How to Fix Your Ceiling: Guide for WA Great Southern’s DIY Lovers

Your ceiling has that lived-in look, perhaps with a few cracks or holes in the ceiling that just need some attention. No problem!

Let this guide illustrate how you can plaster your ceiling without requiring professional intervention. It was specifically written with people from the Great Southern region of Western Australia in mind, though it is pretty much applicable anywhere.

Table of Contents

Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

First things first, let’s round up all our tools and materials:

Plasterboard (also called Gyprock)

Screws for the plasterboard

Tape to join plasterboard

The glue that’s specially made for cornices—called cornice cement

A trowel with a flat edge to apply this stuff—that’s called a putty knife

A sharp knife (like a box cutter)

Something to sand with—it’s called a sanding block and sandpaper

Some bits of wood in case you need extra support

You’ll find all this stuff at your hardware store. If you’re not sure, just ask someone there – they’re usually pretty friendly!

Getting Started: Cleaning Up

Before we get underway, we need to clean it up. Sweep away any dust or bits of old plaster.

If you are repairing a damaged spot, use your sharp knife to cut out the bad bits. Try to make the edges nice and straight – it will make your job easier later.

Adding Some Support (If You Need It)

If you are filling a large hole, you may need to add some wood to support your new plasterboard. Here’s how:

Cut two pieces of wood a bit longer than the hole is wide.
Slide these pieces into the hole. They should sit on the edges of the ceiling.
Screw them in place through the old plasterboard.

This gives you something solid to attach your new plasterboard to.

Putting Up New Plasterboard

Now the fun part – filling that hole!

Measure the hole carefully.

Use those measurements to mark out a piece of new plasterboard.

Cut the plasterboard to size with your sharp knife. Take your time here – you want it to fit just right.

Put the new piece in place and screw it to the wood supports (or to the ceiling joists if you didn’t need supports).

Taping It Up

Next, we need to cover up the edges where the new plasterboard abuts the old:

Cut some joining tape to fit along each edge.
Stick the tape over the gaps, pressing it down firmly.

This tape prevents cracks from showing up later.

Time for the Messy Bit: Applying Cement

Now we’re going to cover up those taped edges:

Mix up your cornice cement. Follow the instructions on the packet – it’s usually just adding water and stirring.

Spread your cement over the tape with your putty knife. Go a bit wider than the tape itself.

Try to make it as smooth as you can, but don’t worry if it is not perfect.

Allow this to dry completely. This could take a few hours or even overnight, depending on the level of humidity.

Smoothening It Out

Now that the cement has dried, you can make it smooth. Here’s how:

Take your sanding block and sandpaper, and lightly sand the dried cement.
Do this until it feels smooth and even with the rest of the ceiling.
Observe for any dips or uneven spots, then reapply a thin layer of cement and sand over it when dry.

At this stage, you gotta sit back and be patient for a bit, but all in the name of a good-looking finish!

The Final Touch: Painting

You’re almost there! To render your repair invisible:

Paint over with ceiling paint.

You might have to apply two coats for maximum coverage.

If you have a ceiling with texture, you’ll probably have to match it. You can buy spray-on textures at hardware stores, or you can just use a roller with a pretty heavy nap to give this ceiling a little texture.

Some Helpful Tips

Work in a well-ventilated area. Open windows if you’re able.
Wear old clothes – this job can get messy!
Put down some old sheets of newspaper to catch drips and dust.
It’s not a race; take your time!

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice if you’re unsure about something. Your local hardware store or a friendly neighbour may have some good suggestions.

When to Call in the Pros

While many ceiling repairs are doable on your own, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help. Consider bringing in a pro if:

The damage is extensive.

You can see some signs of water damage-this could be a sign of something more serious

Your ceiling is too high or too difficult to access safely

You aren’t comfortable on a ladder

When it comes to fixing up your home, some jobs can be trickier than others. If you’re dealing with ceiling repairs Rockingham, Southern Ceiling Repairs is a great choice for tackling even the most challenging tasks with ease.

There you go – your guide to fixing up your ceiling! It does seem like a pretty big job, but if taken step by step, you will be surprised at the things you can achieve.

While DIY projects can be rewarding, some home repairs are best left to the professionals. If you’re unsure about tackling ceiling repairs on your own, it’s a smart move to contact Southern Ceiling Repairs for a ceiling fixer in Rockingham who can ensure the job is done right the first time.

Then, after you’ve made that first little patch, you’ll be plastering with the best of them in no time. And hey, should you get stuck or need a few more tips, don’t be afraid to ask around in a local hardware store or from watching online videos.

While DIY can be fun for some projects, plastering is a skill that takes years to master. For a professional finish that’ll make your walls and ceilings look flawless, it’s best to contact Southern Ceiling Repairs for a plasterer in Rockingham.

Your ceiling is in for a whole new life. You have all the instructions.

Fix Your Ceiling