paint over old damage

annoyed · 08-12-2009, 11:10 AM

I purchased an old home that at one time had a small roof leak, since repaired. The original plastered walls and ceilings are in great shape. The ceiling area where the old leak was (size of dinner plate) released the years of paint down to the plaster (still in great shape) I have scraped away any loose paint and now wish to repaint. Due to many prior coats of paint the build up of paint is pretty thick. What is the best method for building this area back up starting on raw plaster so that the paint job will appear seamless.

Thanks

NAV · 08-12-2009, 03:33 PM

I will tell you the correct and easiest way to repair that area:

first prime the spot with a stain blocking primer. that will seal everything up and prevent old water stains from bleeding through your repair. Let the primer dry overnight if you have the time.

now all you have to do is patch it with Durabond or joint compound. Durabond is mixed with water and dries very fast. it comes in 5, 20, 45, & 90. the higher the number the longer you have to work with it until it sets up. 5 = 5 min, 20 = 20 min and so on. hot water makes it set faster.

now the trick is if you are not experianced with plaster is to put on thin coats. if it is the size of a dinner plate you should use a 6" or 8" mud knife for your first coat. let it set up and scrap off the ridges and high spots. use a 10" or 12" mud knife for each additional coat. (you can get away with a 12" for everything if you know what you are doing).

Remember, it is easier to apply 2, 3 or 4 coats of plaster vs sanding off a pancake.

then just sand spot prime and paint.

now if you really suck at plaster - after you think you are done sanding prime it and look at it. if it looks wavy or sunken in you have to apply more coats and sand again. if it looks like a hump you have to sand through the primer and plaster, mud again, sand and prime.

NCpaint1 · 08-13-2009, 10:39 AM

Ditto to what NAV said.

annoyed · 08-14-2009, 02:12 PM

Thanks for your detailed response I am going to jump on that this weekend. I just hope the old paint matches to keep me from having to paint the entire ceiling.