Home Garden

How to Conceal Smooth Ceiling Imperfections

A perfectly smooth ceiling finish is difficult to achieve, even for the most advanced drywall professional. The level of finish is often a level four or five drywall finish. The joints are taped and mudded two to three times, and accessories are covered with the same number of layers. Still, some drywall problems may occur, making your ceiling not as smooth as intended. A few fixes may solve your problem and leave your ceiling perfectly smooth.

Things You'll Need

  • Medium grit sandpaper
  • Joint compound
  • Putty knife
  • Drywall mud
  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Fine grit sandpaper
Show More

Instructions

  1. Cracks

    • 1

      Sand the area with medium grit sandpaper. Remove any loose particles around the crack.

    • 2

      Fill any small cracks with joint compound. Place drywall tape into the wet plaster for reinforcement.

    • 3

      Allow the plaster to dry. Sand the area smooth, and repeat with layers of joint compound or drywall mud until the ceiling is smooth.

    Nail and Screw Pops

    • 4

      Use a screwdriver to tighten and adjust the loose screw back into the wood. Hammer in nails that are loose.

    • 5

      Cover the area with a thin layer of joint compound. Use a putty knife to skim the surface of the ceiling when you apply the compound. Let the plaster dry.

    • 6

      Repeat the process, adding additional layers of plaster to the surface. Sand each layer with fine grit sanding paper, and wipe away the drywall dust with a damp cloth.