Q:We are getting ready to repaint our home office. The walls and ceiling were cracked during the 1989 quake and poorly patched before we moved in. We had the roof redone this summer, and the banging ...

I am skim coating (lightweight joint compound over plaster) for the first time. I’m using a 6†taping knife and things are working out OK. However, this is a pre-war building and there is a curved ...

In Part 3 of plastering a conservatory ceiling, we focus on the finishing details that bring the whole project together. You’ll see the final touches, smoothing out imperfections, and how to prepare ...

Q. How important is it to repair plaster before repainting? Our ceilings have peeling paint that we’re pretty sure was caused by past water damage. Since the water problem is no longer an issue, can ...

Ken Wildes crouches next to a cardboard box and plucks out a rose hand-formed from clay. He holds the rose in his fingertips and points out the flaws. See how the petals are pressed together? A ...