Removing plaster from stone

[MattF]

Not sure if I've posted this in the most appropriate category or not, so please move if you think it would be better placed elsewhere, Mods.

Would a wallpaper steamer, for example, remove a thin skim of plaster from stonework? Trying to avoid having to chisel it off, so as to minimise any damage to the surface, & also to minimise dust. The surface of the stone is scutched, so not smooth.

 

[Smallfry]

Yes, I would think so. Plate wallpaper strippers will blow and soften plaster, so all you will have to do is scrubbing with a nylon brush.

The stone underneath may be slightly discoloured though, depending on what it is.

Only thing is, that it may take off some lime mortar too.

 

[Agroshield]

Would a wallpaper steamer, for example, remove a thin skim of plaster from stonework?

You could do a proof of concept with an electric kettle, a tube and some sellotape.

Is it standard (pink) gypsum plaster or an older (perhaps lime-based) fomulation?

 

[MattF]

Is it standard (pink) gypsum plaster or an older (perhaps lime-based) fomulation?

May be a mix of both. I'll check.

 

[MattF]

Only thing is, that it may take off some lime mortar too.

There's no mortar for it to damage. It's a lintel.

 

[Barking Mat]

Rotary wire brush in a grinder, and a vacuum.

 

[julianf]

what type of "plaster"?

if your water plan does not work, you could try any of the following -

one of those plastic "wire" wheels
a hammer and small bolster / chisel
a wire wheel
a needler


I did this by hand last year -

 

[Gareth J]

In my experience, it's really variable. Can be as easy as levering off big slabs of plaster to having to fully crunch and mechanically abrade away residue. Suspect it all depends on how/what was used in application.

Fortunately, most of the stuff I've pulled away indoors has come off with less agro than externally.

 

[MattF]

Gypsum plaster front & back, simply multiple layers of paint underneath, probably paint, plaster or both on top.

 

[MattF]

I did this by hand last year -

View attachment 535392

View attachment 535394

Nice work.

 

[MattF]

Rotary wire brush in a grinder, and a vacuum.

Not happening. It's in the bedroom.

 

[Smallfry]

Not happening. It's in the bedroom.

Years ago I tried sanding down plaster in an empty bedroom with an electric sander.

Had a respirator and goggles on. Windows open. When I looked round all I could see was the lightbulb through the swirling dust.

I didn't seal the door, but there was still dust everywhere in the house for a while afterwards.

 

[MattF]

I'm still finding dust in the odd places from when I had the fireplace opened up. I'm not suffering that pain again.

 

[rtcosic]

Years ago I tried sanding down plaster in an empty bedroom with an electric sander.

Had a respirator and goggles on. Windows open. When I looked round all I could see was the lightbulb through the swirling dust.

I didn't seal the door, but there was still dust everywhere in the house for a while afterwards.

You can share my Tee Shirt and scars.

 

[MattF]

This is what'll be getting deplastered & depainted.



That wooden top is sat atop a substantial stone lintel, which is bedded into the walls & spanning that corner.

Even if I was willing to use mechanical methods, this's the type of detail I'd risk damaging, with such methods.

 

[MattF]

Random question. Do any sparkies ever own a vacuum cleaner, & do they collect random sections of floorboard?

Fortunately, had a length of wood to hand of just the right length & thickness. Just needed to plane the width down a bit. Missing section of floorboard replaced.



@dobbslc. See, I do actually use my tools. I simply look after them.

 

[Onoff]

Jet wash?

 

[MattF]

Jet wash?

Woz', can I pretty, pretty please have that smiley?

 

[dobbslc]

Do any sparkies ever own a vacuum cleaner, & do they collect random sections of floorboard?

Yes and yes.
You know I have "some" Henry's but I now also have a Bosch 18v vac.
I also collect floorboards and will be pulling them out of storage soon to fix the knacked bathroom floor.

 

[dobbslc]

See, I do actually use my tools. I simply look after them.

I reckon you've staged that shot