How to Fix a Botched Stucco Ceiling Job

Textured Paint

• 1

  Mix sand into ceiling paint. Add sand to paint in a 1:2 part mixture. Stir well until all the sand is coated with paint.

• 2

  Apply the textured paint over the stucco ceiling. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

• 3

  Add a second coat of the textured paint. If the stucco is uneven or textured poorly, the layers of textured paint will camouflage the unevenness and hide the original texture.

Tile

• 4

  Lightly sand the stucco ceiling with course or 60 grit sandpaper. This will smooth out part of the texture.

• 5

  Apply tile adhesive to the ceiling with a trowel. A thicker layer than normal will fill in any uneven bumps from remaining texture.

• 6

  Apply the ceiling tile. Cut the tiles to fit the area and cover the stucco. If the botched stucco is poorly textured or colored, this completely covers the problem.

Replace a Botched Section

• 7

  Locate the ceiling joists closest to the botched stucco area on the ceiling. Draw a square or rectangle on the ceiling around the area, reaching the joists on two sides.

• 8

  Cut out the area with a hand saw and remove. Snip out the existing chicken wire and pull out the old tar paper piece for that area. Do not cut through any existing wood ceiling.

• 9

  Slide a new piece of tar paper behind the existing tar paper in the cut hole. Staple it in place.

• 10

  Snip a piece of chicken wire to fit the hole. Staple it in place to the ceiling joists on each side and to the wood ceiling.

• 11

  Mix the stucco according to the manufacturer's directions and apply it to the area. Practice on an old piece of plywood or cardboard to get the application close to the original texture. Wet the stucco around the new section with a sponge to assist in blending the old with the new.

Plaster Coat

• 12

  Mix ceiling plaster according to the manufacturer's directions.

• 13

  Apply plaster with a trowel over the stucco. Allow the plaster to dry for at least 24 hours.

• 14

  Paint the plaster with ceiling paint.