Patching Cracks

Revisiting the plaster I do a few more plaster washers to keep things secure. I do another pass with the stud finder to try and find ceiling joists and wall studs to get the plaster as firmed up. After I get this done I start putting down mesh tape before going with Durabond to patch the cracks.

Washers screwed into studs/joists.

I mix up the Durabond to peanut butter consistency and start applying that to the cracks and holes. I also use the Durabond to try and cover up the washers a bit before I start laying down the plaster. I’m not sure if this is necessary, but I’m hoping it gives a little coverage to the screw heads so I can then build up plaster around the Durabond.

The Durabond is supposed to have a 90 minute dry time, but it definitely starts drying out a lot faster than that. I’m finding the compound becomes unworkable after about 30 minutes so I only mix up small batches so I’m not throwing a ton out.

Small batch Durabond.

After I hit the cracks and washers I use a wet sponge to smooth out and sand the Durabond before it sets. The Durabond will cure to be pretty hard (similar to plaster) so it’s not recommended to sand after it dries. I will knock down any high spots with knife next weekend before I start the first coat of plaster. After I’m done with the Durabond I continue work on the doors trying to get them ready for dying and staining. I emailed CitriStrip about the blotching and they responded to sand the door more. I don’t want to deal with sanding so instead I focus on the main door. I try some new strippers to get the bits of paint off. These strippers are stronger than the CitriStrip and some burn flesh so I have to use gloves for these.

Door after applying more stripper.

I get most of the paint off but it will still require 1 more pass and then I’ll start sanding before starting dying. Related to the door I reassemble the restored rim lock and I notice along the way I lost a piece! It’s the small latch used to force the door catch open so it’s not critical, but it’s still annoying to have lost a piece. I’m not sure if I dumped it down the drain accidentally when I was emptying the crock pot.

Reassembled and restored rim lock.