Fixing Ceiling (Lowes, color, standard, repair)

[NewHomeBuyer79]

Was up in the attic and slipped/stepped on the ceiling. Now there is a crack in the ceiling (ugh). Its about 7 inches long and 2 inches along the top (looks like an upside down "L"). Its pushed down so the ceiling is not flush.

Any ideas on how to fix this bonehead accident will be appreciated!!

[the painter]

Cant give you a "good" answer without some facts first. Where is the break, at a seam or in the middle of the board? what type of texture is on the ceiling, popcorn, knockdown or is it smooth? Once this is known We will give you a shopping list................

[NewHomeBuyer79]

Thanks. Middle of the board....its smooth.

[harry chickpea]

Standard drywall fix. Pound back in, add paper tape or screening for a base, mud (or spackle) it out, wait, mud it out again, sand or wet sand, paint. Instructions are just about everywhere that spackle or mud is sold. It actually makes a fun and fairly easy project.

[texdav]

Lok for a bok onthis at say Lowes. Its simpler than you think really.Just take your time and sand to a smooth finish. If textured they even have classes on that.

[southgeorgia]

i did this when I was a kid at my parents house (i was trying to run myself a new TV line).

I pushed it back level with my hands, bought some of that popcorn patch @ HD, and sprayed away.

for the longest time, you couldn't tell where it was if you didn't know what to look for.

I was there last weekend and saw that the spot i patched has now faded to a yellowish color whereas the rest of the ceiling is still white.

But it looked great when i finished.

[NewHomeBuyer79]

Thanks a lot - I think I will try the push back first before I go cut out and put in a new piece.

[South Jersey Styx]

This is a simple fix. Two other things for a beginner: (1) When you spackle, don't glop it up. It will be a pain in the rear to sand when it's dry if it's too thick and glopped up. You may need several thin coats depending on the fix. (2) When sanding, be sure to wear a dust mask. Some people wear goggles too (if you wear contact lens) and cover their head with a cap or bandanna. Good luck!

[jimboburnsy]

If the upside-down "L" has very defined, straight lines then you probably popped a joint. You may want to force (gently) the L back into level and secure with a drywall screw.

Can you see anything that looks like tape or paper?

In any case, I think you want "joint compound" for the repair moreso than "spackle".

Spackle is more for filling holes or fixing cosmetic issues in areas that can't move. If there is any possibility of expansion, contraction, torquing or other movement regardless of how slight you want to use joint compound.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by jimboburnsy

In any case, I think you want "joint compound" for the repair moreso than "spackle".

Hey, thanks for the correction! I don't want the OP confused with "joint compound" and "spackle" (which are BOTH listed on the products he/she will be looking at).