How to repair cracks in reed ceiling

[JoceAndChris]

(This is Chris posting not Joce)

We have a reed ceiling which has a number of cracks in it that I'd like to repair beore painting. Overall the ceiling is not in bad condition, it's not sagging too badly and none of the cracks are bigger than a millimetre. Unfortunately it looks like there's been quite a bit of gypsum based plaster skim slapped up there.

So what's the best way to fix the cracks?

I did read on one site to just bead caulk over them then sponge smooth.

Or should I gouge them with a shavehook then fill with some kind of filler? Can you get lime skim? Does it matter?

How about products such as Polycell Crack-Free Ceilings (http://www.polycell.co.uk/products/polycell_crack-free_ceilings.jsp), bearing in mind the ceiling has already been considerably skimmed with, at a guess, the cheapest plaster skim from the local builder's merchant?

 

[Penners]

Hello Chris - she's given you momentary access to the computer, has she?! :wink:

If the ceiling has already had a gypsum skim, there's probably not too much point in trying to be too purist about your repair. However, before you consider crack-filling and finishing, do make sure that the surface you're patching is sound. If any of the plaster or the reed mat is loose and "live" (ie: bouncy) you need to tackle that first. And if any of the cracks have crumbly edges, rake them out to firm material.

Once you have a sound surface that is simply cracked, I think I would just go for Polyfilla. There's a new kind of lightweight filler that they call "One Fill", which is perfect for a job like that. The tub feels so light that you could believe it's empty, but the contents is an extremely lightweight filler that won't slump, and can be well jammed into cracks. If you smooth it carefully with a wet knife, you can usually get it sufficiently smooth that it needs little or no sanding.

You can paint over it in less than an hour.

Good luck - prepare for stiff neck muscles!

 

[JoceAndChris]

This is Joce posting not Chris - he's had his brief reprise of playing on the Internet, now back to work.

Cracks gouged successfully, no bouncing or major crumblage for a change, and we'll go for the One Fill.

Thanks Mr P you're a star!

 

[Penners]

It's well worth treating yourself to a shiny, new, unscratched filling knife that's wider than the widest cracks to be filled. It helps you to get a really good, smooth finish that might not even need sanding.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Dear Mr P,

Thankyou so much for your kind recommendation of the product "OneFill". It does, in fact live up to its name, and is a dream to use. The cracks are now smooth and ready for painting, and all done is less time than it takes to curl my hair!

Please do not think too harshly of me for taking 5 months to complete this simple job. Chickens got in the way.

Yours most gratefully,

Joce
xx

 

[AMc]

Dear Mr P,
Please do not think too harshly of me for taking 5 months to complete this simple job. Chickens got in the way.

You should definitely remove all chickens from the cracks before filling no matter how long it takes

 

[JoceAndChris]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Naughty chickens get everywhere.