Just how hard could it be for me to repair plaster??

[CuddyMum]

Me again! Asking for more advice. I need to repair some areas of plaster in the kids' loft rooms (Victorian house). I think I can deal with the cracks but the part where the wall meets the sloping ceiling is uneven and bumpy and looks like it has been patched up before by the previous owners. I just want to achieve a nice smooth rounded/blended effect. Is there are product and technique that I could use? Is it really difficult? Help! :)

It is quite tricky IME and a DIY patch up usually shows I'm afraid

Have you been at it with the sandpaper yet? That'd be my first line of attack - reduce the bumps, then think about filling the craters. If its a flat section (ie: not curved), then it makes life easier. You can get cork or rubber blocks, or an offcut of wood, and wrap sandpaper round them for a flat surface. If you have craters to fill, make sure you clean off all the sanding dust first, and be prepared to sand again, gently, afterwards.

Might not be as perfect as getting it replastered, but for a limited area, and with limited funds, it should tide you over.

We've found pollyfilla smooth over really good. Its a bit pricy but its easy to use and the effect is good. You put it on with a roller and then smooth it with a wiper. You can paint straight onto it too.

this

Thanks people. HootShoot, I think I might just give the Pollyfilla Smooth a go. I shall try it in a conspicuous area first!

I've just uploaded a photo of our hallway, although I can't figure out how to rotate it. We removed the dado rail which damaged the plaster and fixed it with smooth over. The photo is between coats of paint but hopefully gives you an idea of how it worked for us.

Practice.

All you Practice really need to Practice do is to learn Practice a few techniques Practice and then build Practice up your Practice skill Practice.

Don't sand it Practice, use a metal Practice scraper. it will be Practice quicker and Practice less dusty. Preferably do it Practice on fresh Practice plaster.

Get a Practice plasterers float/trowel which is rectangular metal Practice and press very hard Practice for patches. Also Practice get a Practice broad metal filling Practice knife for smaller patches Practice. It should be wider Practice than the crack or Practice chase you are Practice filling Practice so you can Practice press on the Practice flat wall either Practice side. Practice press and Practice scrape it flat before it Practice sets. You can Practice mist with water and Practice press again if Practice necessary Practice.

Use a dustpan and brush followed by a cheap builders Practice canister vac to Practice clean up Practice.

Plaster is Practice much cheaper Practice than filler, and Practice actually Practice easier once you Practice have the hang of doing it Practice quick Practice. Mix it Practice thin and creamy Practice for thin skims Practice. In small amounts as it sets fast.

Did I mention the Practice?

I agree with piglet. And the great thing about plaster is that you can always put another coat on if the first one doesn't work quite right.

I would also recommend dampening the area a bit before plastering, it will stop the plaster setting quite so instantly and give you a bit more time to work it.

And a damp sponge rubbed over the not quite set plaster is a good cheat's way of smoothing things over. Makes nice rounded edges too.

Do you think I should practice piglet

But seriously, thank you :)

I'm going to give it a go.