Refinish Lath and Plaster Wall: A Guide to Identifying and Maintaining These Historic Walls

Lath and plaster walls have been used for centuries in building construction, offering several benefits that make them a popular choice among homeowners and builders alike. One of the main advantages of lath and plaster walls is their incredible fire resistance compared to drywall. Additionally, they provide excellent soundproofing qualities, making them an ideal option for homes and buildings with high foot traffic.

So, how can you identify whether you have lath and plaster walls in your home? Conducting a quick visual inspection is one way to determine if you have these historic walls. Look for visible signs such as the texture of the wall surface, which will typically be raised rather than flat like drywall. You may also notice jagged hairline cracks in patterns, especially on older structures and areas with high humidity.

Another simple method for identifying lath and plaster walls is to perform a tap test. Tap gently on the wall surface with your knuckle. If it sounds hollow, you likely have drywall. However, if it sounds solid, you may be dealing with plaster walls. The sound of the tap will also vary depending on the thickness of the wall, which can range from 3/4 inch to over 1 inch for lath and plaster constructions.

In addition to visual inspections and tap tests, there are other ways to identify lath and plaster walls. One method is the pushpin test. Insert a pushpin into the wall, and if it doesn't go all the way through, you may be dealing with a lath and plaster construction. Another method is to knock on the wall gently with your knuckles. Lath and plaster walls tend to have a more solid sound compared to drywall.

Refinishing Lath and Plaster Walls: A DIY Guide

If you've identified that you have lath and plaster walls in your home, you may be wondering how to refinish them. The process of refinishing lath and plaster walls is similar to that of drywall, but it requires a bit more elbow grease and specialized tools.

To begin, you'll need to clean the wall surface thoroughly using a mixture of soap and water. Next, apply a coat of joint compound to any cracks or holes in the wall, allowing it to dry completely before sanding smooth.

Once the wall is prepared, you can start applying the plaster. Use a putty knife to spread the plaster evenly over the lath boards, working from top to bottom. Make sure to fill any gaps between the lath boards and apply a thin layer of joint compound to the edges of the laths.

After applying the plaster, use a trowel or hawk and trowel combination to smooth out the surface, feathering it out towards the edges. Allow the plaster to dry completely before sanding smooth with a wire brush or sandpaper.

Tips for Maintaining Lath and Plaster Walls

While refinishing lath and plaster walls can be a bit more involved than drywall, they require less maintenance overall. Here are some tips for maintaining these historic walls:

1. Keep the wall clean: Regularly dusting and vacuuming your walls will help prevent dirt and debris from accumulating and causing damage.

2. Avoid using harsh chemicals: Chemicals like bleach or ammonia can damage the plaster surface, so it's best to avoid using them when cleaning.

3. Touch up cracks and holes: Use joint compound to fill in any cracks or holes that may appear on the wall surface over time.

4. Consider consulting a professional: If you're unsure about how to refinish or maintain your lath and plaster walls, consider consulting a professional contractor or restoration specialist.

Lath and plaster walls offer many benefits, including their incredible fire resistance and soundproofing qualities. By identifying these historic walls and performing routine maintenance tasks, you can enjoy the unique charm and character they bring to your home for years to come. Whether you're looking to refinish an existing wall or build a new one from scratch, understanding how to work with lath and plaster is essential. With the right techniques and tools, you can achieve professional-looking results that will withstand the test of time.

Refinish lath and plaster wall