Do you need to skim coat new drywall?

• <div><p>If you’re installing new drywall, you may need to skim coat the drywall first for a smooth finish and to allow the primer to adhere to the wall. It’s only necessary if there are imperfections in your drywall due to issues with the studs or improper drywall installation. If you’re refreshing existing walls, you may want to skim coat if there are imperfections across the wall. As an alternative, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/diy-drywall-repair-tips-expert.htm">repair your drywall</a> and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-sand-drywall.htm">sand it</a> for a smooth finish before painting.</p></div>

Are cracks in plaster walls serious?

• <div><p>All plaster walls will crack over time due to normal house settling and expansion and contraction from temperature and moisture changes. Small, thin hairline cracks are generally not serious and are mostly a cosmetic issue. However, larger or more significant cracks can indicate structural problems.</p><p>Here's how to tell the difference:</p><ul><li><p><b>Cosmetic Cracks:</b> Cracks that are 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) or thinner are typically cosmetic.</p></li><li><p><b>Structural Cracks:</b> Cracks wider than 0.5 cm, excessive or deep cracks, multiple cracks in the same area, or cracks that span around corners can signify a structural or foundation issue. Cracks along the joints where walls meet the ceiling also warrant attention.</p></li></ul><p>For cracks wider than 0.5 cm, structural repair is needed. If a crack is 2.5 cm (1 inch) or wider, or if you notice any signs of a structural problem, it is best to contact a plaster repair professional to assess the damage.</p></div>

Get matched with top plant watering pros in Salem, NM

Q: Can you plaster over broken plaster?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s not a good idea to plaster over broken plaster (unless by broken you&rsquo;re referring to cracked, in which case that&rsquo;s perfectly fine). However, broken plaster can be a sign of a larger underlying issue like foundation damage or severe damage to the lath holding up the plaster, so it&rsquo;s worth investigating before you simply plaster on top of the damage. </p></div>

Q: Do you need to skim coat new drywall?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re installing new drywall, you may need to skim coat the drywall first for a smooth finish and to allow the primer to adhere to the wall. It&rsquo;s only necessary if there are imperfections in your drywall due to issues with the studs or improper drywall installation. If you&rsquo;re refreshing existing walls, you may want to skim coat if there are imperfections across the wall. As an alternative, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/diy-drywall-repair-tips-expert.htm">repair your drywall</a> and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-sand-drywall.htm">sand it</a> for a smooth finish before painting.</p></div>

Q: Can you paint over plaster walls?

• <div><p>You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/should-i-paint-over-damaged-plaster.htm">paint over plaster</a>, but repair any damage to the plaster first, or the paint will crack and bubble. You should also prepare the surface of the plaster to accept paint, which gives your paint job the best chance of looking good and lasting a long time. Before applying the color you want, apply a coat or two of primer. Additionally, use latex paint, and choose a latex paint with a satin finish for areas with dampness, like bathrooms. </p></div>

Q: Is it hard to maintain white walls?

• <div><p>White walls are the toughest color to keep clean and maintain, as they&rsquo;re extremely unforgiving when it comes to dirt, splatters, dust, and smudges. Still, many people look past their high-maintenance requirements because they lighten and modernize a space beautifully. If you&rsquo;re opting for white walls, it&rsquo;s especially important to keep up with regular cleanings, so they stay pristine.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Plant Watering pros in Salem, NM

*The Angi rating for Plant Watering companies in Salem, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Plant Watering needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Plant Watering companies in Salem, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Plant Watering needs.

Last update on September 07, 2022

Reviewed in September 2022
Brian and his workers were so professional and did a great job. His costs were very reasonable for the amount of work done.Old house needed new box to replace old type with round fuses and rewiring in house. . He got all permits and upgraded the service . We are in rural northern dona ana...
Lee's Electric
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Reviewed in October 2021
Bo did a great job! This dryer was complicated.
Lucero & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in October 2021
Good work, good service, good price.
CLR
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Reviewed in April 2021
They were very nice, but at one point they kept changing the schedule w/o letting me know. At one point it seemed like they did not want to do the job anymore.
ZNJ Communications Group, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2019
The estimated quote was too high. Did not contact further. No other information.
M B Cleaning Service
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Reviewed in January 2019
This company came to the job site and quoted me a price . They came over after a few days and completed the job. Honest and professional. Happy with their job performance.
O. R. J Landscaping
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Reviewed in November 2016
Great job getting rid of weeds that would have caused misery to our two dogs. I intend to emply their services again this spring to beautify our property. Well done!
Roadrunner Landscaping & Maintenance
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Reviewed in December 2014
First response was very timely.
A-1 Appliance Repair
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Reviewed in July 2013
I was in need of someone to come and do some clean up around my farm and home. It is almost impossible to find anyone in our area who is willing to do 'hard manual labor' but I saw the ad in the local paper. I called and he drove the 40 miles to see what I needed done. In two days he brought...
SBH Lawn Services & Maint
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Reviewed in March 2013
They were very professional and efficient and were able to remove several difficult stains. All the furniture was handled carefully and put plastic protection squares on all the furniture bottoms to prevent bleeding onto the wet carpet. The house is 10 years old and the light colored carpets...
Las Cruces Carpet Cleaning
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Plant Watering questions, answered by experts

It’s not a good idea to plaster over broken plaster (unless by broken you’re referring to cracked, in which case that’s perfectly fine). However, broken plaster can be a sign of a larger underlying issue like foundation damage or severe damage to the lath holding up the plaster, so it’s worth investigating before you simply plaster on top of the damage.

If you’re installing new drywall, you may need to skim coat the drywall first for a smooth finish and to allow the primer to adhere to the wall. It’s only necessary if there are imperfections in your drywall due to issues with the studs or improper drywall installation. If you’re refreshing existing walls, you may want to skim coat if there are imperfections across the wall. As an alternative, you can repair your drywall and sand it for a smooth finish before painting.

You can paint over plaster, but repair any damage to the plaster first, or the paint will crack and bubble. You should also prepare the surface of the plaster to accept paint, which gives your paint job the best chance of looking good and lasting a long time. Before applying the color you want, apply a coat or two of primer. Additionally, use latex paint, and choose a latex paint with a satin finish for areas with dampness, like bathrooms.

White walls are the toughest color to keep clean and maintain, as they’re extremely unforgiving when it comes to dirt, splatters, dust, and smudges. Still, many people look past their high-maintenance requirements because they lighten and modernize a space beautifully. If you’re opting for white walls, it’s especially important to keep up with regular cleanings, so they stay pristine.

All plaster walls will crack over time due to normal house settling and expansion and contraction from temperature and moisture changes. Small, thin hairline cracks are generally not serious and are mostly a cosmetic issue. However, larger or more significant cracks can indicate structural problems.

Here's how to tell the difference:

Cosmetic Cracks: Cracks that are 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) or thinner are typically cosmetic.
Structural Cracks: Cracks wider than 0.5 cm, excessive or deep cracks, multiple cracks in the same area, or cracks that span around corners can signify a structural or foundation issue. Cracks along the joints where walls meet the ceiling also warrant attention.

For cracks wider than 0.5 cm, structural repair is needed. If a crack is 2.5 cm (1 inch) or wider, or if you notice any signs of a structural problem, it is best to contact a plaster repair professional to assess the damage.

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