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 |  | Repairing Plaster Cracks
It’s rare to see older plaster without any cracks, and there are those of us who find cracks part of plaster’s aesthetic character and charm. Make no mistake, though: Cracking can be serious and lead to further plaster damage if not taken care of. Cracks occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are simply the natural reactions of plaster compounds and building materials. Climate and temperature changes, buildings settling and moving over time, weight loads, chimney movement, and environmental stresses (heavy traffic, nearby trains, construction blasting) all contribute to plaster cracking.
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 | Wall-Prep Primer
Intrepid old-house owners often encounter some puzzling, flaky, and freaky surfaces after stripping their wallpaper.
“I found some white, powdery stuff that comes off with a sponge.”
“Under the last coat of wallpaper was something brown, sticky, and sort of gross.”
“I think it’s drywall, but it’s soft and brown! And the joints look like they have putty in them!"
“I have plaster, but it’s sort of crumbly and sandy. Should I paint it before papering?”
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30 Restoration Tips
Brand-name cleaners that are excellent for regular cleaning are often too harsh for restoration cleaning. When it comes to old surfaces, gentle cleansers are key. Some old- time favorites are Bar Keeper's Friend and Bon Ami. Always start with the gentlest method; always do a patch test.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION on sponsoring an issue of the Old-House Savvy e-newsletter or other newsletters published by Restore Media, contact Greg Greene at ggreene@restoremedia.com.
 
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