Even now, many people, when carrying out repair work, prefer to whitewash the ceiling. This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to do this. Components such as chalk or lime can be bought both in any hardware store and in a building supermarket. Whitewashing itself is carried out in two stages, which we will discuss below.
Types of water-based paints:
- silicate;
- latex;
- silicone;
- acrylic.
When applying these paints, the surface becomes a rich white color. Of great importance is the ability of this type of paint to overlap the previous coating on which it will be applied. The higher this indicator, the less paint will be consumed when applying layers to obtain a uniform surface, and the more likely it is not to see all sorts of stains and defects in the ceiling coating.
If there is very high humidity in the room, then experts recommend covering the surface of the ceiling with silicone water-based paints that have detergent and moisture-resistant characteristics. Due to the fact that in different batches the tonality of paints can be different, it is necessary to purchase them a little more than the required estimated volume.
Whitewash chalk can be bought in powder or paste form. Chalk paste is a mixture of finely dispersed chalk, which also contains fungal additives and stabilizers. All this contributes to the quality and durability of the coating. At the same time, to prepare a paste of chalk, it will take less effort and time than a solution of their dry chalk. Just add the right amount of water to the paste.
Lime
Previously, slaked lime was used for ceiling whitewashing. Currently, it can be replaced with a special decorative structured lime. It makes it possible to make the ceiling surface of the original texture. When opening such a surface with varnish, it will be similar to the surface of a fresco. If you no longer want to have a white ceiling, then the color of the solution must be changed due to pigments. These are alkaline ocher, cinnabar, red lead, ultramarine, or already prepared pigment pastes that are resistant to the environment. It should be remembered that the use of ultramarine (blue) in large quantities can give the ceiling a too saturated blue color, which will not make it beautiful.
Therefore, this type of pigment must be treated very carefully. Do not add blue directly to the whitewash, but carefully dilute a small amount of it in one liter of water, and gradually add this solution to the whitewash until the desired result is achieved. It should also be noted that the whitewash that has just been applied to the ceiling will differ significantly in color from the already dried one. In order not to experiment on the ceiling, try applying a small amount of whitewash first on white paper and wait until it is completely dry. If this tone suits you, feel free to whiten the ceiling.
Preparatory work
Without preparatory work, the newly applied whitewash will crumble after a short amount of time. This category of work is very important if the ceiling was first whitewashed with lime, and then you wanted to whitewash it with chalk, or vice versa. It is necessary to pay special attention to the presence of grease stains, dust, stains, soot. All this must be removed before whitewashing.
How to determine with absolute certainty what was used in the previous whitewash. Wet the ceiling with water. If the surface has become dark and does not leave marks on the finger, then lime was used. If the ceiling is simply wiped off, whitewashing was carried out with chalk. If whitewashing was carried out with water-based paint, nothing will change.
Now we will tell you about a quick way to get rid of the ceiling from the old whitewash.
- From the very beginning, we clear the space of foreign objects. If it is not possible to do this, then the floor space and the remaining objects are covered with polyethylene and other protective waterproof material.
- Pour warm water into a basin, add a little soap, take out a brush or sponge.
- We break the ceiling visually into squares, apply the solution from the basin to the whitewash in small portions.
- Removes swollen areas with a spatula.
- The remaining whitewash must be washed off with warm water using a sponge.
Even if you do not see stains, dirt and streaks on the ceiling, there is a need to moisten the surface so that the next whitewash lays better.
If you have completed the previous step, move on to the next one:
- with the help of a special tape (serpyanka), the joints of the ceiling tiles, if any, are glued;
- a well-cleaned ceiling surface is made even, possible cracks are eliminated. This procedure is performed using putty;
- when the putty is completely dry, it is necessary to grout it with sandpaper. After this work, the ceiling should be smooth. The last step is to prime the entire ceiling.
After the primer has completely dried, it proceeds to the next step.
Before whitewashing, the surface of the ceiling must be leveled. To do this, we take a solution of plaster, then moisten and fill them with irregularities, cracks and cracks. If lime plaster was used, then to eliminate its damage, it is necessary to use a lime mortar, which consists of:
- fine clean sand - two parts;
- lime slurry - one part;
- pure water.
The sequence of making such a solution: dilute the lime with water, add sand and water in the required amount to get a thick mixture. If slaked lime is used, then it must be mixed with sand, and then diluted with water.
The second option for leveling the ceiling is with adhesive putty. It is prepared quite simply, is easily applied to the surface, and does not crumble for a long time. It consists of:
- mela - one part;
- gypsum - two parts;
- wood glue - two parts.
To obtain a liquid solution, you must first add one liter of water to fifty grams of glue. Puttying is carried out by means of a spatula, which is first moved across, and then along cracks and cracks. After that, the puttied ceiling is rubbed using pumice or chalk plaster.
After completing the puttying work, we proceed to the priming process. These works allow you to make the ceiling smooth with the presence of a thin film that can become an obstacle to the absorption of paints.
A primed ceiling implies a better adhesion of the surface to the finish. But it is important to remember that it is necessary to start the final whitewashing of the ceiling only when the primer layer is completely dry.
We apply whitewash
We start with the preparation of the finishing material. This process is influenced by your choice of:
- chalk solution. For its manufacture, it is necessary to have warm water, PVA glue and blue. Water is mixed with glue, chalk is slowly added. After a good mixing of the solution, add a small amount of blue. Once again, mix everything thoroughly so that there is a homogeneous mass. For speed and quality, we use a construction mixer;
- lime mortar. If you have a ceiling of approximately 10 sq.m., you need to have 1.7 kg of lime, six liters of water and blue 40 gr., Mix everything well, adding water little by little to form a thick solution;
- solution from VD paint. It is bred strictly according to the attached instructions, exclusively by means of water. To give the desired shade, apply color.
Before applying the first layer, the perimeter and hard-to-reach places of the ceiling are processed with a paint brush. Then the roller is dipped in a finishing material. Apply the first layer starting from the corner farthest from the window. When the ceiling is completely processed, it should dry well. Applying a second layer helps to eliminate errors. It is applied parallel to the light. Until the moment of application, the solution is well mixed with a construction mixer. Whitewashing is also applied from the far corner.
After finishing the whitewashing, the ceiling should dry well. Until the ceiling dries, the windows in the room should be closed to avoid drafts. Windows are covered with a thick cloth from direct sunlight. It is not recommended to use a broom in the room until the ceiling is completely dry. If you decide to carry out finishing work yourself, then do not forget about the need for a respirator, rubber gloves, plastic construction goggles.
To get the perfect finishing layer, you need to listen to the advice of professionals:
- only after the first layer has dried, the next one is applied, and only in a perpendicular direction. Avoid drafts and direct sunlight. Only in this way will you manage not to spoil the final result of the work;
- if you have not removed the previous whitewash, then the new one should be of the same material as the old one;
- in order for the finishing material to acquire the color you need, you need to use colors bought in any building supermarkets.
We whiten the ceiling with a roller
In order to whitewash the ceiling, in most cases a roller is used. It is the optimal fixture for painting the ceiling with water-based paints, which include acrylic polymers. To give the ceiling an ideal state, it is necessary to whitewash with the right painting tool. Rollers made of velor and foam rubber are not suitable for this work, but sheep's wool or long synthetic fur will be what you need. The finished solution is poured into a pre-prepared tray. We dip the roller into the paint, rotate it so that the solution is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the roller.
A couple of times we roll the roller on a corrugated surface, pressing it a little. To make it more convenient for you to whitewash the ceiling, use an elongated handle. When you are whitewashing, try to move the roller in parallel, grabbing a little of the previous strip. Painting is carried out in two layers, and each subsequent layer is applied to the previous one after complete drying and strictly perpendicular. If there is a ceiling plinth, it is painted with a brush at the very beginning. When completely dry, you should not see spots, streaks and streaks. If they are still present, then you have not sustained the technology correctly. And do not forget, after the end of the whitewashing, to bring all the tools involved into proper form so that there is no need for a new acquisition.
Repairing an apartment or a private house on your own is an interesting activity. The first thing to do when doing work is to whitewash the ceiling. How to do the work of an inexperienced builder? How to whitewash the ceiling and what is needed for this, we will tell in this article.
This is the first and important stage in the work, a lot depends on it. And if they are neglected, then the newly whitewashed surface will soon peel off. If earlier the surface was whitewashed with chalk, and today there is a decision to cover the ceiling with water-based paint, then it is necessary to carry out preliminary work. No less important is the question of how to whitewash the ceiling using old whitewash. It is worth noting that whitewashing the ceiling over an old color or over chalk will not give a good result.
To determine what was previously applied to the surface of the ceiling, it is recommended to wet it. If a spot of a darkish tint appears on the ceiling, and the hand does not get dirty from it, then this means that lime whitewash was applied to the ceiling. But if, with light contact, the hands get dirty, then this is a chalky whitewash.
When using a water-based coating, no changes are observed. Next, you need to consider the principles of how to prepare the ceiling for whitewashing.
Step by step removal of the old layer
Work carried out even at a low height requires special care. You can not be distracted and think about other problems. To protect the eyes and respiratory organs from accidental splashes and chalk dust, goggles and respirators should be used. There must be a headdress on the head, otherwise it will be difficult to wash the hair later.
Surface preparation steps:
1. First you need to close all the furniture, which for some reason remained not taken out of the room. The floor should also be covered with waterproof materials, such as plastic wrap or oilcloth. It is recommended to close with an overlap, so that there are no gaps, otherwise, if paint or chalk gets in, the surface of the furniture or floor will be difficult to clean.
2. It is necessary to prepare a soapy solution in warm water, a round or fly brush or brush. Soap dissolves better in warm water, and in case of accidental contact with certain parts of the body, there will be no unpleasant sensations.
3. It is necessary to wet the old whitewash one by one, mentally dividing the surface into small squares so as not to miss even a small area. If you start random wetting of the entire ceiling, then it will soon dry out and you will have to repeat the procedure again.
4. If the surface of the ceiling is soaked with moisture, then you can start scraping off the old layer with a spatula. In order for as little chalk or lime as possible to fall on the floor, containers should be substituted below.
It is necessary to moisten the ceiling in any case, even if the old coating is not dirty. This is necessary for the best adhesion on top of the new whitewash layer.
The next step will be to prepare a surface cleaned of old whitewash or repair the ceiling. For the quality of this work, you need to do the following:
- Conduct a visual inspection of the surface for cracks, potholes and the integrity of the joints between the plates. Identified defects can be noted using a piece of chalk to prevent gaps in preparation.
- Rust joints are recommended to be glued with a sickle. What is a sickle? This is a special mesh tape that is used in painting work. Previously, rustication was sealed with a cement-lime mortar, but practice has shown that dry plaster tends to fall out under the influence of external factors, and this process is laborious and can only be performed by a specialist.
- Identified cracks and irregularities must be puttied, for this a tool is used - a spatula.
- After the surface has dried, it is necessary to eliminate the irregularities formed after puttying with sandpaper.
- The surface is primed with a product purchased from a specialized store. The choice of primer must be made depending on the material in which the ceiling will be painted or whitewashed, but universal ones are more common.
On video: whitewash removal method.
How to whitewash the surface of the ceiling
You can whitewash the ceiling in a room using lime or chalk. Consider two options for preparing a solution for whitewashing, and also find out how to whitewash the ceiling in the apartment.
whitewash preparation
Chalk is a commonly used material for preparing a whitewash solution. You need:
- Pour some warm water into the container and add 30 g of casein glue to it, you can use Bustilat or PVA.
- Separately grate a pack of laundry soap and then add to the same container.
- Mix everything until a homogeneous liquid mixture is obtained.
- Sift 3 kg of chalk and gradually add it to the prepared solution, not forgetting to stir.
Advice! To avoid a yellowish tint on a whitewashed surface, it is recommended to add 20 g of blue (based on 10 square meters).
Lime is also widely used. To prepare the solution, you need to dilute 1 kg and 700 g of lime in water, add 40 g of blue to it and mix everything thoroughly. Lime coating or whitewashing the ceiling with lime protects the surface from harmful microorganisms and helps to eliminate small cracks in the ceiling. The better to whitewash the ceiling, everyone decides on their own. But to create whiteness and freshness in the room, it is recommended to use chalk.
Before whitewashing the ceiling with lime, it is necessary to check the consistency of the prepared mixture. To do this, it is recommended to lower any metal product into the prepared solution, and after taking it out, evaluate whether the surface coverage is sufficient.
If the whitewash from the metal will drain without leaving a trace, then it is very liquid. Chalk or lime should be added in small portions, while stirring and checking until the desired result is obtained. Whitewashing with lime should be done with extreme caution.
What tool to use
Whitewashing at home can be done with a spray gun, vacuum cleaner, roller or brush. But, it should be noted that the splashes left from the spray gun and vacuum cleaner will spread to the entire room, and not just settle on the ceiling. Therefore, you should either close everything well enough, or choose to apply with a brush or roller.
To choose the right brush, you must be guided by the recommendations:
- the bristles must be natural;
- the width of the pile should be at least 15-20 cm.
Before direct use, it is recommended to soak the brush in warm water for a couple of hours so that the wood swells and the bristles do not remain on the ceiling. After the work is done, the brush must be rinsed with running water.
Whitewashing with a roller is available to everyone. How to choose a roller for whitewashing the ceiling? There are no special recommendations for choosing this tool. The main thing is to purchase an additional tray for wetting the roller with whitewash, and it doesn’t matter which roller to do the work.
Whitewash technology
How to whitewash the ceiling? When using a brush in your work, you need to know the following rules:
- Initially, apply a layer perpendicular to the windows and to a different light source.
- The final result is achieved by applying a layer parallel to the incident light.
A simpler version of the work is provided using a roller. The technology is simple:
- The prepared solution must be poured into the pan.
- Lower the roller into the liquid whitewash and roll it along the slope of the cuvette so that the excess liquid is glassed and the whitewash is evenly absorbed into the “fur coat” of the roller.
When whitewashing the ceiling with a roller, it should be noted that the first time the work must be done perpendicular to the light source, and then on top of it in parallel, just like when working with a brush. When working with a roller, the surface should be whitewashed with an overlap on the previously applied layer. This is done in order to prevent unpainted places.
It is impossible to whitewash hard-to-reach places, the corners between the ceiling and the wall, as well as the places where the heating system adjoins the ceiling with a roller. In these cases, the best solution is to use a brush. The whitewashed ceiling will look uniform.
Whitewashing with a water-based composition
Choosing how to whitewash the ceiling, do not exclude painting. To avoid problems with chalk or lime whitewashes, an alternative solution is to paint with water-based compositions over the existing coating. The painted ceiling will look aesthetically pleasing, such paint can evenly paint the ceiling.
But preparing the ceiling for whitewashing has certain nuances, and therefore should be done more carefully. The new coating will better adhere to the old whitewash, and will not settle in the future.
To avoid visible streaks and traces of a roller or brush, the second layer should be applied perpendicular to the previously applied one. Whitewashing with water-based paint is carried out 2 times, but before that it is necessary to ensure complete drying of the first layer.
Experienced builders know how to whitewash the ceiling themselves and correctly estimate the cost of the work. It can be difficult for beginners to determine how much time and money they will spend. There are a few tips to help beginners:
- It is necessary to calculate the cost of materials for whitewashing, including brushes, rollers and other means. First you need to calculate the amount of consumed chalk, lime or water-based paint. Then decide what tools are needed for work, after calculating how much they cost. Add up the two amounts.
- During work, drafts or exposure to sunlight should not be allowed. As a result of this, the whitewash will soon peel off.
- During the direct work on staining or whitewashing the flow, it is important to ensure that there are no sagging or streaks. To do this, you need to color, slowly, carefully and accurately.
Important! You need to prepare for work morally and psychologically, so that the effect of the work done and the whitewashed ceiling please for a long time.
Painting the ceiling with a roller (1 video)
Whitewashing the ceiling is an integral part of any renovation. In order for the work to take a minimum of time and effort, you need to approach it thoughtfully, choosing the appropriate materials and tools.
Most often, when whitewashing ceilings, lime or chalk is used. Both of these materials have certain advantages.
Let's start with the fact that both chalk and lime are environmentally friendly materials. Lime also has bactericidal properties, which makes it especially popular. It is able to tighten and fix small cracks. Therefore, knowing how to whitewash the ceiling with lime whitewash, you can be sure that it will look like new for a long time. Unfortunately, some people are allergic to lime. Of course, in this case it is better to abandon its use in favor of chalk.
Chalk, on the other hand, boasts surprisingly deep whiteness - the ceiling, whitewashed with chalk, looks especially attractive, even visually the volume of the room increases. In addition, it does not cause an allergic reaction, so in some cases it is worth giving preference to it.
It is important to remember - what material was used when whitewashing the ceilings last time, the same should be used when re-whitewashing. Otherwise, blurry spots may appear on the ceiling, which are quite difficult to get rid of.
Tools needed for the job
Before you get started, you should stock up on certain tools that are sure to come in handy. So, how to whitewash the ceiling in the apartment?
- Roller - for processing large areas. It is advisable to buy a model with an extension cord or simply prepare a suitable stick in order to be able to whitewash the ceiling while standing on the floor.
- Brush - for finer work.
- A cuvette is a container convenient for dipping the roller into which white will be poured.
As you can see, the list of tools is not at all large and they cost a few hundred rubles. Yes, you can buy them at any hardware store.
How to prepare a solution?
By this point, you should already have decided what question you are interested in - how to whitewash the ceiling with chalk or lime. Based on this, you can proceed to the next step.
Chalk
To prepare a solution that is enough for 10 square meters of the ceiling, you will need:
- 3 kilograms of sifted chalk.
- 30 grams of glue - PVA or carpentry.
- 20 grams of blue.
Dilute all this in a warm solution of water. To check the density, dip a metal object into the chalk - a spatula or a knife. Then take it out and inspect the surface - the solution should drain, but leave a thick white mark.
Lime
It's even easier here. To get a solution for whitewashing 10 square meters, dilute 1700 grams of lime and 40 grams of blue in warm water. After that, check the density in the manner described above.
Ceiling preparation
Like any repair work, whitewashing begins with surface preparation - in our case, the ceiling. The whole procedure is divided into several stages - we will briefly talk about each of them, so that even a beginner can figure out how to properly whitewash the ceiling.
Surface cleaning
The process is quite simple, but responsible. The surface ready for whitewashing should be smooth, clean and durable. Some experts tell how to whitewash the ceiling using old whitewash, but often such work does not bring the desired result - the surface quickly loses its freshness, so you should not refuse to clean it.
First of all, you need to walk along the ceiling with a wide spatula, removing old, poorly holding whitewash and plaster. For work, in addition to a spatula, you will need a stepladder. Remember to wear a respirator and goggles. In the air of the room, dust will hang, which, without a respirator, will quickly penetrate into the lungs. And pieces of old whitewash may well get into the eye, making an already unpleasant job even more dangerous.
After completion of work, the surface should be washed with a damp sponge, removing dust and improving adhesion to the base.
Sealing joints and cracks
After cleaning the surface, a large number of irregularities will most likely be revealed - cracks and joints between floor slabs. To remove them, it is best to use ordinary putty. A medium (5-7 centimeters wide) spatula is also useful - it is easy and comfortable to work with it, even a beginner will understand how to work with it in a matter of minutes.
If the joints are very deep, then fill them in several passes. Having partially filled the joint, give it a couple of days for the putty to dry and only then fill it completely. Otherwise, a few weeks after the completion of the repair, small cracks may appear on the ceiling.
Stain removal
Sometimes greasy spots appear on the ceiling. They greatly reduce the aesthetics of the room, so they must be removed.
Fortunately, dealing with them is not difficult at all. It is enough to dilute soda ash - three tablespoons per liter of warm water - and rinse the surface with the resulting solution. After the ceiling dries, there will be no traces of unpleasant spots on it.
alignment
The final stage of preparation is very important, because whitewashing will be applied to the leveled surface. Therefore, all defects will be evident.
To work, you need putty and a wide (25-35 centimeters) spatula. Putty should be taken finishing - it costs a little more, but it has an amazing whiteness, you do not have to apply extra layers of whitewash to hide the gray ceiling.
When the ceiling is completely dry (for the drying time of the putty, see the instructions for it), you can walk with fine sandpaper to eliminate the slightest bumps, getting a perfectly smooth surface.
That's all. The preparatory work has been completed. Now we will tell you how to whitewash the old ceiling, giving it the look of a new one.
The process itself is not fraught with anything complicated. But some secrets need to be known so that the result pleases the eye for many years. After all, even minor mistakes can lead to the fact that the entire repair will go down the drain.
Let's start with the correct application of strokes when working with a roller. Focus on windows. The first layer is applied perpendicular to the windows. But the next - in parallel. Due to this, after drying, the stripes will not be noticeable - the ceiling will be covered with a perfectly even, uniform whitewash.
Applying the first layer
There are usually no problems here. Pour the solution into the prepared cuvette (it must be clean, no impurities, like there was or dried paint, lime), then dip the roller into it. Roll it several times on the slope of the pallet - this will allow the lime or chalk to be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the roller. The surplus simply drains and will not drip from above onto the hands, shoulders and face of the master.
After that, get to work. The roller should be driven along the ceiling with small overlaps - about 5 centimeters. This will only slightly increase material consumption and time costs. But as a result, there will definitely not be unpainted areas that will spoil the impression of the repair.
The joints of ceilings and walls can cause a lot of problems - getting close with a roller, even with a small one, will not work here. This is where a brush comes in handy. Working with it is very simple - dip it into a cuvette, lightly press it against the edge, squeezing out the excess solution, and paint over the problem areas.
Reapplying whitewash
When the first layer is applied, wait 2-4 hours for it to dry - the specific time depends on the temperature and humidity in the room. If after that gray floor slabs are visible, apply another layer.
It is very important to know how to whitewash the ceiling without streaks. The key to everything is even pressure and a well-wrung roller. Otherwise, some areas will be covered with a thicker layer of chalk or lime, which will make it appear whiter than others.
Apply so many layers that the dried ceiling becomes perfectly smooth and white. After that, you can rightfully consider yourself a home master!
Modern renovation of premises begins with the finishing of the ceiling, and most often whitewash is used for this. Most likely, you know how to whitewash ceilings with lime, since this is the most popular folk method.
Other materials are also used, so each craftsman must know how much chalk, lime or water-based paint is needed, how to prepare and apply them to the surface.
Ceiling finishes
When choosing how to whitewash the ceiling, consider the amount of work, the condition of its surface, taking into account design ideas.
Instruments
- Brush.
- roller.
- Sprayer (spray gun).
- Vacuum cleaner.
Whitewashing the ceiling with a brush is the simplest and most common method.. However, if the surface area is large, then hand tools will not be the most effective solution - use a sprayer.
To do this, you can adapt a regular home vacuum cleaner. Simply attach a special sprinkler to it, which can be included in the kit or purchased separately.
How to whitewash the ceiling with a spray? Pour whitewash into a jar (from 0.5 to 2 liters) and put this simple device on top. Next, you need to look at the design features of your vacuum cleaner.
If you have a model that changes the direction of air supply from suction to blowing by simply turning the knob, that's good. For other options, you need to connect the end of the vacuum cleaner hose to the hole from which air comes out.
Before starting work, you must first clean off the old whitewash, and then carefully cover all parts of the interior of the room. It is best to attach a protective film from the ceiling itself, then you will not have to clean the room for a long time.
First determine the base of the previous finish. To do this, wet the ceiling with water. If it is lime, the wet place will immediately darken, and if you rub it with your finger, it will not get dirty. Glue-based compositions are easily soaked and washed off. The color will not change during this test.
If you have determined that the ceiling is whitewashed with lime, then you cannot immediately apply chalk, as dirty spots will appear on the surface. First, wash off the old finish with water. Carry out this operation carefully, without skipping any sections. Then remove the old layer of whitewash with a sharp scraper.
Surface preparation
Wash very contaminated places with a solution of copper sulphate, dissolving it in boiling water. Additionally, you can moisten the whitewash with a 3% solution of acetic acid. Leave the washed ceiling to dry for 24 hours. If you simply remove the old coating with a scraper, then after that also treat the surface with a solution of copper sulfate.
Preparation of a chalk solution
Take 4-5 kg of chalk for 10 liters of water, add some blue. This will give the whitewash a slightly bluish tint that will keep the color of the ceiling clean and fresh. If desired, you can get a different color by adding the necessary pigment to the white.
Chalk whitewashing technology
- When using a brush, apply strokes of the first layer of mortar transversely to the rays of light illuminating the room from the window.
- On the dried first layer, apply strokes of the second, but do it perpendicular to the direction of the previous treatment.
- Whitewash in 2-3 doses.
Advantages and disadvantages
Whitewashing with chalk is a simple and affordable way to finish the ceiling.
Possible defects in this case (stains, spots, stripes, bubbles) depend on the quality of the material and compliance with the proportions of the composition.
Whitewashing the ceiling with lime - a step by step guide
The disadvantages presented also apply to whitewashing with slaked lime. But this finish lasts longer on various surfaces. Therefore, choosing the better to whitewash the ceiling, many make their choice in favor of lime coatings.
Carefully! Do not use lime whitewash on rusty and greasy surfaces.
Step 1. Prepare the base for the lime finish
Prime and . The surface, before starting to apply whitewashing, must be clean and durable.
Surface preparation
Step 2: Prepare the lime mortar
Prepare a solution at the rate of 0.4 kg of slaked lime and 0.6 liters of water per 2.5 square meters. m. To give it strength and water resistance, add 0.3 tbsp. tablespoons of drying oil and 5 g of table salt. Thoroughly mix the mixture in a bucket, strain through a sieve, removing lumps and impurities. To give the whitewash a bluish tint, add 20–25 g of ultramarine to it.
Step 3. Finishing the ceiling with lime
Lightly dampen the ceiling and whitewash its surface 2 times. In this case, apply the second layer on the previous one that has not yet dried. This will give the whitewash more strength. Now you know how to properly whitewash ceilings.
Important! On hot days, whitewashing with lime is not recommended.
A little about the factors on which the quality of the finish depends
Lime whitewash will be durable if the lime is carbonized (saturated with carbon dioxide). To create the necessary conditions for this process, whitewashing must retain moisture for some time. Therefore, be sure to wet the surface of the ceiling before applying the lime composition.
Also, for normal crystallization of the solution, sodium chloride (table salt) must be added to its composition, which accumulates additional moisture from the air in the lime film.
Advantages and disadvantages
The bleached ceiling, after finishing with lime, contains small pores on the surface that absorb moisture and freely evaporate it through themselves. Such a coating has enhanced disinfecting properties, which expands the possibilities of its use for a number of premises, primarily outbuildings.
Also, after the lime whitewash has dried, a sufficiently strong and wear-resistant film is formed on its surface.
If the composition is prepared correctly, then it can be stored for at least 3 to 4 years, and in some cases even longer. To do this, aluminum-potassium alum is added to the whitewash - crystalline substances containing 10.7% aluminum oxide. The mechanical strength of such a coating is much higher than usual.
The composition of the lime mortar
- Lime dough - 3 kg.
- Water -10 l.
- Table salt - 100 g.
- Dilute lime paste in 5 liters of water.
- Dissolve the salt in a separate container in 1 liter of hot water.
- Pour the salt solution into the milk of lime and stir. Instead, you can use aluminum-potassium alum (0.2 kg per 10 liters of composition).
- Separately, soak ultramarine (or other pigments of the desired shade) in water, and gradually pour it into the composition.
- Before whitewashing, add water to a volume of 10 liters.
- Stir and strain the lime mortar.
Cooking method
Carefully! Wear protective goggles and gloves when working with lime compounds.
Lime whitewashing of new plaster
New plaster is whitewashed with pure milk of lime, diluted with warm water to a certain concentration, depending on the intensity of the coating to absorb moisture. In order to evenly distribute the solution over the surface, do not make its composition too thick.
Apply lime mortar to new plaster with a well-moistened brush. First of all, and then - the walls. Repeat the process twice so that the bottom layer does not show through. Apply the second coat over the completely dry first coat. Walls can be treated in the same way as the ceiling - whitened with lime mortar.
Lime whitewashing of old plaster
Before whitewashing old plaster, thoroughly clean it and treat it with lime milk with the addition of 2-4% drying oil. After applying the mortar to the old plaster, rub it with a wide flat brush. Before you whitewash the ceiling with lime, remember that in order to obtain a strong and durable coating, it needs to dry as long as possible.
Features of the use of whitewash for different rooms
You already know how to whitewash the ceiling, and now let's look at some features of the choice of popular materials. Use chalk whitewash to repair ceilings in halls and bedrooms. And remember that such a finish is “afraid” of moisture.
But the solution of lime, due to moisture resistance and disinfectant properties, is well suited for bathrooms, baths, showers and pools. Use milk of lime for whitewashing basements, garages, closets and sheds.
Summary
By reading this article, you have learned:
- Features of the use of popular and inexpensive materials for surface finishing.
- We got acquainted with a step-by-step guide: how to whitewash ceilings with chalk and lime.
Now you can do it yourself:
