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Whether to repair or replace water-damaged plaster depends on the scale of the damage. For small, limited areas, you can often perform a repair yourself. If you choose to paint over small patches, ensure the surface is completely dry and apply a coat of antifungal primer first to prevent mold growth. However, simply painting or plastering over the damage is only a temporary solution that doesn't address the core problem. For more extensive or long-term damage, the plaster may be compromised, and there is a risk of mold. In these cases, it is recommended to remove the damaged section of plasterboard and replace it. You may consider hiring a professional for the repair, and it's worth noting that water damage is often covered by home insurance.

Yes, you can apply new plaster over an existing plaster surface, such as a wall or ceiling, provided the old plaster is in good condition. Before you begin, check the stability of the existing plaster. The surface must be clean, free of loose material, and have no peeling paint. It is also recommended to roughen the surface slightly to promote adhesion. For older plaster, applying a base coat like a PVA emulsion or a specific bonding agent or primer is crucial. This step makes the existing plaster less porous and ensures the new and old layers adhere properly for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Depending on the place where the cutting error occurred, you may be able to fix it. Learning how to patch a hole in drywall is challenging, but if you can tape and mud drywall, you can do it. Having said that, patching is time consuming. Early in the installation process, you may find that it’s easier and far less time consuming to just start over with a new sheet of drywall, cutting a new hole in the right spot. You may be able to use part of the incorrectly cut piece elsewhere, so it’s not completely wasted.

Whether it’s better to screw or glue drywall depends on your specific budget and project timeline. Professional drywall installers are more likely to use screws and fasteners than adhesives, but it takes longer. But if you are DIYing your drywall installation, glue is a perfectly fine choice if you’re willing to pay extra for adhesive.