Ceiling Leveling with Plaster

Today, the construction market can offer a great variety of ceiling finishing methods. The plastering method has both positive and negative aspects.

Among the advantages, the following can be listed:

Plastering a ceiling does not lower your ceiling height, unlike a suspended ceiling. This is particularly relevant for apartments with low ceilings.
Plastered ceilings are eco-friendly.
If you decide to install a suspended ceiling later, the plastered surface will already be ready as a base.
A properly executed ceiling is less susceptible to mechanical damage.

However, there are also drawbacks:

If the wrong material or treatment is chosen, the ceiling may crack quickly and even collapse.
The technical side of this process is more complex than in other finishing methods.

Photo 1 — Example of Decorative Plaster on Ceiling

Decorative Plaster on Ceiling

Decorative plaster on the ceiling will not only refresh your ceiling but also make it unique and one-of-a-kind through post-processing. When applying ceiling plaster yourself, you can unleash your creative imagination to create a unique texture that no one else will have.

So, you've started renovation. Plastering the ceiling is a task that should be tackled first. Start by checking if there's any old plaster left. Below, we'll explain how to remove old ceiling plaster.

Firstly, the removal can be full or partial, depending on its condition. Tap the entire surface with a spatula handle or hammer if only some areas are weak. In such cases, the plaster must be removed and these spots patched. If the plaster is solid but has cracks, they can be filled with cement mortar.

To remove old plaster, you will need:

scraper;
angle grinder;
spatula;
plaster removal machine;
axe;
hammer;
shovel;
impact driver.

Photo 2 — Work with Respirator

To protect yourself, use a respirator and work in protective goggles and gloves. If necessary – disconnect the power supply.

Weak spots fall off easily, while solid parts require tapping, spatula work, or special rasps. To reduce dust – periodically moisten the air. Special machines for removing plaster or sanding machines make the job significantly easier.

So, we have addressed the ceiling cleaning. Now we need to address the leveling issue. In construction slang, there are terms like 'dry' and 'wet' method of leveling. The 'dry' method is done with panels, while the 'wet' one involves mortars and ceiling plastering.

The technique of plastering ceilings is, in essence, not very different from the same operation on walls.

To plaster the ceiling yourself, you will need:

Brush and roller for applying primer
drill (at least 600 W) with mixing attachment;
ruler, trowel or half-trowel;
set of spatulas and trowels;
large container (e.g., 15-20 liters) for mixing plaster;

Plastering a wooden ceiling will likely require mesh or battens, as it's hard to apply thin layers due to the nature of the material.

If your ceiling is made of gypsum board, the process of plastering (or more accurately, spackling) will not differ from normal. You fill the plaster into all possible irregularities, dents, and gaps on the gypsum board sheets, as well as their joints.

If you want to make your ceiling unique, you can move away from the usual paint and use decorative plaster (e.g., Ceresit Koroed, Caparol Barashki).

Photo 3 — Plastering Gypsum Board Ceiling

Ceiling Plastering. Video

Plastering the ceiling by yourself. The video will show what and how to do correctly during such a serious task.

Ceiling Plastering, Price

How much does ceiling plastering cost from experienced professionals?

The price of the service usually depends on the region and the company or master who will do it.

In Kyiv, the price will range from 60 to 95 UAH per square meter.
In Moscow – from 400 RUB per square meter.