Tips On Nailing Into Hard Plaster Walls

Precautions

• While plaster is an extremely hard surface, it is supported by a series of wood strips known as lath. Accidentally hitting a section of lath may cause a vibration and loosen the plaster away from the lath. This may not only cause a crack in your wall, it could compromise large sections of plaster. Be aware that plaster can behave differently in different locations -- one method may work well in one place and cause problems in another.

Small Picture Hooks

• Small and lightweight pictures with picture wire can usually be installed fairly easily with just a hammer. Use the hook as a guide to hammer the small nail diagonally into the wall. Keep in mind the weight rating for picture hooks is based on the item being hung and does not take into consideration the structure of the wall. Consider using two hooks for larger pictures to keep your picture hanging straight and distribute the weight of the picture on the wall.

Nails

• Place a small piece of masking tape on the area in which you intend to hammer the nail. The masking tape gives the surrounding plaster extra support and minimizes flaking and cracking. Position the nail at a 45-degree, upward angle and gently tap the nail. If the hammer seems to bounce back, you may be over a wood lath. Move the nail an inch or two and try again. Remove the tape once the nail is in place.

Pilot Holes

• Drill a pilot hole before hammering larger nails into plaster. The hole does not need to be deep. You only need to drill through the top coat of the plaster. As soon as you see brown dust, you are into the second layer. Place the tip of the nail in the pilot hole and gently tap the nail into place.