How To Repair Lathe for a Plaster Wall

When repairing a plaster wall, it's important to also repair the wood lathe underneath. In this video we show you the craftsman's way to prep the wall before laying the plaster.

[bronzo]

This is exactly thr video I needed ty!

[kenberian]

Much appreciated info! Btw, promised links to Plaster For Beginners and to Kirk Giordano are missing. Easy to find, though.

[Vincerama]

I found that I could make new lathe by ripping a 2x4 on a table saw to about 3/8" width. HOWEVER, lathe is normally rough sawn so it has a really rough face (splinterville!) and ripped 2x4 is very smooth, you can take a rasp to rough it up if you really want to. I don't know if it makes that much difference since you are relying on the keys to keep the plaster on, and PVA bonder brushed onto the lathe is a good idea too. The 2x4 I think were spruce or pine. Whatever they sell at Home Depot.

[gregorynuttall]

Thank you! So glad someone finally has a video on lath.

What if I can't access the full space from one stud to the other, but I still need to fix lath that was removed by electrician?

[ICoulntThinkofAUserNam]

This is awesome - also I had no figgin clue what nails to use - everythign I got was too big or too small it felt like - wasn't sure If I should just brad nail it in lol

[stevekovacs]

Many years ago I was able to read specifications for a home being built in California in 1928. The architect spoke of the lathing and clearly stated that plastering was to commence within 48 hours of installation so it did not dry out prior to plaster. You see, the boards were green when installed, not dry. Dry wood affected the lime/sand, mixture and the wood could warp when wet plaster was applied. The old school plaster took days to set and dry unlike modern hardwall mixes that set in a few hours. I guess the bonder your using seals the wood to prevent this issue occuring. I've seen chicken wire or expanded lath used where replastering over stripped lathing to ensure a good bond in very old repairs done decades ago.

[PeaceIndustrialComplex]

The hardest challenge I've had so far is finding a source to buy replacement lathe, I don't have a table saw so I can't rip my own but I'm thinking that's likely what I'll have to do.