Our 1835 brick farmhouse sprung a leak in the upstairs bathroom. To find the problem we had to cut a couple of holes (each about 6″ square) in the ceiling below. We cut through the canvas and into the plaster, lathe and mortar. Leak is now fixed, but I am stuck with repairing the ceiling. I should be able to use some wood strips and drywall to fill in the holes, but I’m wondering what to do about finishing it into the surrounding canvas. This is heavy canvas, and has many coats of paint on it. I’m wondering if I will be able to simply feather in the DW compound, or do you have another technique? I am not interested in replacing the entire ceiling canvas–it’s big!
Thanks for your continued guidance on my old farmhouse. You guys are great.
Marc
Replies
You should be able to feather in the compound. If it were me, I'd be sure to use setting type for the first coat or two. That way you might have a little better luck covering over all of those fuzzies and hairs at the torn edges. And if not, the sturdier surface of the setting compound might allow some artful work with a razor knife.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
How textured is the existing ceiling? If smooth then setting compound and then topping mud. If the weave of the canvas is evident try pressing a piece of canvas into the topping compund to texture it after a coupla hours to let it set up. You could make a mold of the existing ceiling, then cast a positive and press that into setting compound. Use 90 min. so you can get the mesh matched right. How big a section of canvas? Would laminating a whole new layer be over the top?
Thanks--these are good ideas. I will use EasySand that I have used for my wall project! One hole is in the entryway, approx room size 6' by 12', and the other hole is around the corner in the dining room, which is probably 15' by 15'--both way too big to attempt anything but a patch repair (at this point)!! No texture, so I will attempt to keep things smooth. I suppose that makes it easier. Will let you know how I do.
Marc