I get what you’re saying about mesh tape, but honestly, I’ve had mixed results with it on old plaster. Sometimes it just bulks up the wall and you end up sanding forever. I’ve actually had better luck with paper tape and a thin skim coat—cheaper too, if you’re watching costs. Low-VOC paints are decent, but I still find myself doing an extra coat compared to the old formulas... not sure if that’s just my walls or what.
Yeah, I’ve run into the same thing with mesh tape on old plaster—sometimes it just doesn’t want to play nice. Paper tape and a skim coat is usually my go-to for those stubborn cracks, especially if you’re trying to keep things flush. As for the low-VOC paints, I hear you... seems like they just don’t cover quite as well as the old stuff. I usually plan for an extra coat too, especially on patched spots or over darker colors. It’s a bit more work, but worth it for less fumes if you’re living in the place while you work.
Navigating the do’s and don’ts of fixing up your place
Funny, I’ve had the exact opposite luck—mesh tape actually saved me on a ceiling crack that just refused to stay closed with paper. Maybe it’s just the quirks of these old houses... every wall seems to have its own personality, right? I totally agree about the low-VOC paints though. The coverage is never quite as good, especially over patches or if you’re going from a dark to a light color. I’ve started priming patched spots separately before doing the whole wall, which helps a bit, but yeah, it’s still usually a three-coat job.
One thing I’ve noticed: if you let each coat cure a little longer than the can says, it seems to help with streaks and patchiness. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking after too many late nights with a roller in hand. Either way, I’ll take less headache from fumes any day if I’m sleeping in the next room.
if you let each coat cure a little longer than the can says, it seems to help with streaks and patchiness
I’ve noticed the same thing—patience seems to pay off, even if it feels endless. I also found that lightly sanding between coats (just with a fine sponge) makes a big difference, especially over patched areas. On mesh vs. paper tape, I’m still figuring out which works best for corners... paper seems less likely to crack there, but maybe that’s just me being cautious. These old walls definitely keep you guessing.
Old walls are like that one friend who always has a surprise up their sleeve—never a dull moment. I’m with you on paper tape for corners, though. Mesh always seems to rebel on me and bubble up, like it knows I’m trying to be efficient. Sanding between coats is basically my meditation at this point... except dustier.