Do you have a beautiful painting or photograph that you would like to display in your home, but don’t know how to hang on the wall? Or maybe you’re looking to hang some new lights, but are unsure of the best way to do so? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this article, we will describe the steps involved in hanging objects on plaster walls. Plaster walls can hold a variety of objects, from pictures and paintings to lights and shelves. With the right tools and materials, you can easily hang anything on your plaster wall!
Table of Contents
What are Plaster Walls?
Plaster walls are made of a mixture of water, lime, and sand. They are then covered with a thin layer of plaster, which is what gives them their smooth, white appearance. Plaster walls are very strong and durable, making them ideal for hanging heavy objects. However, they can be more difficult to work with than other types of walls, so it’s important to be careful when hanging anything on them.
Hanging Pictures On Plaster Walls
Picture frames are. a great addition to any room, and can really help to personalize your space. If you’re looking to hang a picture on your plaster wall, there are a few things you’ll need to do first.
Find Studs
The first step is to find the studs in your wall. This can be done by using a stud finder or by gently tapping on the wall until you hear a solid sound. Once you’ve found the studs, mark their location with a pencil so that you know where to drill your holes.
Drill Holes
Next, drill holes into the wall at each of the stud locations. These holes should be slightly smaller than the screws you’ll be using to hang the picture. If your drill is not catching wood, you may need to use a smaller drill bit.
Insert Screws
Now, it’s time to insert the screws into the holes. Be sure to screw them in until they are flush with the wall surface. Once all of the screws are in place, gently hang your picture on them. If the frame is too heavy, you may need to use wall anchors.
Hanging Lights On Plaster Walls
If you’re looking to add some extra light to your room, hanging lights on your plaster wall is a great option! There are a few different ways you can do this, depending on the type of light you’re using.
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are a great way to add ambient lighting to a room. To hang a pendant light on a plaster wall, you’ll need to find the studs in the wall and drill holes for the screws. Once the holes are drilled, insert the screws and gently hang the light from them.
Recessed Lights
Recessed lights can be a bit more difficult to install, but they’re definitely worth the effort! To install recessed lights in a plaster wall, you’ll need to cut holes in the wall using a hole saw. Once the holes are cut, insert the recessed light fixtures and screw them into place.
Hanging Heavier Objects on a Plaster Wall
If you’re looking to hang a heavier object, such as a shelf or piece of art, you’ll need to use wall anchors. Wall anchors are inserted into the wall and help to distribute the weight of the object evenly. To install a wall anchor:
Step One: Locate the Studs
The first step is to find the studs in your wall. This can be done by using a stud finder or by gently tapping on the wall until you hear a solid sound. Once you’ve found the studs, mark their location with a pencil so that you know where to drill your holes.
Step Two: Drill Holes
Next, drill holes into the wall at each of the stud locations. These holes should be slightly smaller than the screws you’ll be using to hang the object. If your drill is not catching wood, you may need to use a smaller drill bit.
Step Three: Insert Anchors
Now, it’s time to insert the anchors into the holes. Be sure to screw them in until they are flush with the wall surface.
Step Four: Insert Screws
Once the anchors are in place, it’s time to insert the screws. Be sure to screw them in until they are tight against the anchor.
Step Five: Hang Object
Now, you can gently hang your object on the screws. If the object is too heavy, you may need to use additional anchors.
How to Fix Small holes in Plaster Walls
If you have small holes in your plaster walls, there’s no need to worry! There are a few easy ways to fix them.
Option One: Fill with Spackle
The first option is to fill the hole with a spackle. Spackle is a type of putty that can be easily spread over the hole and will dry hard. Once the spackle is dry, you can sand it down until it’s flush with the wall. This is the best option for small holes.
Option Two: Use a Patch
Another option is to use a patch. Patches are small pieces of plaster that can be used to fill holes. To use a patch, simply apply it to the hole and smooth it out. Once the patch is dry, you can sand it down until it’s flush with the wall. Paint the patch with matching paint to blend it in with the rest of the wall.
Option Three: Use a Plaster Repair Kit
If you have a larger hole, you may need to use a plaster repair kit. These kits come with everything you need to fill and patch a large hole. Simply follow the instructions on the kit and you’ll have your hole filled in no time!
Option Four: Paint over It
If you’re not worried about being perfect, you can always just paint over the hole. This is probably the easiest option, but it will leave a visible mark on the wall. Match the paint to the rest of the wall and simply paint over the hole. Once the paint is dry, you should be good to go!
Plaster vs. Drywall
Now that we’ve gone over how to hang objects on plaster walls, you may be wondering what the difference is between plaster and drywall. Plaster is a type of material that is used to create walls. It’s made from a mixture of water, sand, and lime. Drywall, on the other hand, is made from gypsum. It’s a type of material that is used to create walls and ceilings. Drywall is much easier to install than plaster, but it’s not as durable. Plaster is the better choice for high-traffic areas or areas that are subject to moisture.
Hanging objects on drywall is a bit different than plaster. Drywall is much easier to work with because it’s lighter and more forgiving. You can use either screws or nails to hang objects on drywall. Be sure to use the appropriate size screw or nail for the object you’re hanging. If you’re unsure, ask a professional at your local hardware store.
FAQs
Q: How much weight can plaster walls hold?
A: Plaster walls are very strong and can hold a lot of weight. However, if you’re hanging a heavy object, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use additional anchors. It can hold a maximum of 80-100 pounds.
Q: What is the best way to hang pictures on plaster walls?
A: The best way to hang pictures on plaster walls is to use nails or screws. Be sure to use the appropriate size nail or screw for the object you’re hanging.
Q: What nails or screws should I use for plaster walls?
A: The best nails or screws to use for plaster walls are those that are specifically designed for hanging pictures. These can be found at your local hardware store.
Q: Can I use command strips on plaster walls?
A: Yes, you can use command strips on plaster walls. However, they may not work as well as they do on drywall.
Q: When should I use a plaster anchor?
A: Plaster anchors should be used when hanging anything that is heavier than 50 pounds.
Summary
If you’re looking to hang objects on plaster walls, there are a few different options. You can fill the hole with spackle, use a patch, use a plaster repair kit, or paint over it. Plaster is much stronger than drywall, so it can hold more weight. However, if you’re hanging anything heavier than 50 pounds, you should use a plaster anchor. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for the best results.
