How to Repair Water Damaged Wall Plaster

If you see a brown stain or bubbling on your plaster walls, then it means that they have been damaged by water. Flaking and peeling paint are also some common signs of damage caused to wall plaster by water. To avoid more damage, you must repair your damaged walls as soon as possible. Initially, the water damages may look minor, but with time, the water penetrates deep into the structure of the wall and may cause the paint to peel off completely and fall. The best way to prevent this from happening is to repair your walls in the initial stage of damage. You can either call a professional to help you out or follow some simple steps to repair the wall plaster yourself. These steps are mentioned in detail below, so let's have a look at them.

1- Assess the Damage

The first step in repairing damaged walls due to water is determining the amount of damage and completing a thorough assessment. Visual inspection is usually sufficient to detect signs of plaster damage on the wall. The signs of water damage include paint peeling, yellow to brown marks, plaster sagging and peeling, and, in the worst case, mold. The best thing is to look for these signs first and then decide how to fix them. If only plaster is affected, simple DIY tricks can help you repair it. However, if you suspect that your house's framework or foundation is damaged, it is advised to consult an expert.

2- Identify the Cause of Water Leak

Before you start fixing the damaged plaster, you first need to identify the cause of the flooding. Damage can be caused by leaks or ruptures of pipes or devices that use water. A common example can be the dishwasher. Look for the cause of the water leak, fix the issue, and then move towards fixing the damaged wall plaster.

3- Remove the Damaged Plaster

Once you have fully assessed the damage and fixed its cause, it is time to remove the damaged materials. This includes all lathering and exfoliating paints, a layer of crumbling plaster, and all worn battens. Use a spatula to lift the peeled paint and foaming plaster. Press firmly with the help of a blade to dig the loose material. Keep digging firmly at the edge of the damaged area until you reach hard and undamaged plaster. Immediately test the paint coat around that area to see if it can be easily peeled off. Work with a spatula and remove the paint from the center of the damaged area.

4- Clean and Apply Sealer

When you have completely removed the damaged layer of the wall, clean it with the help of a nylon brush. However, the best way to remove the dust around you is by using a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the plastered walls with a cloth and water to remove scale that may affect the adhesion of new plaster. Then let the wall get dry for a couple of hours. Once dry, apply an oily or quick-drying sealer to block the contaminants. The use of primers is essential for the proper adhesion of new plaster.

5- Repair the Plaster

Flatten the wall and apply a few thin coats of putty to repair surface damage and fill up the missing plaster. Mix the compound well before use and apply the first coat using a joint knife. Fill the damaged area with a layer of mud of about 1/4 inch. Then quickly return to it and use a stroke from one side to the other to scoop out the excess. Slide the blade over the deeper damage to fill it and swipe the surrounding wall hard to leave a very thin layer. While working, keep things level by ensuring that the repair area does not have mud higher than the surrounding surface. Also, avoid getting the mud thicker to prevent unnecessary sanding.

Allow the grout to harden, and then use a grout knife to scrape off surface burrs and other imperfections. Wipe off the dust and clean the entire area with a damp cloth or a sponge to remove scratches and sand dust before recoating with mud.

6- Give Finishing Touches

Once the plaster has hardened and become uniform, the last step is the application of a primer. Primer application is very important as it will protect your wall from water damage in the future. Once the primer is dry, the repaired area can be painted. You can use the same color as the surrounding walls.

According to Columbus restoration Services it is very important to fix your wall plaster as soon as possible if it has been damaged by water to avoid big damages afterward. Follow the steps mentioned above properly and give your wall a new look and much-needed protection.