it were not completely dry. I assume I have to remove with a chisel and do again? I read something about salt being present which will keep it from drying. Seems dry to the touch, but I thought I’d get your advice before redoing or possibly painting with kills and hoping for the best. Want to get it right since I have to redo the stencil. How about Durhams water putty instead?? Of course it shrinks even though it says right on the can “Will not shrink” Thanks all- Jim
Replies
Sounds like staining. Sometimes these stains will work their way through paint if a stain blocking primer isn't used. Nothing wrong with the staining structurally just use a stain blocking primer such as kilz2.
If it seems solid, and, eg, a fingernail won't sink into it then it's just staining, either from the adjacent materials or some crud that fell into your plaster mix. Just prime it with a stain blocker and call it good.
>>Durhams water putty instead??
If it is what I'm thinking of, it dries VERY fast - test before using in a 'large' area
And dries VERY hard, too
He gave you the exact name of the product. It's either exactly what you are thinking of, or it isn't. Please check your facts before you answer. You will save us all alot of time in the future.
That's great everyone. Thanks
That's great everyone. Thanks for your help! The brown plaster is hard, so I'll try the kills stuff, which I think I have.
Jim
I believe Durham's Rock Hard
I believe Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty is essentially the same as very fast setting type compound, like Durabond 15. The putty contains some coloring to give it a tannish color.
Their advertising highly exaggerates the qualities, but it is a good product. I would never use it to repair plaster unless it was covered by some topping compound because like durabond, it does not sand well at all.