[MassHistPres] plaster restoration

[James Hadley]

There are many good plaster restorers out there, check first on the PreservationMASS website. But the plaster itself must be identified. Here on Cape Cod, for example, it seems that the usual plaster on early buildings (at least through the 1850's in my experience) consists ONLY of a white coat of approx. 1/4" - 5/8" thick on wood lath. This is usually stabilized with a coating of paper or fabric.
More common, and I assume more usually found elsewhere in MA is the 3 coat system also on wood lath. This system is more easily repaired with a combination of wood screws into the lath where plaster keys have broken but the plaster remains intact, re-coating with 3 coats where the finish is entirely gone, and repairing the top or white coat where possible.
James Hadley
Chair, Orleans Historical Commission.

Sent from my iPad

On Apr 27, 2013, at 9:06 PM, Linda Miner <linda.miner at comcast.net> wrote:

Sent from my iPad

On Apr 27, 2013, at 9:06 PM, Linda Miner <linda.miner at comcast.net> wrote:

> Recently purchased an 1820 antique and discovered the original 9' plaster ceilings under the newer ones.  We would like to keep the original ceilings but trying to weigh restoring the old vs. taking them all down and putting up blue board and new plaster.  Their current condition is pretty bad.  Wondering if anyone has a resource for lath/plaster restorers and whether an old look can be achieved with  today's products.   Any experience with this would be appreciated.  Also,  what kind of cost differential to expect if going the restoration route on this.  
> Thanks.]
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