Courtyard Wall: Plaster Repairs and Fresh Paint

1. The wall before

The plasterRender (plaster)A layer of mortar (sand, cement or lime, and water) spread over brick or concrete to give a wall a straight, sound surface ready for paint or tiles. had blistered and fallen off in large pieces, and the paint was peelingPeeling paintWhen paint loses its grip and lifts off in flakes or sheets. It is almost always a sign of a problem underneath, usually damp or poor preparation..

2. Removing and patching

Anything loose comes off until we reach a sound base. The holes are filled with new plaster.

3. Mesh

MeshReinforcement meshA mesh or fabric, usually glass fibre or polyester, set into render, a coating or liquid waterproofing to hold it together and stop cracks from opening. goes over the patches and where they meet the old plaster, so cracksCrackA split or gap in render, concrete, a wall, a coating or wood. Fine cracks are usually only on the surface; ones that grow, keep reopening or run diagonally need attention. don't open up later.

4. A thin finishing coat

A thin coat of plaster goes over the whole wall, so the patches and the old parts become one even surface.

5. Painting

The wall is painted with an exterior paint that stands up to sun and rain.

6. The result

The wall is clean and straight again along its whole length, and the courtyard feels brighter.