Patches

Since we've never done this before, we don't know if other folks have the same experiences we have. However, once we finished the first coat of plaster (Part A),  and everything began to dry, a few cracks appeared. We didn't know if we should be concerned about them, but a crack is a crack. Maybe those cracks will telegraph through our next two layers of plaster and we will get to enjoy them everyday for the rest of our lives. That would not be a wonderful way to spend forever.

The few cracks that were superficial we just ignored, but there were several major cracks, all of which are situated at the bamboo / plaster junction. Scott responded in his usual fashion, research and more research. Using Natural Finishes, a step-by-step guide by Adam Wiesmann and Katy Bryce is our new bible. Pages 46 and 47 discussed "Covering repairs in the wall surface," so we followed their advice. We think it has really worked well. Here's how we did it ...

Dig out the cracked plaster until the straw bale and bamboo is fully exposed. Then fully moisten the problem area.

Carefully force new plaster into the void, making certain all gaps are
completely filled.

Press burlap (sometimes called hessian) into plaster.

 Moisten burlap.

Rub water / clay slip into the burlap. Be sure it adheres to the plaster beneath the burlap and surrounding areas.

Here is the patch two days later after the plaster has dried. No crack!









We hope future problems have been avoided.