During this project we restored two ceilings: one with the rectangle shaped center piece and another one with rhombus shaped center peace. In both of them we used similar technics with some distinctions.

In both cases we chipped the ceilings as it is shown on Pictures 1 and 3.  This needs to be done for better connection with new material. If new plaster is applied without chipping, layers of old paint or top coat of old plaster could split and fall down together with the new plaster.

To make connection between old surface and new plaster coat we applied bonding material Plaster Weld. In order to reinforce the ceiling we put plaster washers on every beam with the distance of approximately 8 inches. In old houses this is necessary to prevent ceiling from falling down.

Picture 1

On the first ceiling, as you can see on Picture 2, to cover the washers, a new base coat of plaster was applied. While it is still wet, we install a heavy fiberglass mash followed by a topcoat of plaster.

Picture 2

On Picture 3 you can see that second ceiling had heavier damage with cracks. The places where old plaster was removed till laths were filled with new base and stretch coats.

Picture 3

 

In this case we used metal screen instead of fiberglass mash (picture 4) with the base coat and applied few layers of skim coating.

Picture 4

Although restoring plaster ceilings is far from easy, it returns beauty and solidity of old plaster.

Picture 5