How to level the ceiling for painting

Prior to starting any painting project, a smooth and even ceiling must be achieved. A smooth surface prolongs the life of the paint job and guarantees a professional finish.

Although leveling the ceiling may seem like an overwhelming task, it is manageable with the appropriate strategy and equipment. The secret is thorough planning and attention to detail, regardless of the size of the flaws or issues at hand.

With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to easily transform your space by following the necessary steps to prepare your ceiling for a flawless paint job.

Step Description
1. Clean the surface Remove any dust, dirt, or loose paint from the ceiling. This ensures the new layer of paint adheres properly.
2. Apply a primer Use a suitable primer to prepare the surface. This helps to seal the ceiling and provides a good base for the leveling compound.
3. Mix the leveling compound Follow the instructions to mix the compound until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
4. Apply the leveling compound Spread the compound evenly across the ceiling using a wide trowel. Work in small sections for a smooth finish.
5. Sand the surface Once the compound is dry, sand the surface to create an even, smooth finish, ready for painting.

Progress of work

The technique of leveling walls for painting is not difficult; the key is to purchase high-quality supplies and proceed cautiously. An instruction on the rules to be followed can be found below. This article contains all the information you need about the video. If you complete the work yourself, the cost will be significantly lower.

Tools required for leveling the ceiling

If you have the appropriate tool, you can level the ceiling in preparation for painting:

  • Several types of spatulas of different sizes.
  • A vessel with a capacity of 15-20 liters.
  • An electric drill with an attachment or a construction mixer.
  • A roller and a paint brush.
  • Sandpaper.

Next, it’s best to choose the leveling technology so you can choose which primer to buy (see Types of construction primers and their application scope).

Examples of primers are:

  • For water-based paints.
  • For putty or plaster.
  • Universal.

Working on ceilings is a very physically demanding and labor-intensive task. In situations where the discrepancies do not surpass 5 cm, plastering the ceiling is both feasible and required (refer to Leveling the ceiling with plaster – how to do it correctly).

You can apply this technique to any surface, including metal and wood. There is a ceiling that needs to be prepped before plastering can begin.

Preparation

The ceiling needs to be cleaned of any outdated paint, whitewash, or plaster first. Since the effectiveness of this process will determine the quality of the final product, it should be completed as quickly as possible.

  • In order to remove old paint or smear, you can use a sharp spatula or scraper. If the surface does not peel off when dry, then it can be generously moistened with water and windows and doors can be opened so that a draft can be felt.
  • After this, the old coating may fall off on its own, but if this does not happen, you will have to work with your hands. In conclusion, the ceiling should be thoroughly washed with a sponge.
  • The floor slabs must be cleaned of dust, dirt and greasy stains. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of mold and mildew. If such formations are found, such places are treated with special solutions that are commercially available. In case of fungal damage to large areas, it should be burned out with an open flame, using a blowtorch or gas burner. Old paint or plaster will have to be removed.
  • The surface of the floor slabs is treated with a deep-penetrating primer, followed by treatment with the Betonokontakt mixture.
  • For better adhesion to the surface of concrete slabs, they should be treated with a sandblasting machine or notches should be made in any available way.
  • In the presence of wooden ceilings, as well as elements of metal structures, a metal mesh with 10×10 mm cells is mounted on the ceiling first. It is attached to the tree with nails that have a wide head, and to the metal structure – with metal brackets welded to the metal elements.

Installation of beacons

Beacons are used to do plastering of the highest caliber. The levelness of the ceiling is contingent upon the quality of beacon installation (refer to Installation of beacons for trouble-free plastering).

What must be done in this regard:

  • First, you need to determine the lowest point of the ceiling. To do this, you will have to use a building level, beating off a horizontal line on the walls along the entire perimeter of the room.
  • Then, using a tape measure, find the lowest point. This point will serve as the first beacon.
  • With a step of 300 mm, the remaining beacons are installed along the entire ceiling, using a quick-hardening solution or gypsum mixture.
  • In this case, you need to ensure that the height of the beacons does not exceed 50 mm. To control the evenness of the installed beacons in the horizontal plane, you can use a long, even rail or a 2-meter rule.

A smooth, perfect finish requires leveling the ceiling before painting. In order to guarantee that the paint adheres correctly, this process entails sanding the surface, filling in any cracks or uneven areas, and applying a primer. By taking the time to level the ceiling, you can prevent flaws from showing through the paint, giving the finished project a polished appearance.

A perfect paint finish depends on achieving a smooth ceiling. You can lay a strong foundation for your paint by carefully following the instructions for cleaning, filling, and sanding the surface.

It’s crucial to take your time making the necessary preparations. Hurrying through these processes can result in flaws that become apparent when the paint is applied.

Ultimately, a properly prepped ceiling prolongs the life of your paint job in addition to making it look better. Your efforts to level the ceiling will be rewarded with a polished appearance.

Video on the topic

Preparing the ceiling for painting. #primer #plaster #putty #painting #ceiling #matteceiling

Puttying the ceiling for painting. And the walls can be done like this. Apartment renovation Omsk

How to level the ceiling. Ceiling leveling, professional advice.

No one has yet been able to putty the ceiling so easily and quickly

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Dmitry Stepanov

Professional decorator with 10 years of experience. I know everything about renovating apartments, houses and offices. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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