Qualitatively and quickly, everyone can level the ceiling with their own hands. You just need to decide on the method and get acquainted with its main technological features. Our recommendations and step-by-step algorithms will help you. Dry leveling of the ceiling is used for irregularities with a depth of 5 cm. It can be carried out without damaging the wall finish, in contrast to wet methods.
Dry methods for leveling the ceiling include:
- Plasterboard sheathing … Plasterboard sheets are a great option to level the coating and implement original design ideas. With their help, you can make a curly or multi-level coating. Under such a structure, wiring and pipes can be hidden. The market offers many models with different performance characteristics. For example, leveling the ceiling with plasterboard can be done even in the bathroom and in the kitchen, if you choose moisture-resistant sheets.
- Covering with PVC panels and siding … The main advantages of such materials are strength and durability. The materials are moisture resistant and suitable for finishing any premises, although they look less aesthetically pleasing. Also, the disadvantages include the relatively high cost. Materials line the ceiling and are finishing materials. As a rule, they do not require additional finishing.
- Installation of tensile structures … This is one of the most original options for leveling the ceiling. They can be made of matt or glossy PVC ceilings, as well as fabric backing. This method is rather a ceiling finish that does not require prior alignment.
Features of leveling the ceiling with putty
The method of leveling the ceiling with putty is used to process ceilings that do not have significant differences. The putty differs from the plaster in the size of the filler. She has a small size, no more than 1 thousand microns. That is why it is used to eliminate minor defects on concrete, wood and other surfaces.
The main advantage of the putty is that it can be used to achieve perfect surface smoothness. In addition, this method is relatively inexpensive and durable. An additional advantage of the putty is its environmental friendliness, artificial materials (expanded polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, plastic) are not used in this case.
For work, only a deep penetration primer, starting and finishing putty is required. They are environmentally friendly materials that do not emit odors and chemicals. To level the ceiling with putty, you need spatulas, a roller and a drill with a nozzle for mixing the compounds in the container.
The main disadvantage of leveling the ceiling with putty is the laboriousness of the work, since the layer of putty must be very thin.
It is possible to putty the surface only after removing the old finish layer and filling the cracks. It is important to carry out a primer in two layers before work. This will contribute to better adhesion of the filler and the ceiling. Before starting work, it is recommended to paste over the ceiling with a painting net or fiberglass using PVA glue. This will increase the strength of the surface and prevent future cracking.
Next, we work in this order:
- Preparing the solution. Large surface putty is sold dry. It must be diluted in accordance with the instructions. It should be homogeneous, without lumps and be similar in consistency to thick sour cream.
- Put a little mortar along the blade of a wide spatula with a narrow spatula and apply to the ceiling. If you plan to apply several layers of putty, then the thickness of the first one should not exceed one centimeter.
- After finishing the coating, you need to wait until the starting putty is completely dry before proceeding with further work. The optimum temperature for speedy drying is +18 degrees.
- Sand the surface with fine-grained paper.
- Apply the second layer of finishing putty as thin as possible.
- After drying, we also grind and prime it.
Please note that it is best to use a putty and primer from the same manufacturer, as they will work better with each other.
How to level the ceiling with plaster
Alignment of the ceiling with plaster is carried out if the differences are up to five centimeters. This is a rather laborious process, but one cannot do without it if the level differences are large. This usually happens in old buildings with curved ceilings. Various types of surfaces can be plastered - from concrete, wood, as well as columns, beams and other metal structures.
Among the advantages of this method of leveling the ceiling, one can single out the fact that the plaster does not "steal" the height of the room, as, for example, suspension systems. In addition, plaster, like putty, is an environmentally friendly material. For work, tools such as a special spatula, a container for mixing the solution, a drill with a stirrer attachment, a paint brush or a roller are required.
The difficulty of performing the work and the main disadvantage of this method is that the raw and dry solution, if the technology of work is incorrect, can fall off the ceiling and injure a person. In this case, it is important to carefully follow the instructions and pay attention to the preparatory stage of surface treatment.
Before work it is necessary to prime the surface. The plaster must adhere securely to the coating. It is recommended to level the ceiling with a mesh before applying the mortar. With drops of up to five centimeters, PVA painting can be glued, but with drops of five or more centimeters, it is advisable to fix the metal reinforcing mesh with special brackets.
Next, we work in the following sequence:
- We install beacons with a step of 30 cm. This is necessary in case of significant irregularities. The marks will help you level the surface as efficiently as possible.
- Preparing the solution. It can be based on lime, gypsum or cement.
- Apply the mixture by sprinkling it on the ceiling. The so-called "fleece" method is used for large differences.
- After fixing the solution, we level it with a second layer. Please note that when leveling the ceiling with cement, apply the next coating after 2 hours, when using gypsum mortar - after 20 minutes, lime - after acquiring a layer of whiteness.
- We prime the coating and remove the beacons.
- We process corners and joints.
- Apply the last top coat if necessary.
If the drops are up to five centimeters, then the preliminary "fleece" can be omitted. Simply apply the first coat using a bucket and trowel.
Plasterboard ceiling alignment rules
Ceiling alignment with drywall sheets is a simple and reliable technology. Unlike PVC panels and siding, drywall is an environmentally friendly material. The indisputable advantage of this method is the absence of "dirty" wet processes. The only exception is the filling of seams with putty.
After installing drywall, there is practically no debris, except for scraps of material. In addition, the space between the base and the suspended plasterboard ceiling can be used with benefits, for example, for heat and sound insulation, laying communications. Drywall itself has good sound insulation properties, as well as heat insulates the room and is a fireproof material.
Installation of such a suspended structure does not require special tools and skills. And the design of the future ceiling depends only on your imagination and abilities. With drywall, you can bring almost any idea to life.
At the same time, leveling the ceiling with plasterboard has its drawbacks. Finishing the plasterboard ceiling will "take" at least 8-10 cm of the height of the room, and possibly more, depending on the curvature of the ceiling. In addition, drywall is not resistant to direct exposure to water. If flooding occurs from the upper floor, then the material can not only lose its shape and deform, but also collapse. After drying, the drywall will still remain deformed and will require replacement.
Before starting work, you need to prepare the surface. To do this, clean the old cladding, close up cracks, get rid of stains of grease, rust, soot, mold, prime the surface. To perform the work, you will need gypsum boards, metal profiles, fasteners. Give preference to galvanized parts, they are corrosion resistant and will last longer.
We carry out the work according to the following instructions:
- We make a pencil markings on the ceiling in the places of future fastening.
- Using self-tapping screws, we fix the profiles to the ceiling.
- We lay the wiring and communication lines. For convenience and safety, it is advisable to use a box.
- Preparing drywall sheets for installation. We give them the desired shape and size.
- We fix the parts to the metal profile with self-tapping screws in increments of 15-20 cm.
- We glue the seams between the sheets with serpyanka tape using PVA glue or starting putty.
- After drying, we clean the joints, fix the abrasive mesh on a vibrating grinder.
- We prime the surface.
Practically the same technology is used to attach PVC panels and siding.
How to level the ceiling with plasterboard - watch the video:
Methods for leveling the surface must be chosen taking into account the peculiarities of the operation of the room, personal preferences and budget. Each ceiling leveling technology has its own pros and cons. Even a beginner can master almost any of them. Compliance with the rules and knowledge of the nuances of the process will allow you to perform the work quickly and efficiently.
