Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Richland, MO

If your premixed drywall mud is dried out or has begun to set in the bucket, you may be able to revive it by adding warm water and stirring. However, the first and most important step is to scrape off any hard, dried bits of drywall that may have accumulated toward the top of the container and throw them away because they will not easily reconstitute back into the drywall mud mix.

Skimming is covering drywall with a layer of drywall compound after installation or to smooth old walls. Plastering is covering walls with a mixture of gypsum or lime, cement or sand, and water. Plastering is more costly and labor-intensive than skim coating. Some homeowners and professionals refer to skim coating as plastering, even though the material spread over the wall is totally different.

Your walls are likely cracking due to fluctuations in the temperature outside. Drywall tends to expand and contract when temperatures and humidity levels change, and this repeated movement can lead to cracks in your walls, particularly around door frames. If you have multiple diagonal cracks, you may want to have your foundation inspected, as cracks can also be a sign of a bigger issue.

Whether you can repair or install plaster yourself depends on the project size and your tolerance for DIY projects. You may feel perfectly comfortable taking on a small plaster repair project, but prefer to leave a room restoration or renovation to a local plaster repair professional.

Since the project's end result, including its durability and appearance, depend on how well you prepare the wall and apply the plaster, you may want to let a professional take it on if you're not 100% confident.