How to repair a damaged ceiling

Fix those cracks in your ceiling using our handy step-by-step guide.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

  • Ladder
  • Dust sheet
  • Plaster
  • Trowel
  • Hawk
  • Mixing bucket
  • Wooden stick
  • Putty knife
  • Sandpaper
  • Drywall tape

The steps to follow

  1. Cover your work area with dust sheets.
  2. Remove flaking bits from the damaged area with a putty knife.
  3. Sand the area with coarse-grade sandpaper until it is smooth.
  4. Scoop plaster onto a hawk with a trowel and spread a thin layer over the sanded area.
  5. Measure and cut pieces of drywall tape for smaller areas that need to be covered. For larger surfaces, measure and cut a sheet of drywall tape and place it on the newly plastered area.
  6. Place the drywall tape on the layer of plaster with the trowel.
  7. Then apply a second coat of plaster over the drywall tape.
  8. Dampen the trowel and sweep the surface evenly.
  9. Let the surface dry before sanding the surface with fine-grade sandpaper.
  10. Apply another layer of plaster onto the surface. Again spread the plaster evenly with a sweeping motion.
  11. Let it dry and sand it again with fine-grade sandpaper.
  12. Seal the repaired area with a sealant. The area is now ready to paint.

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Please note that all our DIY guides and 'Expert answers' advice have been written strictly for reference only. Rated People do not accept any liability for any damage caused to an individual, property or anything else as a result of following our DIY guides and using our 'Expert answers' advice.