Plaster walls and ceilings are found in many older homes; and all too often, they’re marred with holes and cracks. Over time a plaster ceiling often sags, another problem. To repair damaged plaster walls with a hodgepodge of cracks or a ceiling that sags we’ve used a specific process.
First, secure the loose plaster to the lath behind it using plaster washers, small metal discs fastened with 4-inch drywall screws. Often called ceiling buttons, these quarter-sized discs are very inexpensive and sold at specialty hardware stores and online. Just type “plaster washers” in a search engine, and you’ll find several online sources where you can order them. We’ve found them sold in large quantities at the big boxes for contractors; an online source is better for a homeowner who needs far less of them….