This question may have been asked previously….but I have a 1920s house that has horse hair plaster walls that were painted about 20 years ago. I am repairing a number of cracks in the walls with the following sequence: Big Wally’s Paster Magic/Durabond 90 and paper tape/layers of joint compound.
I am considering skim coating with a layer of joint compound to try to get to a level 5 finish, or something like that. I did some quick research on the web and got mixed messages.
Any thoughts on how to proceed? Or should I not even consider it?
Thanks, Joe Joyce, Boston Ma
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Joe
I have skimmed plaster many times with excellent results for money. The key step in my mind is priming the whole wall with plasterweld for no worries. Then first coat the skim and setting of the tape or mesh with original Durabond. Succeeding coats I use timed bag mud. I may go to a bucket to final skim.
i have eliminated the plasterweld many times and only had one case of finish pushed off.
So, it's safer but not necessary to use plasterweld and set the tape or mesh with orig Durabond.
i don't think I'd worry yet of skimming over the reg mud you already have.
one thing the Platerweld might do is help eliminate bubbles over the previously painted finish.