How to Texture Design a Ceiling
Adding texture to a ceiling will add depth and dimension to the fifth wall's surface. The additional texture will aid in hiding flaws in the ceiling, such as drywall mishaps and imperfections. Texturing a ceiling by hand is accomplished by using a drywall trowel and plaster. Take several breaks while working overhead to avoid neck and arm strain. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drop cloths
- Ladder
- Scaffolding
- Painters tape
- Plastic putty knife
- Light weight dry wall compound
- Plaster mixer
- Hand drill
- Water
- Drywall trowel
Instructions
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Cover the entire flooring surface with drop cloths. Lay the drop cloths smoothly on the floor. Ensure no wrinkles have formed to avoid falls and injuries while working. Determine if a ladder or small scaffolding are necessary to reach the ceiling.
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Apply 2-inch painters tape to the adjoining wall surfaces where plaster should not be applied. Smooth the tape using a plastic putty knife or your fingers for adequate bonding to the surface. Add tape to light fixtures and fans attached to the ceiling's surface.
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Use light weight dry wall compound and mix well using a plaster mixer. Attach the mixer to a hand drill. Use the mixer to stir the joint compound and make the plaster pliable. Add a small amount of water if the plaster is slightly dry.
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Apply a small amount of plaster onto the drywall trowel using a putty knife. Hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle and move in an arch pattern, creating texture while skimming the surface. Add additional plaster to the trowel as needed. Understand that the texture design will not be perfect, and will be a random, organic texturing of the surface.
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Continue to texture the surface until the area is completely covered. Allow to dry 24 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear a scarf, bandanna or hat when texturing the surface to avoid plaster drips into hair.
Clean the trowel and putty knife every 10 to 15 minutes using a damp rag to avoid buildup from dry plaster. Continue to add water and mix the plaster if it begins to become difficult to work with or dries out.
Once the area has been plastered, the ceiling can be primed with a latex primer and painted. Choose flat latex paint when painting a ceiling; the chalky appearance of the paint will not highlight imperfections to the ceiling as a semi-gloss or gloss paint would.
