Navigating the do’s and don’ts of fixing up your place

Ain’t that the truth about old walls - mine threw me a curveball last winter with a whole section that just crumbled for no reason. I’ve never had luck with mesh tape either, especially in corners; always ends up looking lumpy. Paper tape’s saved me more than once, even if it takes a bit more patience. Sanding is oddly therapeutic, but man, the dust gets everywhere. Ever tried wet sanding to cut down on the mess? Not perfect, but it helps a little...

Old walls really do have a mind of their own. Last fall, I went to hang a new picture in the hallway and the plaster just gave up - chunk fell out, lath peeking through like it was mocking me. I’ve wrestled with mesh tape more times than I care to admit. It’s supposed to be “easier,” but every time I use it in the corners, it bubbles or leaves a weird ridge I can never feather out right. Paper tape’s slower, sure, but at least it actually stays put if you do it right.

Wet sanding’s one of those things people swear by, but I’m not convinced it’s worth the hassle most days. Tried it once when I was patching up around an old window frame - the sponge just smeared everything around and by the end, my hands were covered in gunk. Maybe I was doing it wrong, but regular sanding just gives me better control. Yeah, the dust is brutal. Had to vacuum out my radiators after one job because the stuff got everywhere... still finding little clouds when the heat kicks on.

One thing that’s helped me is using those sanding sponges with a vacuum attachment - still messy, but at least you’re not breathing in as much of the stuff. And honestly, I’d rather take my time and do a couple rounds of light sanding than try to shortcut with mesh or wet methods. Old plaster deserves a bit more respect than quick fixes, even if it means a few extra hours and sore arms.

If there’s one thing these old houses teach you, it’s patience - and maybe how to cuss under your breath without anyone noticing.

I get where you’re coming from with the mesh tape, but I’ve actually had better luck with it than paper - especially on flat seams. The trick is to use setting-type compound for the first coat and really press the mesh in so it’s embedded. Corners are a pain, though, I’ll give you that. For those, I stick with paper or even the pre-creased corner tape. As for wet sanding, I only bother with it for the final touch-up, not the heavy stuff. Dry sanding just gets things flatter, even if it means dust everywhere. I’ve tried those vacuum sanders too, but mine always clogs up halfway through. Maybe I’m just too impatient...

Mesh tape’s always been hit or miss for me, honestly. I get why folks like it for flat seams, but I’ve had a couple spots where it cracked later on - maybe I didn’t embed it enough? Paper just feels more forgiving, especially if you’re not in a rush. Wet sanding is a mess, but I’ll admit, it does leave a smoother finish. Those vacuum sanders... yeah, mine’s more trouble than it’s worth. I usually just tarp everything and deal with the dust.

Paper tape’s always been my go-to, honestly. Mesh just seems to crack if you even look at it wrong - especially on butt joints. Have you tried the pre-mixed mud with paper? It’s a bit slower, but I swear it saves headaches later. And yeah, wet sanding is a pain, but I’d rather mop up water than chase dust bunnies for days. Those vacuum sanders are like wrestling an octopus... not worth the hassle in my book.