Q:
What’s the best way to repair cracks in lath-and-plaster walls?
Charlie Decker, Oakland, CA
A:
Associate editor Daniel S. Morrison replies: For small cracks and holes, lightweight spackle will work nicely. For large cracks, use joint compound or spackle. For missing chunks of plaster in a lath-and-plaster wall, first screw a patch made from 1/4-in. drywall to the lath, then float some joint compound over the patch and feather the edges.
