How to Fix Metal & Dry-Lining Ceilings

Repairing Metal Ceilings

• 1

  Wear safety goggles to repair the metal ceiling. This protects your eyes from flying debris during the process.

• 2

  Strip the old paint off your metal ceiling by using a wire brush. Another option is to use a wire brush attachment on a power drill. Use a light, yet firm touch to remove any old paint. Too much pressure may bend or dent the metal ceiling.

• 3

  Scrub away any rusty areas with a piece of steel wool.

• 4

  Vacuum the metal ceiling with the brush attachment on your vacuum. This provides a smooth, clean surface for paint.

• 5

  Squirt silicone caulk in any holes or cracks in the tin or other type of metal ceiling. Smooth it out with the tip of your finger and allow it to dry according to the caulk directions.

• 6

  Brush a coat of metal primer on the tin ceiling with a quality paint roller. Use a paintbrush to cover the edges where the ceiling meets the wall. Wait for the primer to dry completely.

• 7

  Paint the metal ceiling with a quality oil-based paint. Use a clean paint roller and paint brush to apply the color. Two or more coats may be necessary. If so, allow each coat to dry completely before beginning another.

Repairing Dry-Lining Ceilings

• 8

  Locate the source of the moisture problem by investigating your attic or roof for leaky pipes or worn-out shingles. Repair the problem by sealing the leaky pipe or adding new shingles. Do this before attempting to fix the dry-lining ceiling.

• 9

  Remove any damaged dry lining from the ceiling with a claw hammer. Wear safety goggles while doing this.

• 10

  Replace the damaged dry-lining panels with new ones. Do this by positioning the panel in the correct area and using a prop that has a T-shape to hold it temporarily in place. These are available at hardware and home supply stores.

• 11

  Nail the dry-lining ceiling panels in place one at a time to the bottom section of the existing ceiling joists. Do this with the hammer and plasterboard nails.

• 12

  Attach paper joint tape to the areas where the panels meet.

• 13

  Spread ceiling filler over the joint tape with a trowel. Use a damp sponge to smooth the edges. Allow the filler to dry for 48 hours or according to the container directions.