Peeling Plaster Ceiling in Craftsman (pics)

Hello there, thank you guys in advance.. I hope someone can help me with this.

I live in an older, much neglected Craftsman-style apartment (built in 1912). As far as I can remember there have been cracks and chips all over my bedroom ceiling. I've finally broken down and want to repaint and repair everything. I have textured painted walls and what I believe is a textured plaster ceiling. The chips off the ceiling come off in huge chunks and expose whatever the walls are made of. How do I fix this? Of course sanding would produce just more chips and everything is so raised it probably wouldn't smooth it out much. I'd really like to get the texture smooth.. just because I don't care for the textured walls/ceiling throughout my house.

Any help on what the next step to take would be a lifesaver!

-Jordan

 

Welcome to the forums Jordan!

I'd scrape off what is loose and then coat the area with an oil base primer, then use either joint compound or a setting compound like Durabond to fill it in. I couldn't get a good read on the texture but most textures can be duplicated by thinning j/c and applying it the appropriate manner.

Is the landlord on board with your painting/repairs? or do you own the apartment?

 

Thanks for your advice! I attached another photo to give you an idea of the texture.. I don't know how else to describe it. I know the first photos aren't great but do you know what's underneath? It was a really sandy texture and I can see little bits of rock, almost like brittle cement.

I don't own it but have absentee/slum landlords that would be happy with any improvements. Been here for nearly 15 years, great rent but it's all diy.

 

I'm with Mark - scrape and sand away the loose stuff and then fill it back smooth with joint compound.

 

The last pic almost looks like j/c that was slathered on too thick and it cracked during the drying process. Is it well adhered? if so, I'd just caulk or smear a little j/c into the crack. If it's loose, you need to scrape it off and start over.

Plaster walls are done with a series of coats. The base or brown coat is applied to the lath [often wood strips or gypsum lath] That is what you see underneath. Then finish plaster is applied over that to make a nice smooth finish. I've never worked with plaster products but often plaster can be repaired using drywall products which are more diy friendly.