Checking the ceiling for irregularities

There is more than one way to assess the flatness of a ceiling. This can be done using various measuring instruments or by folk methods passed from one craftsman to another. Below are several such traditional methods.

1) Some specialists make so-called indicators on the ceiling, known among craftsmen as "mayachki" (guides). Nails are driven into the entire ceiling surface, a string is tied to each head, stretched, and the ceiling is leveled along this string.

2) The next method is assessing the ceiling flatness using a water level. This device consists of two transparent tubes connected by a hose. These tubes are applied to the ceiling in different places, filled with water, and the level in them is carefully monitored. If it is the same in both vessels, the ceiling surface is perfectly level.

3) And finally, the third method. It is very simple. Marks are made on the ceiling using a rotating laser, thereby determining vertical and horizontal lines.

If you decide to install stretch ceilings, do not forget to check the ceiling for irregularities. If you find something, do not worry — there are a great number of ways to correct defects on the ceiling.

How to remove a layer of whitewash or paint from the ceiling

First of all, at the initial stage of the renovation, it is necessary to clean the ceiling surface of old paint or whitewash. For this purpose a putty knife (scraper) or a metal brush soaked in water is used.

Chalk can also be removed without using water. Many craftsmen use a homemade scraper. To avoid spreading dust, a bag is fitted over this scraper so all the chalk falls into it.

If you still cannot cope with removing chalk or paint from the ceiling, use a 3% solution of acetic or hydrochloric acid. Just don’t forget the safety precautions. Wear goggles and gloves while working.

When reinforced concrete slabs are installed correctly

If the reinforced concrete slabs are laid evenly, you can proceed directly to puttying the ceiling. All seams, cracks and other defects are filled with gypsum-chalk putty. For high-quality painting, the ceiling surface is puttied in several stages.

An important component in any putty is chalk, which requires preliminary preparation. First of all, it needs to be dried and sifted. The putty should not be too thick, otherwise it will be difficult to spread on the ceiling. This mixture should be applied with a wide putty knife in an ideally smooth layer. To obtain a smooth surface, after puttying the ceiling surface is sanded with sandpaper or pumice.

If the slabs were laid at different levels, all the methods described above will not help.