Saturday, July 18, 2009

Making Old Walls New

Long, narrow strips of cedar that were nailed horizontally across 2x4 studs were known as lath. A building material known as plaster was then applied as a mortar or, cement. This common process had been used for all interior walls prior to 1950 when drywall finally came into play.

Most experts will tell you that restoring these old walls will prove not only timely but, expensive at best since the availability of experts are very limited. However, if minor blemishes and cracks are only visible, it could prove a job you could well do all by yourself.

Take a look at the six simple steps noted below before you decide to call in a contractor:

1. Obviously you have remove all switch plates/fixtures, nails, hooks and door/window trim

2. More than likely there is layers of wallpaper so use a putty knife to lightly scrape away any peeling/loose paper

3. Paint the entire wall with a pigmented shellac that will act as a great base primer

4. Patch any holes with plaster and cracks with latex caulking

5. Repaint with the shellac. If there is wallpaper and it bubbled on you ... cut it out, patch and repaint.

6. Use a latex paint for your final coat. It might also be necessary to use a little texture in your paint because the surface isn't as smooth as you would like it to be. This product can provide a highly textured finish that can create exceptional dramatic effects such as swirl patterns, the look of suede, sandstone and a crackling effect.

The Girlz Korner

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