It depends on the size of the holes. I fthey are relativily small, i.e. 8"x8" or less, you can get a repair screen at Home Depot, etc. which adheres to the wall. Then you put joint compound over the screen. After the compund dries, you sand and paint.
if the hole is larger, you will need sheetrock. Just make sure that the thickness matches -- measure how thick your plaster AND the lath is, then get sheetrock to match.
In my experience plaster walls tend to be a bit uneven in thickness, but still generally thicker than the sheetrock. You will have to shim where you can to try to get it to line up. Then a wide band of mud and you can sand it to look even.
When possible I prefer to replaster as it is easier to match it up. But if the holes are really big (say an old doorway) then I go with the sheetrock. Trimming back the plaster and lathe to expose half of the stud so you can anchor the sheetrock without overdoing it and damaging the support for the plaster is a trick. Better to put in another stud if you can.
Expanded metal mesh makes a strong backing for plaster and is better than fiberglass for large holes.
plaster walls are tricky to fix if you are not used to doing it. drywall will work but you may create more work than you want. you will end up doing a much larger section than just the hole. If you have several holes I would call someone who does plaster ( they are hard to find) It really is pretty cheap in the long term.
It depends on the size of the holes. I fthey are relativily small, i.e. 8"x8" or less, you can get a repair screen at Home Depot, etc. which adheres to the wall. Then you put joint compound over the screen. After the compund dries, you sand and paint.
if the hole is larger, you will need sheetrock. Just make sure that the thickness matches -- measure how thick your plaster AND the lath is, then get sheetrock to match.
Hope this helps.
In my experience plaster walls tend to be a bit uneven in thickness, but still generally thicker than the sheetrock. You will have to shim where you can to try to get it to line up. Then a wide band of mud and you can sand it to look even.
When possible I prefer to replaster as it is easier to match it up. But if the holes are really big (say an old doorway) then I go with the sheetrock. Trimming back the plaster and lathe to expose half of the stud so you can anchor the sheetrock without overdoing it and damaging the support for the plaster is a trick. Better to put in another stud if you can.
Expanded metal mesh makes a strong backing for plaster and is better than fiberglass for large holes.
Chris
I would buy the book at home depot that shows how to do this yourself.
YOu will be shown several different ways to make this basic repair and you can choose for yourself which one will suit you the best...
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plaster walls are tricky to fix if you are not used to doing it. drywall will work but you may create more work than you want. you will end up doing a much larger section than just the hole. If you have several holes I would call someone who does plaster ( they are hard to find) It really is pretty cheap in the long term.
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