Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
How do you hang picture molding on aging plaster walls?
I need to install picture molding on old plaster walls, but am not confident once the job is done and the first heavy picture is hung the whole system won't come crashing down. How do you know if you use a finish nailer and 2" nails that you have hit anything strong enough to hold up pictures, or do or can you use the trusty stud finder technique. Helpful hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Paul thanks for the link.
4 Answers
- high lonesomeLv 41 decade agoFavorite Answer
Plaster walls have regular verticle studs at 16 inches on center, then they have horizontal oak lath with 3/8 inch gaps, it would be ideal to hit the studs for backing,use your trusty stud finder then measure 16 inches each way to find the layout studs. The rest of the time you should be hitting the lath which is 3/8 of an inch thick and should hold pretty good along with a stud or two.The lath is 3/8, the plaster is about 1/2, thats 7/8 of an inch plus the thickness of your moulding so your 2 inch nails or brads should work.Try using a 6 or 8 penny finish nail at stud locations. You'll know if you hit good backing. Good Luck
- 1 decade ago
If its plaster it is probably the following
1 very thick, and if you attempt to drive a nail in will crack
2 There are probably wooden lathe in behind it. So if it was me I would drill it slowly with a hammer drill and a masonry bit, and use a tap in anchor. Bigger the picture, bigger the anchor........Or drill completely through the plaster and install a toggle bolt..
- Anonymous1 decade ago
You need to find the studs. Anything else is not good.
