• Friday, 07 August 2009 15:51
• Written by angela

Ok, so we've been slacking in a big way lately.  We got that first layer of spackle up, then I sanded it, then we have been avoiding the master bathroom.  We're going to try and put up the second layer tonight.  No, really!  I promise.  I know we said that the last... oh... four nights in a row, but really -- we will!

About the sanding:  I was really happy that sanding plaster (spackle, patch, whatever you call it) is easier than sanding drywall and old paint and drywall paper.  The fine white particles that fall off are heavier than the drywall particles so they didn't end up all over that vicinity of the house.  They pretty much fall straight down into little drifts like miniature banks of snow.

When you're a weakling like I am, it can be difficult to sand the ceiling.  I'm only good for a few swipes back and forth before my arm tires out.  But sanding plaster doesn't take all that long before it's good and smooth.

After I was satisfied with my sanding, I started cleaning up, first with dustpan and dustpan brush, then with the vacuum.  Well, actually I took the vacuum's canister, emptied it, took out the filters and tried to shake out all of the drywall dust from my previous cleaning attempt.  Then I reassembled everything and started vacuuming up the remains of the little plaster snowdrifts.  I'm not exactly sure if it's safe to vacuum up copious quantities of dust with your average household vacuum, but if we had a shop vac I would've used it.  The brush attachment came in handy though... I did my best to vacuum the walls but I'm thinking a damp cloth is going to be required for a final dust wipe-down.

Anyway, we should be good to go tonight with our second layer of spackle.  Can't wait!  Time to feed the dogs!