Help Installing on Plaster Walls

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Artistic Framer

Artistic Framer

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Feb 22, 2007
Posts
425
Loc
Philadelphia, PA
I did a home installation last night, and ran into a tricky situation. I've been framing/installing for many years now (20+), so my toolbox and I are ready for any situation...or so I thought. I speak with the client who tells me the walls are old plaster on lath and "good luck". I'm hanging a large but fairly light gallery wrap piece (4' X 5' and 30 pounds) in a space where I can't really utilize the studs because of how it needs to be centered. I decide on two brass 50# hooks spaced 24" and I don't worry about the studs, just shoot for some nice plaster and lath with the sharp blue steel nails. The first one holds fine, but the second one feels like I'm tapping into wet plaster and holds just as well...the nails just wiggle and hold no weight. I tap inward to possibly change the spacing (to space the hooks at 18"), and find better but not great hold. I hang the piece, it holds well, but I'm not feeling great about it. I asked the client if there were moisture issues, she said no, and I don't believe the plaster was actually damp...just carpy.

Before I got to the job, the designer I'm working with said "oh just bring hooks and wire", but now I'm thinking I may be looking at a French cleat issue for everything, or possibly recommend having picture rail installed. Like I said, I've installed on A LOT of plaster/lath with no problem, but this job (which has just begun) has me concerned. Have any of you dealt with an issue like this and , if so, how did you resolve it?
 
If you can find the studs you can always nail/screw a horizontal batten to them and put the hooks in the batten. As long as you can do this without the batten having to stick out past the canvas. But if they are big enough this shouldn't be a problem.
 
prospero said:
If you can find the studs you can always nail/screw a horizontal batten to them and put the hooks in the batten. As long as you can do this without the batten having to stick out past the canvas. But if they are big enough this shouldn't be a problem.
Click to expand...
I've been framing and installing for over 30 years...I ALWAYS use Floreat Hangers for EVERYTHING... I use the real deal...the gold ones from LJ. They LOVE lath and plaster!
 
I have plaster and lath walls in my 1916 house and even floreat hangers will bounce right back at home if I attempt to hammer them in. Rob's explanation in the link I posted has delivered me enough bad news; I drill pilot holes every time now.
It's not about the hangers; it's how you install them.

You can also get Floreats here:
https://www.ziabicki.com/

edie the speakingfromunfortunateexperience goddess
 
Never pound anything into a plaster wall. Always predrill.
 
Framing Goddess said:
I have plaster and lath walls in my 1916 house and even floreat hangers will bounce right back at home if I attempt to hammer them in. Rob's explanation in the link I posted has delivered me enough bad news; I drill pilot holes every time now.
It's not about the hangers; it's how you install them.

You can also get Floreats here:
https://www.ziabicki.com/

edie the speakingfromunfortunateexperience goddess
Click to expand...

An additional tip when drilling. Use the floret itself as a drill guide to get the angle correct. Besides getting the angle correct it makes sure that the drill that you are using isn't too large and helps prevent breakage.

I use 3/64" bits that I buy in bulk from toolstoday.com. http://www.toolstoday.com/p-6054-cobalt-drill-bits.aspx?&variantids=10825,0&keywords=611-202

Given the cement-like plaster in my 100+ year old home and the 100+ frames on my walls, I go through a lot of these bits. I find that 3/64" is the right bit for the florets. 1/16" is a bit too large.
 
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