On Jul 30, 10:10 pm, Wayne Whitney wrote:
On 2007-07-31, Big_Jake wrote:

Google "plaster washers" to understand what you need to do to repair
the cracks.

My understanding is that plaster washers are not used for
run-of-the-mill plaster cracks, but rather they are only required when
the plaster key has broken and the plaster has pulled away from the
lath.

Once the plaster keys have broken off and the plaster has moved away
from the lath more than about 1/2", it is too late for anything.
Plaster washers work well for cracks bigger than hairline cracks.
Very tiny cracks can often be caulked with good results.

Steve is right, though, and tearing the plaster off gives you an
opportunity to upgrade insulation and electrical.

JK