"Amun" writes:
"blueman" wrote in message
...
Our 100+ yr old plaster lathe walls from time to time develop hairline
cracks.

Googline, I see that some DIY articles recommend taping and others say
that for hairline cracks it is sufficient to dig it out and fill with
drywall or plaster patch.

Since taping takes more time and coats to feather out nicely, I would
like to know when (if ever) is it sufficient to just dig out the
crack and patch it without tape? (assuming that I want the crack not
to open up again)

Also, is it better to use plaster patching compound or drywall
compound? (the plaster patching compound drys much harder but is
therefore also harder to sand down)

Thanks


Those DIY articles are meant for one or two cracks in an otherwise solid
wall.

100+ year old plaster can be simply deteriorating, and many hairline
"spiderwebs" through a wall usually indicates the plaster has broken away
from the supporting lath.


Luckily, the plaster is otherwise in pretty good shape -- a bit bumpy
in areas where others have patched previously or maybe where paint has
accumulated over the years, but the walls themselves seem pretty firm
with the plaster well-adhered to the lath.

Not too many hairline cracks, mostly in understandable areas like in
corner or near windows.