How to Repair Cracks and Holes in Ceilings

If you want to save an older plaster ceiling that has a few cracks or holes in it the process is easy to do and does not take much time and it is definitely less expensive than replacing the ceiling.

For small cracks or holes in a ceiling they can be easily patched up by using some quick drying compound. Apply the compound to the cracks or holes with a putty knife and let dry. When it is completely dry you can lightly sand the area. You can use a sanding block or an orbital sander. The best sandpaper grit to use will be 80-100 grit sandpaper. After sanding the area put a thin finishing coat of drywall compound.

If you have bigger crack the first thing to do is undercut it by using a strong putty knife or a bottle opener. This will allow for a better bond for the compound. Now apply a thin layer of the quick drying compound over the crack and embed, into the compound, a piece of fiberglass tape in order to cover the entire crack. By placing a piece of fiberglass tape over the crack it will keep the crack from spreading or opening up again. Now wipe another coat of the compound over the top of the fiberglass tape and feather the compound so that it is as flush to the wall surface.

When the compound has dried for one day you can lightly sand the area and then put another layer of the compound making it flush again with the wall’s surface.

Now that all these steps are complete and the cracks or holes are repaired you should sand them one more time making them as smooth as possible and flush with the wall. Then you can either paint or wallpaper the area so that it looks as good as new.

IMPORTANT: make sure to use a sturdy ladder when repairing cracks or holes in ceilings and wear shoes that have good traction in order to be secure on the ladder.

Author: Jason Green