How to Repair a Textured Plaster Porch Ceiling

Cover the floor with a drop cloth to protect it from the mess that is made with a plaster repair.

Scrape the ceiling with a 6-inch drywall knife in the spot that needs repaired. Ensure that any loose plaster is removed. If all the loose plaster is not removed, the repair can lift off, necessitating another repair.

Spread a coat of joint compound over the damaged area. Apply the joint compound as smoothly as possible. Fill any low areas until they are level with the rest of the surface. This first coat will serve as a base for the textured final coat. Allow the joint compound to dry for 24 hours, longer if the climate is humid.

Apply a coat of joint compound over the repaired area with a 6-inch drywall knife. Apply enough compound so that there is plenty to create the texture.

Use the 6-inch drywall knife in half circle swirling motions to create a matching texture for a ceiling with a swirl pattern. If you make a mistake, smooth the joint compound, add more, if needed, and try again. Keep trying until your swirls match the rest of the ceiling.

Blot the texture with a damp kitchen sponge for a ceiling that has a popcorn finish. Fold the sponge in half and only use the edge. This technique can be tricky, so you may need to smooth out the joint compound several times and try over.

Let the textured area dry for 24 hours, or longer if the climate is humid. Paint the entire ceiling so the color matches.