Above your head, done properly
Ceiling plastering in Middleton, for a flat and lasting finish
A ceiling carries its own weight as well as whatever has been fixed to it over the years, so it fails differently from a wall. We check the boards and joists behind an old ceiling before deciding whether it needs a new skim coat, overboarding, or a full replaster.
How we work
Why ceilings need a different check to walls
Gravity works against a ceiling in a way it never does against a wall, which is why sagging, bowed boards and failed joints show up there long before a wall shows the same age. Before any plastering starts we look at how the existing boards are fixed, whether there is noticeable sag between the joists, and whether old artex or textured coatings are present, because those affect how the new finish is applied.
Where the boards are firm and flat, a skim coat can often be applied straight over the existing ceiling to bring it back to a smooth finish. Where boards have come loose, sagged, or where an old textured coating is breaking up, overboarding with a fresh layer of plasterboard before skimming gives a flatter, more stable result than trying to skim over the problem.
Bathroom ceilings need a further check, because steam and moisture over time can soften boards and weaken fixings faster than in a dry room. If a bathroom ceiling has been affected by damp, that has to be addressed before plastering, otherwise the new finish will fail in the same place as the old one.
What a ceiling plastering job typically includes
Inspecting boards and joints for sag, movement or damp damage
Assessing textured coatings before any disturbance
Secure new boarding where the assessed support permits it
A full skim coat applied and trowelled to a flat, smooth finish
Edges and the wall junction finished cleanly
Drying time allowed before the ceiling is painted
Textured ceilings and extractor openings
An older textured coating may contain asbestos. It cannot be identified safely by appearance alone. Arrange appropriate assessment before sanding, drilling, scraping or removing it, including before fixing boards through it. This page does not offer asbestos removal; the safe treatment decision comes before the plastering scope.
An extractor opening needs its edges and support planned with the ceiling finish. Keep the duct route and required access clear. Plaster is not a substitute for extraction, and any fan wiring belongs with a suitably qualified electrician. Agree how existing openings and light fittings will be protected before the overhead work starts.
Good to know
Overboarding or a full replaster
Overboarding adds securely fixed new boards before skimming; a replacement removes defective sections first. The right approach depends on support, condition and any textured coating assessment. Adding weight to a failing ceiling is not a repair. Agree preparation before comparing the disruption and price of the alternatives.
Cost and disruption both follow from that decision, which our ceiling plastering cost guide explains in more detail, covering what drives the price without assuming a figure for a ceiling we have not seen.
Older ceilings often still have a textured artex finish, which needs identifying and handling correctly before any plastering work begins. Our guide to artex ceiling removal covers how that is assessed and dealt with. For the walls in the same room, our skimming service covers the matching wall preparation.
Read before you commit
Common questions
Ceiling Plastering: your questions answered
Is overboarding better than replastering a ceiling?
It depends on the condition of what is already there. Overboarding suits a ceiling with firm, securely fixed boards that simply needs a flatter finish. A ceiling with loose, sagging or damaged boards needs a full replaster, because overboarding a weak base does not solve the underlying problem.
Does a bathroom ceiling need anything different from other rooms?
The main difference is moisture. A bathroom ceiling is exposed to steam regularly, so any damp damage needs addressing before plastering, and good ventilation afterwards matters more than in a dry room to stop the problem recurring.
Do you fit extractor fans as part of a bathroom ceiling job?
A working extractor fan matters for how long a bathroom ceiling lasts, so we will discuss ventilation as part of the plan. If new electrical work is needed for the fan itself, that is carried out by a suitably qualified electrician.
How long does a plastered ceiling take to dry before painting?
Wait for the whole finish to dry before decorating. Room temperature, ventilation and the amount of plaster affect drying; follow the product guidance and do not force drying with direct heat.
Can you plaster over an old artex ceiling?
Only after appropriate assessment of the coating and backing. Older textured coatings may contain asbestos, so do not sand, scrape or drill them before that assessment. The safe approach may be leaving the finish undisturbed or arranging specialist treatment.
Other services we provide
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