Plaster removal from walls can seem like a difficult undertaking, particularly if you are concerned about harming the surface beneath. It’s crucial to approach the task with care, whether you’re updating your walls or renovating an older house.
We’ll lead you through the process of safely removing plaster from your walls without damaging them in this guide. We’ll provide pointers and advice to streamline the procedure and steer clear of typical pitfalls.
By using the appropriate techniques, you can make sure that your walls remain strong and prepared for whatever comes next.
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Start by gently tapping the plaster with a hammer to find loose areas. |
| 2 | Use a putty knife or chisel to carefully lift the plaster from the wall. |
| 3 | Work slowly, keeping the tool flat against the wall to avoid gouging. |
| 4 | For stubborn spots, use a spray bottle to lightly mist the plaster, softening it. |
| 5 | Continue removing the plaster, checking the wall frequently to ensure no damage. |
- In what cases is dismantling necessary
- When partial beaten is possible
- Methods of dismantling
- Tips for manually cleaning walls
- Mechanical removal
- Video on the topic
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- PLASTER REMOVAL
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In what cases is dismantling necessary
The old plaster’s composition and level of craftsmanship directly determine whether or not it needs to be removed. After a thorough examination of the plastered surface, the choice to remove or depart is made.
Defects that require removal include the following ones:
- Cracks on the surface of the walls. The problem occurs due to the incorrect consistency of the mixed solution and an excessive amount of binders. Cracks can also appear due to the rapid drying of the plaster;
- Blown areas. Occur on lime plaster when the lime has not fully reacted during slaking;
- Bulging, swelling occurs when gypsum plaster gets wet. The reason is the increased level of humidity in the walls;
- "Bukhtit" – the plaster layer comes off the surface of the wall, makes a dull sound when tapped. The reason is the application of a strong solution to a weaker one, an overdried surface, poor adhesion of materials.
Tapping the plaster’s surface with a hammer is how you check the quality of it. The procedure is as follows: the entire plastered surface is neatly tapped with the hammer handle.
When it hits the surface, it makes a loud sound, indicating good quality and strength. A deaf sound indicates a potentially problematic exfoliation in the near future as well as an unstable plaster layer attachment to the wall. These sections need to be replaced.
When partial beaten is possible
Even though it has surface flaws, it is frequently not necessary to replace it. Rebuilding specific damaged portions of the previous coating is sufficient in certain situations. Examples of such cases are:
- Large cracks. They must be carefully expanded and cleaned with a metal brush. Then, it is necessary to wet the surface treated with water, and apply a new layer of solution. Small cracks are eliminated by grinding from gypsum and chalk;
- Blisters on the plaster surface are removed with a scraper, then a new solution is mixed (it is imperative to wait until the lime slaking process is complete) and the cleaned area is leveled;
- If certain areas of the plaster have come away from the wall, they are removed starting from the center. Removal continues until you reach the strong areas of the old plaster. Then the potholes are primed and leveled with the same solution as before.
It takes caution and the appropriate equipment and methods to remove plaster without breaking the walls and destroying the underlying surface. You can achieve a clean removal of the plaster while protecting the walls by taking your time, scoring the plaster, and then gently prying it away.
Methods of dismantling
The previous layer of plaster can be removed manually or mechanically.
- 9.5-10 kg for gypsum materials;
- 17-18 kg for cement compositions.
Depending on the approach taken, the following tools will be needed for the task:
Crucial! Your life and health depend on you adhering to safety regulations, so please do not disregard them. Make sure you wear a respirator, safety goggles, and protective gloves when working.
Tips for manually cleaning walls
- Gypsum plaster loses its strength when wet; it will be easier to remove it from the wall if you first moisten it generously with water from a sprayer or roller.
- You can first try to remove the old putty with a scraper or metal spatula. A thin layer of material comes off quickly. But if the putty is applied to drywall, it can only be removed together with a layer of paper.
- Using a hammer and chisel, knock down a strong layer of cement mortar; if difficulties arise, carefully cut it down with an ax. This method is as gentle as possible on the walls, but despite this, try to work carefully, calculating the forces correctly.
- When dismantling plaster from walls made of aerated concrete, foam concrete and other fragile materials, you must work carefully to avoid chipping.
- The old coating is removed using a scraper, starting cleaning from the peeling areas. It is driven by tapping a hammer under a layer of old plaster. If difficulties arise, cut off strong sections with a chisel, holding it at an angle.
Using a brush or broom, clean the surface after removing the plaster.
Mechanical removal
Mechanized dismantling is the second technique. It can be used on walls made of concrete or brick as long as the decorative finish and leveling layer are removed first.
Let’s think about the power tools that will be helpful for the task.
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Angle grinder (UShM). A thin layer of the old coating can be erased using a grinding machine with a diamond disk (cup) or a petal abrasive disk. The disadvantage of this method is a large amount of dust if a vacuum cleaner is not connected. Also for the UShM there are all kinds of brush attachments made of metal. They are suitable for cleaning walls from small plaster residues.
Crucial! Remember to take care not to damage any concealed electrical wiring leading to the chandelier when removing plaster from ceilings.
The process of removing plaster without breaking your walls calls for careful technique and patience. You can reduce the chance of damaging the underlying surface by taking your time and employing the appropriate instruments.
Always remember to work in small sections and gently lift the plaster with a scraper or chisel. Refrain from applying too much force as this could cause needless harm. It will help to have a steady hand and pay close attention to details.
Spend some time looking for any signs of damage on the walls after the plaster has been removed. If any are discovered, take quick action to fix them so the surface is prepared for the subsequent process, which may involve applying fresh plaster or another finish.
