Plaster repair around window

[Rick Sanchez]

Hello

I’m in the process of decorating Victorian terrace. The quality of the plaster in most rooms seems strong, but rough. We have decided to go the lining paper rout and leave the existing plaster in tact rather than strip it back.

There is a problem area around a couple of the windows, as you can see in the photos.

Believe it or not the darker plaster work was done years ago and just left by the previous owner, without being sanded, painted or even covered in paper . If it was done at the same time as the double glazing was put in, then that was 2004.

The problem is there is a patch in a couple of areas where the plaster has blown, and just crumbles when poked (highlighted in red). This was likely caused by the broken guttering causing water to pour down the external wall. I have now fixed this the guttering so just need to sort the dodgy plaster before papering.

I’m hoping this is going to be a patch repair job, possibly something I can do myself? I’m thinking I can just chisel out the effected areas, probably to the brick, and than plaster over and get it as smooth as possible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[JohnD]

the brown is modern gypsum plaster. Your house was probably originally done in white-ish lime plaster which is strong and quite thick. If the gypsum has got wet and crumbly, hack it all off. You may find the lime has fared better.

 

[Rick Sanchez]

OK, then just fill it in with plaster I guess, after a coat of PVA? Any recommendations on the best stuff to get for this task?