There are several ways to create a perfectly flat surface without drops. It will not be difficult to carry out construction work, and additional preparation is not needed. It is not always necessary to turn to specialists. If you try, then all the procedures can be done by hand. You just need to prepare the required material and tools.
There is no need to rush to avoid mistakes. Aligning the ceiling is quick, but subject to the available instructions at hand. Expert advice will be a good addition for those who do not have experience in this area.
Methods for leveling the ceiling
You can get a flat and smooth surface using several techniques. Modern people prefer several options. We will look at them below:
- Putty. It is quite suitable if there are slight differences on the working surface, no more than two centimeters. Well, this method helps to remove cracks and seams between the plates.
- Plaster. Here you can choose any composition - cement or gypsum. Thus, it is really possible to remove more significant differences, up to five centimeters.
- Sheathing using drywall. This method helps to remove large irregularities, because the frame is pre-mounted. It is insulated and soundproofed. This method is most commonly used.
What to choose?
The choice of ceiling alignment method should be taken seriously, although this is not a difficult task. The main thing to rely on is the errors and unevenness of the entire surface. The process itself is built in three ways:
- Using a laser level. These are modern technologies. You need to start from one edge and move to the second, paying attention to the slope and plumb.
- The level marks in two corners. After that, straight horizontal lines are drawn from them to the rest of the walls (so that they become at a single point in the last corner).
- Maximum drop, from marks to ceiling. Based on the result, they make a choice of the method that will become suitable.
If there are gaps between the floors, they are well plastered, even with a large gap. When choosing a method of work, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances of your working surface. Sometimes some use several ways to level the ceiling at once. Without experience, you need to approach tasks individually, taking into account each feature.
Surface preparation
Do-it-yourself repair and leveling of the ceiling begins with preparatory work. It doesn't matter which method is used. This step, done correctly, will help the rest of the steps.make it easier. How long this takes will depend on the condition of the ceiling. If this coating is in the form of water-based paint or lime, then it will have to be completely removed.
You need to apply warm water to the surface using any sprayer, rag or brush. It is worth waiting for the time when it is absorbed and the paint swells. After the work is done with an iron spatula. We will remove the old surface with them. When this is done, the surface is washed with a rag, treated with a primer mixture.
Today there are special compositions for removing paint in stores. In addition, whiteness or a weak solution of alkali helps well. In combination, such actions will help remove dirt. Priming is required. This will help to make adhesion to the surface reliable when further leveling the ceiling with putty with your own hands. Wallpaper is removed in the same way.
Applying a primer is best done in several layers, and then wait until it dries completely. How much time will it take? This information is on the packaging.
If paint has been applied to the ceiling, then it can be de alt with using grinders using a nozzle. In the process, a lot of dust appears, but the effect will be perfect. It is necessary not to forget about personal safety equipment (about a respirator). This procedure removes some irregularities. After these works, the surface is washed, dried and primed.
Wallpaper is easier to deal with because special tools are available on the market. Oldthe surface is processed, the required time is maintained and removed with a spatula. It also happens that the coating begins to peel off, while one layer remains in the same place. To remove it, you need to repeat the wetting. As soon as the main one is removed, the coating is washed with water and primed. Only after that you can start leveling the ceiling for painting.
Working on the surface with putty
This method is effective for small differences, as well as for removing seams before finishing paint application. Do-it-yourself leveling of the ceiling with putty does not allow the application of a layer of more than two centimeters. If this is violated, then after a while such a layer will begin to crack and fall off. Everything is done on a prepared and primed surface. Otherwise, the clutch will be ineffective.
In the presence of seams and cracks in which the plaster does not hold securely, they are processed. It is necessary to clean up so that there are no errors. Primer must be applied. Do not leave greasy stains and rust. There are special formulations to effectively get rid of them:
- If it is greasy dirt, laundry soap is used. It is necessary to create a solution using 100 grams of the product per liter of water. The solution is applied to the stain, aged and washed.
- Rust. Hydrochloric acid helps well, after application it is necessary to withstand for a long time to remove any reminders of such a stain. After the surface is washed. Some purchase special tools for car bodies. According to reviews, the effect is good.
- White stains. Acetic acid of small concentration copes with them. After processing, time is expected, and the composition is removed. The surface is washed with plain water.
- Fungus. On sale there are special tools that help to remove such an education. After the surface is washed, an antiseptic is applied and dried.
- Dirt and soot are well washed with laundry soap. The surface after application is washed with plain water.
Tools and materials
In the process, you will need the following:
- Putty for starting and finishing application.
- Spatulas. Two is enough, but it is important that they are of different widths.
- A container to mix the composition, and a mixer to create a homogeneous mass.
- Tape at the seams.
- Sandpaper.
- Building level.
Before you start leveling the ceiling of an apartment or house with putty, you should purchase the right mixture. You need to take into account your abilities and skills. Some purchase ready-made options, although you can work with dry ones by making the required composition with your own hands.
Putting process
It is carried out in several stages:
- We need to prepare a solution. If these are dry formulations, then dilute according to the available instructions.
- Pay attention to small cracks and seams. They have adhesive tape on them. After work begins onthe entire surface. Large pieces are carefully leveled. The resulting area is dried. The time is indicated on the packaging of the composition. Then they clean it with sandpaper (but only if there are large differences).
- Waiting for time to dry. If necessary, another layer is applied. Next, you need to dilute the finish coat. It is applied with a thickness of no more than two millimeters. Excess is immediately removed.
- The last step is done once the surface is completely dry. You need to rub it with sandpaper, and then check the coating with a lamp so that there are no glare and bumps.
This final alignment of the ceiling for painting is quite suitable for whitewashing and wallpapering. If the finish surface is whitewashed, then the putty should acquire the same color after drying.
Applying plaster
You can choose a mixture for leveling the ceiling based on gypsum or cement. This method is effective when the errors on the surface are more than five centimeters. The plaster adheres better to the surface and does not fall off. Thus, the surface becomes even, large chips and cracks are removed. As in the first option, a primer and level markings are applied.
What needs to be prepared?
Here's what you need to have on hand:
- Composition based on gypsum or cement.
- Reinforcing mesh and dowel-nails.
- Drill.
- Construction mixer and mixing container.
- At least two spatulas of different sizes.
- Sandpaper.
- Level.
Getting Started
Builders recommend preparing the surface well so that the grip is as reliable and tight as possible. Each process goes through several basic steps:
- It is necessary to stretch the mesh over the entire surface of the ceiling. It is worth making the markup, screwing the dowels. Work takes place under the ceiling, and so that dust does not get into your eyes, you should take care of personal protective equipment.
- You should prepare a solution. You must follow the instructions in the instructions. It is worth initially pouring the solution, and already add water to it. It is better to pre-calculate how much composition is needed for the surface to be treated, so as not to acquire too much or prevent shortages. Using a drill with a nozzle or a construction mixer, mix the compositions until a homogeneous mass. It won't take long.
- Start work from the lowest angle. The solution is applied with a wide spatula over the mesh. It is necessary to press down so that the solution enters the spaces. It is not necessary to do maximum alignment in one layer. It is better to do several applications. The first layer is applied so that the mesh sits tightly on the surface. Each subsequent one must be thoroughly dried to ensure reliable adhesion.
- The second layer already completely hides the mesh and makes the surface even. You don't have to cook a lot. Each stage is a new batch. If the composition began to thicken, do not add water.
- The last layer is rubbed as much as possible to make the surface smooth. The trowel is pressed down and rubbed around the perimeter of the ceiling. This will make the finish easier to do. Costswait until the surface is completely dry.
Only after that go through the primer and apply the final finish. Depending on what will be applied, work is underway on the ceiling.
Using drywall
This method allows you to level any ceiling to smoothness. Thus, an error of no more than five centimeters is removed, or heat and sound insulation is performed. This design implies the presence of a frame. It can be made of iron profiles and wood. The use of hanging brackets allows you to do everything strictly according to the level. The only negative is the lowering of the ceiling by 10 centimeters. This is not acceptable in every home.
Before starting, you will have to calculate the required number of sheets. For this, the area of \u200b\u200bthe ceiling is taken. It is worth adding a little for bleed or errors. Some recommend doing a preliminary sketch or diagram. You will need to purchase guides and skirting boards.
Getting Started
Before you create a frame, prepare the surface, but there is no need to finish too much. Only peeling pieces are removed. Then everything is step by step:
- The guide profile is being installed.
- After the suspensions are attached along the lines.
- The profile is inserted into the guides with the flat side down. Check for evenness and fix. Most often, self-tapping screws are used.
- After, drywall sheets are simply fixed.
When the surface is completely done, the seams remain. Before finishing, it is worth disguising them.putty.
Conclusion
As you can see, each work has its own characteristics. It is worth doing everything in stages so that there is no wrong execution or destruction after a short period of time. Leveling the ceiling with drywall or something else is a simple procedure that anyone can handle, even without experience.
