Can I do this job?
#1
06-06-11, 07:52 AM
Can I do this job?
New to this forum so here goes. My husband and I recently replaced a crummy looking fluorescent fixture in our kitchen with a chandelier. Where the old lighting was are several holes in the textured sheetrock, 2 of which are about 1/2 in diameter (4 or 5 are smaller), as well as significant black burn marks where it looks like the old lightning exploded sometime in the past. The ceilings are vaulted and continuously flow throughout the kitchen and on into the living room and dining room. We are not experienced handy-people so I'm wondering if this is a job we can do ourselves or should we throw in the towel and hire a pro. The main worry is the patches will be obvious and that the entire ceiling throughout all connecting rooms will have to be painted. I'd appreciate any advice.
#2
06-06-11, 08:57 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums
Whether the entire ceiling needs to be painted may come down to something as simple as whether you can match the paint
As far as the repairs, you can do this yourself it you want, patching drywall is pretty straight foward. The hardest part will be matching the texture - do you know what kind of texture you have? If not, some pictures may help us identifying it for you to help you reproduce it.
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...your-post.html
Whether the entire ceiling needs to be painted may come down to something as simple as whether you can match the paint
As far as the repairs, you can do this yourself it you want, patching drywall is pretty straight foward. The hardest part will be matching the texture - do you know what kind of texture you have? If not, some pictures may help us identifying it for you to help you reproduce it.
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...your-post.html
#3
06-06-11, 01:16 PM
Pictures by mmestat - Photobucket
I've attached the URL for a photo. Hopefully I did it right. And you're right my biggest worry is matching the paint and texture. I figure it would be some standard contractor white that someone at Lowe's would be able to ID for me. As you can see from the picture (maybe) it's quite a mess. Looks like somebody tried to fix a couple of holes, drilled some more then just covered up the whole thing with a cheap light that later burned out.
I've attached the URL for a photo. Hopefully I did it right. And you're right my biggest worry is matching the paint and texture. I figure it would be some standard contractor white that someone at Lowe's would be able to ID for me. As you can see from the picture (maybe) it's quite a mess. Looks like somebody tried to fix a couple of holes, drilled some more then just covered up the whole thing with a cheap light that later burned out.
#4
06-06-11, 04:17 PM
In some markets you can buy small amounts (5# or so) of Quick setting joint mud. Other wise use spackel. Dab it in with your finger. It might take a second coat. Just the last time wet your finger and touch the patch and pull it away. It should leave a little point similar to the points already in the texture.
A good paint store can match the paint with their computer. you might have to buy a gallon to have them do it.
Be sure to do something to kill the black stain.
A good paint store can match the paint with their computer. you might have to buy a gallon to have them do it.
Be sure to do something to kill the black stain.
#5
06-06-11, 04:17 PM
I couldn't get the image to enlarge enough for me to tell much about it 
maybe the others will have better luck 
There is no such thing as a standard white. Every brand and even every line in each brand has a slightly different shade of white. It would really be helpful if you can find the brand that was used. If this is a fairly new house you might be able to run down the builder and find out what brand of paint was used. Were there any cans of touch up paint left behind when you bought the house?
maybe the others will have better luck 
There is no such thing as a standard white. Every brand and even every line in each brand has a slightly different shade of white. It would really be helpful if you can find the brand that was used. If this is a fairly new house you might be able to run down the builder and find out what brand of paint was used. Were there any cans of touch up paint left behind when you bought the house?
#6
06-07-11, 06:08 AM
marksr,
There is a 5 gallon bucket of interior semi-gloss enamel they left here. That has to be it since there's no other white paint anywhere in the house. It's got to be 5 years old though, do you think it's still ok to use?
tightcoat,
I'll try what you say. I plan to use Kilz on the black after I clean off as much as I can.
Thanks to both of you for the good info.
There is a 5 gallon bucket of interior semi-gloss enamel they left here. That has to be it since there's no other white paint anywhere in the house. It's got to be 5 years old though, do you think it's still ok to use?
tightcoat,
I'll try what you say. I plan to use Kilz on the black after I clean off as much as I can.
Thanks to both of you for the good info.
#7
06-07-11, 06:22 AM
Group Moderator
Use oil based Kilz on the stain
Semi-gloss would be unusual for a ceiling, they are usually painted with a flat sheen paint
Semi-gloss would be unusual for a ceiling, they are usually painted with a flat sheen paint
Last edited by stickshift; 06-07-11 at 12:32 PM. Reason: I apparently cannot spell
#8
06-07-11, 11:40 AM
As Mitch stated, most ceilings are painted flat, occasionally with satin or eggshell, rarely with semi-gloss.
The paint might be usable, you'd have to open it up and inspect it. If it's real thick - it has been exposed to freezing temps and isn't any good. If it stirs up and looks decent [may need to be strained] it's probably ok to use..... if it's the right paint. What that bucket does do, is give you a lead as to which brand of paint may have been used on the ceiling. Most painters [home owners too] tend to buy all their paint at the same store.
The paint might be usable, you'd have to open it up and inspect it. If it's real thick - it has been exposed to freezing temps and isn't any good. If it stirs up and looks decent [may need to be strained] it's probably ok to use..... if it's the right paint. What that bucket does do, is give you a lead as to which brand of paint may have been used on the ceiling. Most painters [home owners too] tend to buy all their paint at the same store.
#9
06-09-11, 06:30 AM
Good to know. I suppose the semi-gloss could have been the original wall color. The ceiling definitely doesn't look like a semi-gloss is on it. But at least I have the brand used now.
