How to Make Plaster for Patching Walls

Plaster walls were commonly used in homes prior to World War II, after which drywall took over as the primary wall surface. While plaster has high strength and durability, repeated expansion and contraction of wall studs and settling and vibrations in the home can cause the it to crack. You can repair those cracks by patching over them with plaster, which you can easily mix yourself.

Electric drill
Paddle mixer
Plaster mix
2 buckets
Water
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Insert the end of the paddle mixer into the electric drill and set aside. Once you combine the ingredients for plaster, you'll need to start mixing it right away to prevent it from getting lumpy.
- 2
  Open the bag of plaster mix and fill the bucket halfway. Fill the other bucket halfway with water.
- 3
  Pour half of the plaster mix into the bucket with water, then immediately start mixing it with the paddle mixer. Set the drill on a low setting so you don't splash yourself. Move the paddle up and down and side to side in the bucket to thoroughly mix the plaster in.
- 4
  Turn off the drill and pour half of the remaining amount of plaster mix into the bucket you're using to mix the plaster and water, then immediately begin mixing it again until the plaster has a smooth consistency.
- 5
  Turn off the drill and scrape down the sides of the bucket with a trowel, then add a small amount of the remaining plaster mix and continue mixing it. The plaster needs to have the consistency of thick paint or melting ice cream, so keep adding small amounts of plaster mix and mixing it in until you achieve the desired consistency.

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