What is the best product to fix plaster cracks and holes?

Question

I just took off the wallpaper and am finding some cracks and spots where the plaster is crumbling off. What is the best product for this. I found a website that suggested cornice adhesive, but I have no idea where to find this. Would any Dap products work? Help!!!

Answer 1

How big is the area?  Often wallpaper was used to hide reoccuring cracks.  Proof against this is a screening material that comes in 3' wide rolls and then skimcoat the entire wall... or cover the wall with a thin sheetrock and compound as needed.  There are many choices for a smaller repair.  Years ago one way the top of 3 coats of plaster was made was with slacked lime (also called lime putty) and a plaster of paris mix.  The mx would keep the plaster of paris from hardening too quickly (5 to 25 min)  and give an open time of 2 to 3 hours.  Other products will do the same thing (milk or vinegar).  I prefer plaster of paris for its resulting hardness, lack of shrinking, smooth finish and ability to shape a finish to match some moldings if necessary, but it is not everyone's "cup of tea".  It hardens too quickly for most to handle without a lot of waste.   There are other powders on the market that proclaim a 30, 45 or 90 minute open time but I find these don't have a smooth enough finish.  I have seen some painters fill some cracks with latex caulk.  This is especially good on corners with moldings.  Joint compound alone will shrink and require several coats.  Some will use a mix of joint compound and plaster of paris.  As this mix hardens it becomes almost putty like but still usable if remixed.  When using straight plaster some preparation tricks will prolong it's open time.  Use absolutely clean containers to mix.   Old plaster of paris in the container will make the new batch harden faster.  Use cold water.   Finally mix as little as possible.  Best is to add the plaster of paris to the water by sprinkling it into a small amount of water.   Mix very very little to start until you are sure you can get the hang of it.  Have a bucket of water with a sponge handy.  A little touch with the wet sponge as needed as it hardens can give a one coat finish.  If you can't clean up before it hardens let it harden and crack it out of a plastic container with minimal scrapiing.  Good luck.

Answer 2

There is a product called Dura bond that you can buy that cures in as little as 20 minutes of you can buy it that cures in longer periods if needed it's. good luck

Answer 3

i call it  spackle.. it come in  little   tubs at lowes. home depot

cost a round  $5  a tub ..... buy the one with the pink dye.    

it  goes white when it dryed . in about an hour !!

   the reason  why the plaster is comeing off is becasue the

wallpaper paste is ,much stronger than most glues

    apply it a little thick..... then sand off  

  cornice  adhesive is for  sticking  wallpaper to walls....

  i dont recommend it  for patch and repair  work