Repairing a Plaster Ceiling's Screen

Prepare for the project. Not only is plaster dusty, but small pieces can fall off and get into your eyes, especially when you are working on a ceiling. Put on safety glasses, gloves and a mask before you start. Lay plastic drop cloths underneath your work area to protect your flooring.

Bend the screen back into shape with pliers and a hammer. If the screen is just warped, you can reshape it back into place. Press and pull until the screen sits level with the ceiling.

Cut the screen with metal nippers. If the screen is broken or cannot be reshaped, clip the exposed part away.

Replace the screen with metal window screening. Cut the screen to fit the area with a little overlap. Tuck it into place where you cut the old screen away. You can use masking tape in the corners to hold it in place.

Patch over the area with new plaster. Mix your plaster in a bucket. Load up a small amount onto a hawk. Transfer some of this to a trowel and sweep the plaster onto the ceiling. Press down with the trowel as you work to flatten the plaster. Scrape off any excess with the edge of your trowel. Let it set for 45 minutes.

Sand down the patched area with a fine-grit sanding block to prepare it for painting. The surface should feel smooth and be free of bumps or ridges. You can now prime and paint the patched area to match the rest of the ceiling.