Posts: 24,108
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2004
Wow, that's certainly antique!
It looks like the house is in great shape!
Matt
If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.
-Jack Handy
Posts: 407
Threads: 1
Joined: Apr 2004
It is in good shape. The prior owners lovingly cared for the property.
Most of the interior work is cosmetic. It is my first foray with horse hair plaster so the repairs are a learning experience.
When spring comes I will cover the exterior where there is a bit more work - antique windows to repair.
Thank you for the comments and please check my channel for updates.
PJ
PJ
Plympton, MA
Posts: 13,006
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2003
01-01-2018, 10:38 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-01-2018, 10:39 AM by woodhead.)
Why are you using a razor blade type scraper to remove the wall paper? I ask because I have never seen it done with that tool??? Usually a 6" or 4" taping knife is the go to tool. I would think it could dig in easily.
Al
BTW...good luck! A labor of love!!! Cool room, love the fireplace.
I turn, therefore I am!
Posts: 407
Threads: 1
Joined: Apr 2004
Al
Great question...either one works.
I found the trick is the angle of the blade. The walls were left with few if any gouges from the scraper. The blade is not fresh so it is lacking the super sharp edge. The other reason - my wife was using the plaster knife on one of the other walls,
When I remove wallpaper from a Sheetrock/Bluebeard wall, I use a 4” or 6” plaster knife.
FYI - there are 5 fireplaces in the house. The one in the living room has a beehive oven ... very cool!
PJ
Plympton, MA
Posts: 36,681
Threads: 3
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: RTP, NC
You're brave buying a house that old. My experience with old houses is a few family members buying them and every single one had problems.
Posts: 24,108
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2004
I've had more problems with new construction than old. I think time has ironed out most of the issues in old construction.
Matt
If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.
-Jack Handy
Posts: 407
Threads: 1
Joined: Apr 2004
Oh we have had some problems ... most known/discovered during the purchase process and some surprises.
The worst one so far was the well pump that was incorrectly wired for an auxiliary generator plug. The result was a melted pressure switch, which would have had a very bad outcome had we not been paying attention.
I am sure we will find some more along the way.
The best part is that everyday we find something new to us in the home or wind up with something that we didn't expect. Example: A tree we had to take down - Cherry. I have some great bowl and pen blanks, as do one of my turner friends.
New tools/toys - Massey Ferguson Loader/Backhoe
All in all life is good.
If time allows, please check out the latest episode on youtube on repairing the cracked plaster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xcbTk5mq3A
PJ
Plympton, MA
Posts: 407
Threads: 1
Joined: Apr 2004
The 4th episode of the Dining Room makeover is posted on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RSoby0Aoog
I am using a great product called "plaster magic" ... There is no sponsorship for my use. I found it via some online research and so far I have been very impressed with the results.
If time allows take a look and add it to your recipe list for home repairs.
Thanks,
PJ
Plympton, MA
