Ceiling plaster can deteriorate in two ways, by developing cracks all over the surface or by sagging. These faults are usually the result of an uneven settlement of the foundation, leakage from any utilities, or structural movements. As a result, repairing the ceiling is necessary to extend your house’s life.
Using a Plaster to Repair Your Ceiling Immediately
Ceiling cracks are cracks that occur in the ceiling. They can be caused by structural issues or leaks, and they can either be cosmetic in nature or not. If you have a ceiling crack, you should determine if it is a structural issue or leak, and then you can repair it with a thin coat of premixed joint compound and a coat of paint.
A Simple Checklist for Your Ceiling Repair
1. Identify the Repair Spots
Your repaired area is easy to find if you know what you’re looking for. Cracks in the structure or plaster bulges from sags are indications of areas needing to be repaired.
2. Cover the Walls and Floor Areas with Drop Cloths
You don’t want your walls or floor to get dirty from construction debris. To protect your home, use drop cloths to cover the walls and floor in the areas where you’ll be working. Tape the drop cloths in place.
3. Scrap the Loose Areas
Remove any bulging plaster from the laths using a putty knife or similar tool. Ensure that all loose areas are cleared. Do not over-scrape the well-bonded old plaster.
4. Clean the Affected Surface
Clean the surface of the patch area with a brush or sandpaper to remove any debris, dust, smoke, or grease. This is important to ensure a strong bond between the new plaster and the laths. Make sure the surface is completely clean before proceeding to the next step.
5. Moist the Treated Portions
To improve the adhesion of plaster to the laths, wet the surface first. You can use water to wet the repaired portion of the ceiling and let it dry for about 10 minutes. Be sure to wet all edges and corners.
6. Plaster the Ceiling with Joint Compound
Patching plaster is a type of material used to fill in holes or cracks in walls and ceilings. It is available in stores and is easy to use. To use it, mix the plaster with water to create a butter-like consistency. Next, use a putty knife to apply the plaster to the wall or ceiling in a thin layer.
7. Sponge the Surface for a Smooth Texture
After the first coat of plaster has been applied, you need to make sure the surface is smooth and even with the old plaster. Use a sponge and lightly apply it to the new plaster. Be careful not to scrape the surface too much with the sponge, or you could damage the treated area. Repeat this process after each new layer of plaster has been applied. There should be a total of three coats of plaster.
8. Utilise Primer and Paint
After the ceiling is repaired, it is important to prime and paint the repaired area. This will give the ceiling a finished look and hide any evidence of the repair work. It’s a good idea to use a primer before painting a surface. The primer helps the paint adhere to the surface and provides a smooth base for the paint to go on. Choose a paint that is the same colour as the old ceiling to blend in the repair work.
Conclusion
Indeed, plaster is a viable material for ceiling repairs. It is strong, durable, and can be easily repaired if it cracks. It is also a relatively affordable option, making it a good choice for budget-minded homeowners.
Take note of our checklist above and apply the necessary layers of plaster and coating to make your ceiling look good as new.
If you are looking for experienced plasterers on the Gold Coast, look no further than our experts here at We Plaster & Recruit. We are a registered plastering company providing the best plastering services with operations throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Queensland areas. Call us today, and let us deal with your cracked ceiling in no time!