Plastering a ceiling is no easy task, but if you follow these step-by-step instructions, it will be a lot less complicated. While other articles on the subject may seem slightly overwhelming for those who have never attempted such a job before, this guide was written with simplicity in mind. By following the guide below and having a little patience and work ethic, you can learn how to plaster a ceiling like a pro.
Step 1: Prepare the Room
For you to plaster the ceiling successfully, it’ll first need to be prepped properly. Remove any furniture from around the room as well as anything else that could get from falling debris. In addition, move any hanging objects out of the way.
Once everything has been taken out of the room, pick up anything that may have fallen to the floor. Sweep and mop the floor thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. If there is excess dust or dirt on the walls, use a damp sponge or cloth to clean it off. Be sure no water gets on the drywall as this can cause damage later in your project.
Step 2: Patch Holes
If you see holes in your ceiling, this isn’t necessarily an issue if they’re not too big. You can patch these holes yourself using a joint compound (also known as “mud”). Start by filling in large holes with joint compounds that are flush with the sheetrock (drywall) around them.
When the patch is dry, apply a second layer of mud over it using your taping knife. Run the blade across the patch to smooth out any rough areas or dry spots.
Once this layer has dried, apply a third and final layer. The last step is topping off the area with another thin coat of mud, though this time you’ll want to use your taping knife in quick back-and-forth motions as well as long smoothing strokes. This adds texture to your wall that resembles real sheetrock.
Step 3: Sanding
Using an electric sander with medium-grit paper, begin sanding down your walls at 45-degree angles to create grooves on them. This will resemble the look of real sheetrock and help the plaster adhere to it. Gleaming, smooth walls may appear unnatural while plastered, so be sure to add texture using this step.
Step 4: Mixing the Plaster
This is where things start coming together! You’ll need some plaster and a five-gallon bucket to get started here. Try mixing ten parts water with one part drywall compound inside your container—the resulting mixture should be about as thick as pancake batter or oatmeal.
If you add too much water initially, add more plaster mix until you reach the desired thickness. Once you have your mix ready to go, grab a paint paddle (also called a “hopper”) and begin stirring it slowly.
Step 5: Application
Using your paint paddle, begin to apply the plaster mixture to the walls and ceiling. Apply small sections at a time and smooth them out with downward strokes as you work your way down the wall. Use long, sweeping motions as you work across the surface. You’ll want to cover every bit of exposed drywall or joint compound as this will ensure that plaster sticks to them properly.
This is where an electric sander comes in very handy as well! Simply run it over any spots that may need a little extra encouragement for adhesion before applying more finish plaster. Be sure to use gloves during this step; splatters of wet plaster can be quite painful if they hit your skin and cause irritation (trust us, we know).
Step 6: Sanding/Smoothing
Your plaster will be incredibly rough when it’s first applied. It’ll need to be sanded to smooth out the finish and give it that solid, finished look you’re after. Using an electric sander or hand sander with medium- to fine-grit paper attached, begin lightening up your work by smoothing everything over.
Be sure to use a piece of cloth between your hands and the tool—this helps minimize the pain if you do happen to get splattered by wet plaster. As well, make sure not to press too hard or run the sander too quickly as this can cause damage to the area that’s being worked on. Afterwards, wipe down the surface with a damp sponge or rag.
Step 7: Cleaning Up
At this point, your plaster should be dry and ready to remove any excess mud using a taping knife. This creates an extremely smooth finish that’s ideal for painting over. If your mixture was too watery or thin, you may find that it begins seeping into the walls as it dries. To prevent this from happening, keep the walls moist until they are fully set by misting with a spray bottle containing water.
For best results, leave them overnight before removing excess mud the next day. The drying time of your mix will vary based on several factors including weather conditions and humidity level so be sure to read up on how long you’ll need before using it.
Now that you know how to plaster, you’ll need some tips on where to do so. If you’re tackling a smaller area like an accent wall or fireplace interior, working indoors is fine. However, for larger areas, outdoor tasks are best as they allow enough room for mixing your plaster and removing excess mud without having to worry about making a big mess of things.
Also, keep in mind that the fumes from the drywall compound can be very strong and cause irritation if not used in well-ventilated areas; make sure to work near fans or open windows whenever possible.