There are many small and large holes in the drywall and plaster walls throughout the two houses. Please go through spaces and patch these holes.

Group

Group Lead: Edo

Areas in order of decending priority:

  • Chapter room
  • Foyer
  • Dining Room
  • Milk Room
  • A1 Foyer
  • Basement main area
  • Laundry Room
  • Kitchen
  • Boiler room

Materials

Patching Compounds

  • Patching Plaster / Plaster of Paris: Fast-setting, dense dry mixes match original hard plaster walls, but they set very quickly.
  • Joint Compound (Mud): Slower-drying and easier to sand; great for final skim coats and feathered edges.
  • Spackle: Ideal for small nail holes, minor dents, or shallow surface cracks. Prep and Bonding Materials
  • Bonding Agent / Plaster Bonder: Painted onto exposed wood lath or old dusty plaster edges so the new patch grips tightly.
  • Self-Adhesive Fiberglass Mesh Tape: Used to bridge and reinforce active or wide cracks before applying compound. Tools and Hardware
  • Putty Knives and Trowels: A small margin trowel or filling knife for packing holes, and a wider knife or hawk to hold and smooth the plaster.
  • Sandpaper (120 to 150 grit): Hand-held sanding blocks or strips to feather edges smoothly without gouging the soft surrounding plaster.
  • Spray Bottle of Water: Used to lightly mist old dry plaster so it does not suck the moisture out of your new patch too fast.

Steps

Small Holes (Nail or Screw Sized)

  • Clean: Scrape away any loose bits or old plastic anchors inside the hole.
  • Fill: Press lightweight spackle or joint compound into the hole using a putty knife.
  • Smooth: Pull the knife flat across the wall to scrape off extra compound.
  • Sand: Let it dry, then rub the spot flat with fine-grit sandpaper. Medium to Large Holes (Doorknob Sized and Up)
  • Trim: Cut the ragged edges of the hole into a clean square or circle using a utility knife.
  • Backing: Insert a small piece of wood or a mesh patch behind the opening to support the new fill.
  • Patch: Screw a cut-to-fit piece of drywall into the backing wood, apply a self-adhesive mesh patch, or use plaster of paris
  • Coat: Apply thin layers of joint compound over the patch, feathering the edges outward so it blends with the wall.
  • Finish: Sand smooth between coats, then prime and paint. Watch this guide on filling holes to see the correct knife angles and techniques for avoiding shrinkage and achieving an invisible repair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMWmh22oHmU

Using plaster of paris to patch holes

Mixing the Plaster

  • Slow the set time: Pure Plaster of Paris hardens in less than 10 minutes, making it very tough to work with. Mix Plaster of Paris with regular lightweight joint compound (about a 2-to-1 or equal ratio) and water to extend your working time and make it easier to shape.
  • Test consistency: Aim for a smooth, loose mud texture that holds its shape on a trowel without instantly running off. Applying the Patch
  • Build the base keys: Press the plaster mix firmly into the gaps between the wood lath strips so it squishes through the back and creates structural locks.
  • Fill the depth: Build the layer up until it sits slightly higher than the surrounding wall surface.
  • Scrape flat: While the mix begins to firm up, drag a putty knife or trowel flat across the surface to cut away high spots and match the plane of the wall. Finishing and Smoothing
  • Skim coat: Once the base patch dries hard, apply a thin final layer of joint compound to feather and blend the edges invisibly into the old wall.
  • Sand smooth: Sand the dried patch gently with fine-grit sandpaper until it is completely flush.

Painting

After the holes have been patched, many rooms require fresh paint

Paint and Prep Supplies

  • Interior paint: Eggshell or satin finish works best for standard walls.
  • Primer: Use a separate primer if covering dark colors, raw drywall, or major stains.
  • Fine-grit sandpaper or sanding block (120 to 220 grit): To smooth patched areas and scuff-sand walls.
  • Painter’s tape: To protect trim, windows, and baseboards Painting Tools
  • Angled paintbrush (2 to 2.5-inch): Essential for cutting in corners and around trim.
  • Roller frame (9-inch): For fast, even wall coverage.
  • Roller covers (3/8-inch to 1/2-inch nap): Microfiber or lint-free woven covers hold plenty of paint and leave a smooth finish.
  • Paint tray and disposable liners: Holds paint and makes cleanup fast.
  • Extension pole: Attaches to your roller frame to reach high walls and ceilings. Cover and cleanup
  • Drop cloths and plastic sheathing to cover up furniture and flooring
  • Wet rags for cleaning up spills

Chapter room Color is selected as Studio Clay MQ2-27: Use stain-blocking base

Foyer color is selected as Hayloft: MQ2-22: Use stain blocking base

Dining room color is selected as Studio Clay MQ2-27. Use stain-blocking base

Misc Painting Jobs

  • Repaint fence to backyard
  • Repaint windowsills in dish pit and kitchen
  • milk room ceiling
  • backyard benches
  • Front door frame of A1