Plaster Systems and Heritage Work

Updated: Feb 12

Burnaby Village Museum. Section of wall exposing the different stages of a wood lath and plaster finish.

Traditional plaster systems come in three main varieties: wood lath and plaster, gypsum lath and plaster, and metal lath and plaster. Each system requires specific expertise for proper installation and restoration.

Base Coat Plaster Types

• Structo-lite base coat
• Cement plaster basecoat (Quickcrete Pumpable)

Heritage Plaster Restoration Process

1. Cover floors and trim in work areas.
2. Clean and sand work areas.
3. Profile large cracks.
4. Remove loose plaster that has lost keys.
5. Apply bonder to all exposed lath and surfaces to be refinished.
6. Base coat areas where basecoat was removed.
7. Mesh cracked and damaged areas or entire wall/ceiling.
8. Skim over mesh with plaster basecoat.
9. Apply plaster top coat.
10. Prepare for paint and pre-coat all areas.

Consulting Services

Professional consulting services help develop comprehensive plans for interior finishing projects. The process includes documenting all phases of work and recording material types and application methods to ensure durability and longevity. This documentation serves as a valuable reference for future observation of completed work.

The unique plaster technique to increase the durability and lifespan of your walls and ceilings — Lloyd Cutting, Master Plasterer & Level 5 Drywall.

Drywall Board Inspection and Common Issues

Updated: Feb 12

Four key problems to check before and during drywall installation. A proper inspection ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish and avoids costly remediation later.

1. Cupping on Beveled Edges

Problem: Cupping occurs on the backside of beveled edges when boards absorb moisture unevenly.

Remedy: Bridge with joint compound across the recess; allow adequate drying time between coats.

2. Core Ridging

Problem: A ridge forms along the centre of the board as the gypsum core expands and contracts with humidity changes.

Remedy: Allow boards to acclimatize to the environment before installation; ensure the building is climate-controlled during finishing.

3. Fastener Pops

Problem: Fasteners back out over time due to lumber shrinkage, creating raised bumps on the drywall surface.

Remedy: Drive a new screw 2 inches above or below the popped fastener; dimple, fill, sand, and repaint.

4. Joint Cracking

Problem: Cracks appear along taped joints due to structural movement, rapid drying, or insufficient coats of compound.

Remedy: Re-tape with fibreglass mesh or paper tape; apply a minimum of three coats of compound and feather edges wide.

Drywall Industry Issues and Solutions

Updated: Feb 12

The construction industry has faced significant drywall installation problems since the 1970s, with repair costs sometimes reaching millions of dollars on large commercial projects. Understanding these systemic issues helps contractors and homeowners make better decisions.

Chinese Drywall Contamination (2001–2009)

Imported drywall produced sulphur-based off-gassing that corroded copper pipes, wiring, and HVAC components. Thousands of homes required full remediation — removal of all drywall, wiring, and plumbing. Always source drywall from reputable, certified North American suppliers.

Moisture and Mould

Improperly stored or installed drywall absorbs moisture, providing an ideal environment for mould growth. Boards must be kept off the ground, away from exterior walls, and installed in a climate-controlled environment. Moisture-resistant and mould-resistant boards should be specified in wet areas.

Labour Shortages and Quality Control

The skilled trades shortage has led to undertrained installers rushing through jobs. Common consequences include visible fastener patterns, poor feathering, and failed taping. Hiring experienced, licensed contractors like The Mud Slinger ensures workmanship that meets or exceeds industry standards.

The Mud Slinger's Commitment

With over 60 years in the industry, our team has navigated every major shift in drywall standards and materials. We stay current with building codes, manufacturer specifications, and best-practice installation methods to deliver results that stand the test of time.