If your home is old and has a plaster ceiling, it will require restoration. In general, plaster ceilings tend to degrade over time due to normal wear and tear or environmental factors such as humidity, moisture and mechanical impact. If your ceiling is already showing signs of disrepair, you should use the patching tips below to restore the structural integrity and appeal.

Consider Filling

You should determine whether the damage on the ceiling can be managed through filling instead of patching. Patching can be time consuming and requires some expertise to handle. On the other hand, filling can be conducted with ease a long as you have the right repair product. You should consider this option if the cracked area is small and without discolouration. Discolouration indicates that the damage is deep, necessitating patching.

Find the Cause

You should examine your plaster ceiling and identify the cause of damage. Often, homeowners conduct superficial repairs without getting a grasp on the root issue. If the cause is not resolved, there is a high probability that the area will sustain damage shortly after the repairs. For example, the problem could be dampness in the house, or there might be structural damage behind the plaster. Therefore, it is important to have your ceiling examined by qualified contractor before starting ceiling repairs.

Remove Plaster

You should remove the old plaster in the area you plan to patch up before beginning the restorative work. It is essential to handle the damaged material with care to ensure that the final patch is flawless. Simply speaking, you should not knock out the damaged plaster randomly. The patch will not be regular even if you manage to remove the old plaster. Instead, you should use a chisel and a hammer to remove the plaster from the damaged area while ensuring that the section is in a regular square or rectangular shape. This process will make the area easier to patch, and the final results will be more appealing.

Paint with Care

You should not paint over the plaster ceiling after patching up the damaged structure. You must make some preparations to keep the surface in good condition. Ideally, you should cover the gap or transitional area around the patch using drywall or gypsum tape. Then, you should cover the tape using gypsum. Apply this material with care, and even it out with a knife to create a smooth surface. Finally, you can paint over the patched area. You should blend the fresh patch with the rest of the ceiling for the best results.