How to Patch Plaster Ceilings

Plaster ceilings will show cracks over time due to age or water leakage. If you have cracked or discolored plaster ceilings, you can repair them yourself with a few steps to follow.

Things You'll Need

• Eye goggles
• Gloves
• Saw or drywall cutter
• Sharp utility knife
• Straight edge ruler
• Pencil
• Ladder
• Drywall
• Screwdriver
• Screws (for drywall)
• Drywall tape
• Spackling compound or Joint compound
• Putty knife
• Sand paper
• Tack cloth
• Vacuum
• Texturing compound (for textured ceilings)
• Paint (in color that matches the rest of the ceilings unless you plan to repaint)

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Instructions

1. Examine your ceilings. If you see peeling, cracking and discoloration due to water stains, make a note of them.

2. Gather the materials needed for this project.

3. Use eye protection such as goggles to prevent dusts and debris from entering your eyes.

4. Get a sturdy ladder that can support your weight and equipment.

5. Mark the areas with pencil which you will cut and cover or patch later on. Use a straight edge ruler so that the lines are even when you make cuts.

6. Score the lines or marks, using your straight edge ruler as a guide. You can use a sharp utility knife to accomplish this task. Put drywall tape on the scored area so that the drywall will not crumble.

7. Puncture the scored area and remove the drywall. For hard to cut areas you can use a drywall cutter or small hand saw.

8. Cut a piece of drywall that would be used to patch or cover the hole. Give at least 1/4 inch of allowance on each side so that the piece will fit through the hole.

9. Sand the corners and sides of the hole opening and the piece of cut dry wall to ensure that the edges are joint smoothly.

10. Attach the piece of cut drywall to the ceiling by using screws. Make sure to hit the joist or studs to keep them up securely.

11. Cover the seams with drywall tape, make sure it is smooth and flat.

12. Apply drywall compound or plaster using a putty knife. Make sure that you have a smooth surface that is spread evenly without showing too much irregularities. Smooth with sand paper if the surface dries up unevenly. You may need to repeat the process until you get the desired thickness. Examine that the tape and screws are no longer visible.

13. Clean the surface with tack cloth or vacuum.

14. Apply paint that would match the rest of the ceilings. If you have textured surface you can texture the ceilings with texturing compound that you can buy in spray cans. Spray them on evenly matching the texture already on the ceilings then let dry before painting.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a sturdy ladder to prevent any falls or accidents.