How To Repair A Crack In Textured Ceiling

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My drywall textured ceiling has water damage from a leak caused by an ice dam. I'd like to repair information technology myself. However, my concern is that I may have to remove all the stucco on the ceiling to match the existing stucco, and I don't want have to practice that. Information technology'southward approximately a 12-inch scissure.
-Byron P., Ann Arbor

Howdy Byron. I have some good news. In most cases, and with a lilliputian patience, this is a do-it-yourself project. Although it is near impossible to have an exact texture match, you can closely match the texture by using one of the methods below.

The offset stride is to determine the extent of the damage. If it's just discolored, you may be able to spray primer and paint over it.

Notwithstanding, because you stated there was a "cleft", nosotros'll take additional steps. Press forth the scissure with your fingers to verify any soft areas or if there is whatsoever motion. If there is loose drywall, then a section of ceiling may have to be replaced. If so, remove and replace just the soft section.

Next, remove the damaged texture area by applying hot water with a spray canteen. Soaking the texture will permit it to deteriorate. You'll so be able to scrape and remove it with a putty knife. Visit EPA's website for questions about atomic number 82 if your home is congenital before 1978.

Ensure a very clean area to apply drywall record and drywall mud. Plumage to a polish finish, (a minimum of four to six inches around the perimeter of the repair). Next apply primer. For more information on how to consummate a drywall repair read my previous article on drywall repair.

Once the area is prepared for the texture application, determine what type of stucco finish you have and what pattern the installer created. Use a fleck piece of drywall to practice the texture finish earlier applying to your ceiling. Tarp off the expanse every bit seen in the picture. By post-obit one of the methods below you lot tin can create different patterns that hopefully will lucifer what y'all have.

i. Minor cracks and small damaged areas. Depending on the ceiling texture, y'all may be able to apply a elementary process with premixed drywall mud and a large paint brush three inches or larger. Dilute the premixed mud into a separate container and add water with the consistency of thick maple syrup. Otherwise the mud can dry out as well quickly and be difficult to spread an even texture and even crack when it dries.

Then employ lightly to the ceiling by using a touch and release motion with your brush assuasive the drywall mud to pull away and create a pattern as close as possible to the ceiling. Allow to dry, and so prime number and paint.

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Photo by: Hormaxproducts.com

2. Slightly larger damaged areas. A spray texture paint, such equally Hormax Texture Spray, can be used. Read the directions advisedly, as information technology can be a trivial catchy. It sprays fast, then the unabridged can will empty itself within a thing of seconds if you are not careful! These products tin can be purchased and applied in several different patterns ranging from fine texture to heavy splatter. This would be used on a "popcorn" type stop. Again, practice on a dispensable apartment surface outset to ensure you can match the pattern equally close as possible before applying to the ceiling. It typically dries within thirty minutes and set up for priming and painting. Keep in mind that if y'all have a popcorn ceiling, normally known as acoustical ceiling, many of these contained asbestos in the ceiling treatments prior to 1977. Consult with a professional person if unsure.

Paul is a Land of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties. www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.1000. on "Information technology's Your Home, Let'south Talk About Information technology" WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.