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Restoring old picture frames

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Restoring old picture frames

I love how much work went into old picture frames. They often told as much of a story as the picture inside. I see lots of frames in my business that have not been treated well, that have been stored badly in sheds or sat in rooms with smoke building up on them for years. It's great to be able to get the frames back to their glory days and let their beauty shine on through. If you are looking to do some restoration of your own, my site has a collection of the tips and tricks I've learnt over the years to get the best effects.

Three Plaster Repair Mistakes to Avoid

19 September 2019
 Categories: , Blog

Cracks in the plaster could mean that it is worn out and needs some repair. However, in some cases, it could mean that there are serious issues with the houses structural frame, which would need serious repairs. Before carrying out plaster repairs, you need to contact a competent contractor and make sure that there aren't any deeper underlying issues that need to be fixed. It is also advisable to understand the common mistakes which people make when handling the repairs so that you can avoid them in the process.

Filling the Plaster without Patching

Not many people understand that there is a huge difference between filling cracks in the plaster and making complete repairs. Filling the break means simply pressing a plaster joint into a damaged place and sanding down the area until it is smooth. The repair is then quickly repainted. Patching is different and better because it involves replacing the missing chunks with new material, then use the lathing for support. It is recommended, if the damage is extensive, to patch instead of fill it.

Removing Old Plaster

The second mistake that people make when repairing their damaged roof and ceiling is the failure to check the extent of the damage to map out how much repair they need to do. If the damage is more than a simple crack, it is advisable to move the stucco around to create room for the repair. If the plaster around it gets soft, you will have to replace it. It is, therefore, advisable to cut away a good portion of the plaster compound to leave room for the patch. 

Failure to Blend

The other major mistake that people make when handling DIY repairs is the failure to blend in the new material with the old. New plaster might end up looking uneven or splotchy when it is not properly blended in with the old plaster that has dried up. It is advisable to add a drywall tape along the edges of the patch to create an invisible seam between the new and the old section. Check whether the two parts are even and either sand down or add plaster to the patch as needed.

Patching and filling are simple ways that you can repair and restore the appearance of your ceiling and wall moulding. However, it needs to be done with a lot of caution. If you are not sure you can handle the project successfully as a DIY, call in a restoration expert to handle the plastering process for you.