Hey there,
Gc did a full gut on a Victorian. He cut the ornamental plaster medallions down from the ceilings to move joists etc. He cut them at the lathe leaving it fastened to the medallions so we would reduce the risk of breaking them while restoration was taking place. I removed the lathe, we stripped the paint, and these puppies are sweet. Any suggestions on how to fasten them back up?
Jimmy the painter
Replies
You didn't mention how big they are, but I would think epoxy or thin-set would do the trick. Of course, the attachment method is only as good as the substrate - are these just to be planted on the surface of drywall or plaster? If it's plaster, you may want to rough-up the surface a little first.
If they're very heavy, then some sort of mechanical fastening system might be needed, e.g., breadboard-type screws (wood screw threads on one end, machine threads on the other) into joists or blocking and then set into epoxy filled holes on the backside of the medalions.
Either of these methods would entail bracing them in place until the adhesive dries. I would also caulk all around the edges with adhesive caulk just for insurance.
They sound beautiful. Good luck!
Thanks for your reply,
Guess I should have said they weigh about 60 lbs. + a piece. I think I will go with some pilot holes and some long screws gingerly set through the face and plastered over. Since the old horsehair is still attached to the casting and is quite crumbly I thought I might size the hair with that Abatron wood consolidation epoxy--I have had luck with that stuff in a variety of situations and materials. I like the idea of adhesive caulking because of the tension I could get between the surfaces--plaster and the smooth epoxy.
Good advice, Thank you
J
From what I have seen, durabond is good for an adhesive. Search for "gypsum adhesive" or "plaster adhesive" and medallion.
Here are a couple links:
http://www.balmer-plaster.com/installation/gypsum-ccs.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/thisoldhouse/projects/charlestown/feature11.html
http://www.preservationplastering.com/
Thanks Mark,
Those were some good links.
J
Was the ceiling repaired to original specs?
If the ceiling was repaired with lathe and a properly keyed 3-coat, typically medallions and other ornamentation were installed with plaster.
Apply plaster to the back of the medallion, place it, press in place w proper orientation and you're good to go.