How to Replace a Plaster Ceiling Section

You can address a damaged section of an old plaster ceiling in one of a few ways. If the area is very large (more than a few square feet), you should consider replacing the whole ceiling. If it's a smaller area but the lath is damaged as well as the plaster, then you may need a drywall patch. If you're lucky enough that it's just the plaster that's damaged and it's a manageable sized area, you can replace just the plaster. Get the furniture out and cover the floor before you start.

Ladder
Drywall knife
Patching plaster (drywall joint compound)
Drywall tape
Pad sander

Instructions

- 1
  Pull down all the loose plaster in the section, exposing the lath beneath it. Make sure only solid plaster remains. Brush away all debris.
- 2
  Spread patching plaster over the lath with your drywall knife to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Cover the whole section.
- 3
  Pull off a length of drywall tape long enough to fit inside the exposed section, along one edge of it. Press the tape into the wet plaster. Pull off a second length of tape long enough to sit next to the first one. Repeat, covering the whole exposed area with tape, embedded in the plaster. The tape should be entirely within the damaged area and not out on the surface of the ceiling.
- 4
  Allow the plaster to dry for six or eight hours.
- 5
  Apply another coat of plaster over the layer of tape with the drywall knife. Again, the plaster should be about ¼ inch thick.
- 6
  Let the plaster set. Spread another layer over it, let it dry and then spread another. Continue until you've raised the level of the damaged area out to the surface of the surrounding ceiling.
- 7
  Spread a final coat of plaster to cover the damaged area and come slightly out over the surrounding ceiling (by 2 or 3 inches). Get it as flat and smooth as you can.
- 8
  Let the plaster set for at least 12 hours. Use a pad sander to sand it smooth.

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