Do It Yourself: Plaster cracks tough to mend

Sun., Jan. 1, 2012

Gene Austin McClatchy-Tribune

Quick tip

The phase-out of incandescent light bulbs begins next year with the demise of the 100-watt bulb, but many types of incandescent bulbs will remain on the market even after the phase-out is complete, so there is no need to stock up on them now or worry about their disappearance.

The surviving incandescents will be specialty bulbs such as three-way bulbs, appliance bulbs, bug lights and rough-service bulbs. People who like to use dimmers will be able to buy energy-efficient incandescents (halogen) bulbs that will work with those devices. Many dimmer users have complained that CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), the leading energy-saving light available, won’t work with older models of dimmers (some new dimmer switches will work with CFLs).

For a crash course on the coming light picture, visit www.energysavers.gov and click on Learn More in the large lighting logo at the top of the page. Follow the links to various sub-topics. The site includes a list of frequently asked questions that can clear up many of the topics that might be puzzling consumers. There are explanations and illustrations of what lights will be available and how much energy they will save, what lumens are and how to use them in choosing new lighting, and a multitude of other information. There is also a list of more than 20 exempt specialty bulbs.

Q. My older house has a number of cracks in the plaster walls and ceilings. In some cases, the plaster is pulling away from the wood lath behind it. Can I fix these like drywall cracks — taping over them and using joint compound?

A. If you want the repairs to last, you’ll need to take some extra steps, especially where the plaster is pulling loose. The loose plaster must be secured to the lath. The time-honored way to do this is to fasten the plaster to the lath with washers. Traditionally, the washers are made of very thin galvanized metal about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The washers are secured with drywall screws. When you have the loose plaster secured, you tape the cracks and conceal everything with patching plaster or drywall joint compound. If you use joint compound, a “setting type” compound is recommended, not the pre-mixed type.

Setting-type compound, which comes in a bag and is mixed with water, will bond better to the plaster. You should use fiberglass mesh tape with this compound. You will need plenty of washers if you have a lot of cracks. If you can’t find the washers locally, buy them on the Internet; use a search engine and the words “plaster repair washers.” Install the washers six to eight inches apart, staggered on opposite sides of the crack to avoid weakening the plaster. Some experts don’t approve of this method because, they say, the washers are difficult to conceal with the patching material and can cause a lumpy finish.

These experts often prefer a newer system that uses adhesive to bond the plaster to the lath. This system, called Big Wally’s Plaster Magic, also uses washers, but they are plastic and are used only as clamps to hold the plaster in place while the adhesive sets up. The plastic washers are then removed and the cracks and screw holes filled with patching material. Materials for this system are sold in kits at www.plastermagic.com. There are a number of kits, ranging from a “homeowner’s kit” priced at $79 to a “contractor’s kit” priced at $235. Details on the contents of the kits and the damage they will repair are listed at the Web site.

Q. I want to stain the cinder blocks on the foundation of my house. They get wet, so I don’t want to try paint, which would probably peel. Is it possible to stain them?

A. You can buy concrete stain that should work on your cinder blocks, but I doubt if you will get an even finish because of the mortar and high absorption of the blocks. You could probably get a more uniform color with paint. I have painted blocks a number of times, and the paint penetrates them well because of their porous nature. I have never experienced any peeling, though blocks that get wet a lot can develop dark stains from mildew, which can often be removed with a bleach solution. Whatever you decide, read the directions on the container before buying and follow them if you use the product.

Questions and comments should be emailed to Gene Austin at gaus17@aol.com. Send regular mail for Gene Austin to 1730 Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422.