Plastering or Filling under a bay window to secure blinds to advise

[RobbieGong]

The blinds covering the middle window in the bedroom bay have fallen down. Some of the plaster had come away taking the piece of timber they were attached to with them. I've had the wood up there for years to secure the curtain rails to and now the blinds. What I want to know is whats a good approach so that the piece of 1 by 1.5 wont come away again when I attempt to glue it back up as before with no nails and hopefully re-attach the blinds. The area of plaster that has come away is not large. I usually fill with red devil type filler, the soft white stuf which I find easy to use. I need whatever I do to be as secure as possible as I really (and obviously) don't want them coming down again - what would you use / do ?

[walpurgis]

Remove any loose material from the cavity left by the dislodged plaster. Treat the hole to be filled with Unibond or similar PVA type stabilizer (mix it with a little water). Then fill with a well mixed, good quality plaster. I like Tetrion filler for smaller jobs, but I dare say others could use something else. Make sure the plaster is worked into all gaps or irregularities at the back of the cavity. You can actually add a little Unibond to the plaster to make it set stronger. For a job like this, I'd probably just use my fingers to work a bit of plaster in first and finish off filling with a scraper to get the surface level. Sand flat when dry with fairly coarse sandpaper.

[struth]

Thats really good advice:) nice one Geoff; just what I'd do, especially the, having a clean cavity bit... most important ;)

[RobbieGong]

Thats really good advice:) nice one Geoff; just what I'd do, especially the, having a clean cavity bit... most important ;)

Agreed Grant -Thanks Geoff advise sounds sensible and clear which is much appreciated :)

[walpurgis]

I should have added, when cleaning the cavity use a dry paint brush or/and a hoover! Dust affects adhesion.

[RobbieGong]

I should have added, when cleaning the cavity use a dry paint brush or/and a hoover! Dust affects adhesion.

Cheers Geoff

[Tarzan]

Remove any loose material from the cavity left by the dislodged plaster. Treat the hole to be filled with Unibond or similar PVA type stabilizer (mix it with a little water). Then fill with a well mixed, good quality plaster. I like Tetrion filler for smaller jobs, but I dare say others could use something else. Make sure the plaster is worked into all gaps or irregularities at the back of the cavity. You can actually add a little Unibond to the plaster to make it set stronger. For a job like this, I'd probably just use my fingers to work a bit of plaster in first and finish off filling with a scraper to get the surface level. Sand flat when dry with fairly coarse sandpaper.

Being a bish bosher by trade if the plaster has been taken back to the brick work- as Geoff said brush out any dust, then brush the background with clean water making what you are to plaster damp, prior to plastering, ( when mixing plaster use the cleanest water possible as this increases strength and cuts down on the said plaster shrinking to quickly) mix the plaster as much as possible so it forms a creamy mass ( like butter if you will) DO NOT PUT PVA IN ANY PLASTER- as it will be very hard to rub down if you have to- just clean water and mix well, that is all that is require.

Good luck.

PS; l will PM you my number if you need further assistance.:)

[jollyfix]

To add to the above replies. I would never use 'no-more nails', or similar to fix wood to the wall. Plug and screw. Especially with the weight of curtains/blinds + curtain pole etc.

[RobbieGong]

To add to the above replies. I would never use 'no-more nails', or similar to fix wood to the wall. Plug and screw. Especially with the weight of curtains/blinds + curtain pole etc.

Hi Dave, I know what you mean. I've used no nails before to put a piece of wood above window area like back room patio. As you probably know these areas are notorious for crumbly old plaster that just wont take drilling for your rawplug. You drill and its a gape :eek: The pieces are still up 15 years on. The only reason for this recent issue was a broken tile which caused damp above that area which has been sorted. To drill into the ceiling of the bay area to fix plug and screw fittings would be too much, I'd just be making big holes. As you know those areas are not that deep and solid anyway but I totally appreciate what you are saying. :)

[Tarzan]

To add to the above replies. I would never use 'no-more nails', or similar to fix wood to the wall. Plug and screw. Especially with the weight of curtains/blinds + curtain pole etc.

x2 Rawplug, screw all day long.:)

[Tarzan]

To add to the above replies. I would never use 'no-more nails', or similar to fix wood to the wall. Plug and screw. Especially with the weight of curtains/blinds + curtain pole etc.

x2 Rawplug, screw all day long.:)

[Mark Grant]

. I usually fill with red devil type filler, the soft white stuff which I find easy to use. I need whatever I do to be as secure as possible as I really (and obviously) don't want them coming down again - what would you use / do ?
If the filler is the soft fluffy stuff it wont have much strength when set, ideal for filling little cracks though.

For a deep hole or filling in cable chases etc and around electrical back boxes I start with a good amount of Bonding as it sticks like sh*t to a blanket :)
http://www.wickes.co.uk/British-Gypsum-Thistle-Bonding-Coat-Plaster-25kg/p/220055
Then something smooth on top when it has dried to get a good finish.

As everyone else is saying clean the hole of dust and loose stuff and PVA the hole with watered down milky PVA or just use water.
Plaster wont stick to dusty surfaces just like pastry wont stick to a floured kitchen worktop, the same principle in reverse :)

Good luck :)

[RobbieGong]

I did exactly as advised, removed all lose bits including bits that were even plaster that was slightly lose / lifting. Used a brush and hoover to ensure the area was as completely clean and free of dust as possible. I then applied slightly watered pva bonding solution and then a well mixed paste of the Tetrion. All in all looks good even before sanding. I'll leave for a good few days to harden properly, maybe until next Saturday when I next have a realistic chance to sand. Cheers guys :)

[karma67]

To add to the above replies. I would never use 'no-more nails', or similar to fix wood to the wall. Plug and screw. Especially with the weight of curtains/blinds + curtain pole etc.
yep agree with that,thats why the platsers come away,use raw plugs and screws.