Patching Hairline Cracks In Plaster

CSI Division
Division 9 - Finishes
Section
Gypsum Plaster
Last Modified

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Prior to inclusion in GSA’s library of procedures, documents are reviewed by one or more qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitating historic buildings as understood at the time the procedure is added to the library. All specifications require project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers are to serve as a general guideline and do not constitute a federal endorsement or determination that a product or method is the best or most current alternative, remains available, or is compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards. The library of procedures is intended to serve as a resource, not a substitute, for specification development by a qualified preservation professional.

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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.

PART 1–GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

  1.  This procedure includes guidance on patching hairline cracks in plaster with reinforcing tape and joint compound.
  2.  Cracks may be cyclical, opening and closing with seasonal variation in humidity which causes the lath to swell and shrink.
  3.  See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be reviewed along with this procedure. These guidelines cover the following sections:
    1. Safety Precautions
    2. Historic Structures Precautions
    3.  Submittals
    4.  Quality Assurance
    5. Delivery, Storage and Handling
    6. Project/Site Conditions
    7. Sequencing and Scheduling
    8. General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing this procedure and should be followed, when applicable, along with recommendations from the Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO).

1.02 PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS

  1. Environmental Requirements:
    1. Keep the room temperature above 55 degrees F until the plaster/joint compound has set.
    2. Provide plenty of ventilation as the plaster dries.

PART 2–PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

  1. USG Corporation www.usg.com
  2.  TKO Waterproof Coatings, LLP www.tkocoatings.com

2.02 MATERIALS

  1.  Joint compound such as “Sheetrock Setting-Type Joint Compound” (USG Corp.), “Krack-kote” (TKO Waterproof), or approved equal.
    1. “Krack-kote”: Good for problem cracks that may break through the Sheetrock tape and compound.
      1. It uses a pliable adhesive and a glass fiber reinforcing tape; it has more flexibility and strength than ordinary joint compound.
      2. Available from large paint supply stores.
      3.  It is more expensive and more timely to apply than ordinary joint compounds.
  2.  Reinforcing tape (cloth or paper): Cloth is better for flat surfaces because of its open-weave, but it is difficult to find in the U.S.
  3. Acrylic latex caulk

2.03 EQUIPMENT

  1. Wide joint knife (approximately 5-6 inches wide)
  2. Sponge or heavy-nap cloth
  3. Caulking gun
  4. Crack widener or triangular can opener
  5. Stiff bristle brushes or vacuum

PART 3–EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

  1. Types of plaster cracking include, map cracking, alligatoring, settlement cracks, hairline cracks, stress related cracks and cracks due to moisture.
  2.  If a wall has an enormous number of cracks to be taped, consider replastering or canvasing the surface.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

  1. Slightly widen the crack with a sharp, pointed tool like a crack widener or a triangular can opener.
  2. Brush or vacuum surface to remove dust and debris.
  3. Apply joint compound with a wide joint knife; Butter the compound into the crack, spreading it about 3 inches on either side of the crack.
  4. Center mesh reinforcing tape over the crack, and force the tape down into the bed of the joint compound with the knife; Remove any excess compound by wiping with the joint knife.
  5.  When the tape is bedded, cover surface with a thin layer of compound and smooth as much as possible by working with the joint knife.
  6. When the first coat has dried (at least 24 hours), smooth out any ridges by “wet sanding” with a damp sponge or a heavy-nap cloth folded flat or wrapped around a suitable block.
  7. Apply a second thin coat of joint compound and feather the edge at least 1 inch beyond the first coat.
  8.  After the second coat has dried, wet-sand lightly and apply a thin finishing coat.
  9.  Lightly sand the surface again, and clean off the area with damp sponge.
  10. After the surface has dried, brush off any plaster residue or dust.

NOTE: For gaps between plaster surfaces and surrounding woodwork, apply acrylic latex caulk using a caulking gun.

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Last updated: Dec 5, 2017
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