Preparation for whitewashing. Whitewash the ceiling: tips for beginners and an overview of the simplest methods (80 photos). Whitewashing the ceiling by the hands of professional craftsmen

In the interior of a living space, the ceiling plays an important role. Despite the huge variety of offers on the construction market, the most popular finishing option, as before, is ordinary whitewash. It is quite possible to do it on your own, and labor-intensive stripping of the ceiling down to the base is not always necessary.

It is permissible to whitewash over existing layers of paint, you just need to know how to do it correctly. A well-applied coating looks very beautiful, creating cozy atmosphere and improving illumination. The impression of the room being filled with air is created; the whitewashed top is traditional in a country house.

What tools and protective equipment will be required?

At home, whitewashing the ceiling with your own hands is most often done using paint brushes and rollers: they can easily whiten any surface. The use of paint spraying units will require professional skills and experience; moreover, in small areas, splashes will be deposited everywhere. To complete the work you will need the following tools and protective equipment:

• paint roller, brushes and tray;
• spatulas and sandpaper;
• ladder and bucket;
• material for wiping and covering.

It is better to mix the composition using an appropriate attachment on a drill or a paint mixer. The organs of vision and breathing are protected by a respirator and goggles, a hat is put on the head, and gloves are put on the hands. The ceiling should be whitened with a hard brush or foam roller.

Preparing the premises for work

Before whitewashing the ceiling in the apartment, the room is prepared. Lighting fixtures are removed from the ceiling, cornices and other elements are removed. decorative design. Maximum should be created free space, remove all interfering interior items.

Heavy furniture with large dimensions is covered with a waterproof film, secured with adhesive tape. The entire floor area is covered in several layers with old newsprint. This procedure must be carried out especially carefully so that after completion of the repair you do not encounter the need for general cleaning.

Ceiling preparation

To finish the ceiling surface, use lime, chalk or water-based paint. You can tell which material was used before by sprinkling water on a dry surface or running your finger over it. Chalk will absorb water and leave a mark on your hand, lime and paint will not.

After determining what previously whitewashed the ceiling, the base is prepared for applying a new coating. To do this, remove the old whitewash with lime or wash off the old whitewash with chalk.

Then you need to get rid of traces of grease and rust, which can spoil the appearance of the newly repaired surface. The joints and gaps between the ceiling slabs are carefully sealed, and finally, a general leveling of the surface for finishing is carried out.

Removing old lime whitewash

The procedure for removing old whitewash with lime is not technically difficult, but is very labor-intensive and involves a significant amount of crumbling contaminants. To carry out this operation you will need a spatula, a sponge with a brush and a solution of laundry soap in warm water. First, the ceiling covering that needs to be cleaned is wetted with a brush, but you should not treat a large area at the same time, as it will have time to dry.

Apply the soap solution in areas convenient for quick cleaning. The soaked coating is removed with a metal spatula. When performing this procedure, you need to place a container of sufficient volume under the crumbling pieces. You can hold it with your other hand or attach the tray to the instrument. After scraping the coating with a spatula and a sponge moistened with a soap solution, the remnants of the old lime whitewash are removed.

Washing off old whitewash with chalk

Old chalk whitewash can be easily washed off using a sponge moistened with water. When a detergent with surfactants is added, the adhesion of the particles deteriorates, causing the coating to soften and be easily removed. The wetted surface is left for some time to loosen, then it is washed off by moving the sponge in a circle.

Removing Dangerous Stains

Rust, water and grease stains are dangerous because they will bleed through the newly applied coating if not removed.

Having prepared a solution of rich-colored copper sulfate, you should use it to treat traces of rust until they fade or disappear. Rust spots appear where metal reinforcement comes close to the surface, so such places must be coated with a primer and puttied.
Stains of this kind cannot be covered with whitewash without removal.

Grease stains and traces of water drips are removed with a hot solution of a mixture of soda ash and laundry soap. Then the surface is thoroughly washed clean water. Hydrochloric acid of three percent concentration removes soot from the coating. One-part composition liquid glass and two parts water, it neutralizes stains well.

Sealing joints and gaps

The joints of the ceiling slabs and the gaps between them are sealed using putty and taped with a special mesh tape called serpyanka. You can make your own putty from a mixture of two parts wood glue and gypsum with one part crushed chalk, diluted with water to the consistency of kneaded dough.

Smeared with a spatula adhesive composition adheres well to the base on which it is applied. After it dries, the surface is treated sandpaper and covered with a primer.

Leveling surfaces for whitewashing

If we want to perform high-quality whitewashing, the surface of the ceiling should be thoroughly leveled. Depressions in the lime coating are filled with a mixture of two parts sifted sand with one part crushed lime and water. Cracks are smoothed with adhesive putty, the recipe for which was given above.

After removing all visually noticeable irregularities, apply building level. The identified height differences are leveled, after which the entire ceiling area is covered with putty in two layers. The resulting deposits are cleaned off with fine-grained emery cloth.

Choosing material for whitewashing

The most affordable finishing material is ordinary chalk. It is easy to prepare a mixture of the desired consistency, which will not form streaks when applied. The low price and low consumption of the main component of the mixture are attractive. It’s not difficult to dilute chalk in water and whiten the ceiling with it yourself.

Whitewashing the ceiling surface with lime is technically more difficult, but this material prevents reproduction pathogenic microflora, being good antiseptic. In addition, it adheres better to the coating and has better resistance to moisture. Concrete ceilings in multi-storey buildings It is more rational to cover with chalk; in wooden private houses it is better to use lime, as it prevents the wood from rotting.

Currently, chalk and lime are used very rarely for ceiling finishing. The most optimal coating option is water-based emulsion paint. It forms an even and smooth surface without streaks. Whitewashing the ceiling surface with water-based paint preserves its performance for a long time.

Chalk is the most accessible

The most affordable material for finishing ceilings is ordinary chalk. To apply it, it is not necessary to prime the base.

Whitewashing the ceiling with chalk forms a coating of shining whiteness, giving the interior of the room lightness and cleanliness. Negative side The use of chalk is that it slowly crumbles, forming fine dust.

In addition, chalk coating is not resistant to water, so it cannot be used in rooms with high humidity, for example, in the kitchen and bathroom.

Working with lime is a little more difficult

Lime is a little more difficult to work with, but it hides minor defects coatings, filling cavities and cracks well. Due to its resistance to the aggressive effects of water, lime whitewash can be used in the bathroom and other rooms with high humidity. This material prevents the development of pathogenic microflora, prevents the development of wood decay processes, therefore it is often used by owners of wooden private houses.

However, a lime coating will never be completely white, and it often causes allergic reactions in people who are prone to this.

Water-based paint is the best option

Whitewashing the ceiling with water-based paint gives a very good results. The best option finishing ceiling - coating it with paint based on water emulsion. Certain difficulties arise with the choice of this material, due to the fact that there are many compositions of it with different properties. Polyvinyl acetate compounds have the lowest price; the most popular are those that adhere well to any surface. acrylic paints.

Paint with silicone is permeable to moisture vapor, so it is optimal for use in the bathroom and kitchen. Compositions with latex additives are characterized by excellent resistance to water; the surface they form can be safely washed with cleaning agents. However, they have the highest cost. A high-quality ceiling coating with water-based paint forms a surface that does not turn yellow over time, on which mold and mildew do not appear.

Preparation of whitewash solution

The preparation of the whitewash solution varies depending on the material used. Whitewashing ceilings with chalk is the most affordable finishing option. To accomplish this task, it is necessary to prepare the following composition, designed to apply ten square meters of coating:

• in heated water you need to dissolve shavings of laundry soap or dilute thirty grams of wood glue;
• then three kilograms of crushed chalk are poured into it;
• The whiteness effect is enhanced by the addition of twenty grams of blue.

The solution is thoroughly mixed construction mixer and filtered through cheesecloth. During storage, the mixture settles, so it should be used immediately.

Working with lime is a little more difficult, the solution becomes more dense, the consumption of material increases, and streaks may form during application. To prepare the solution, three kilograms of slaked lime are mixed with a liter of water, one hundred grams of soaked salt and a little blue are added. Then, with constant stirring, adding warm water increase the volume to ten liters. The optimal density of the mixture is determined by lowering a knife blade into it: if the solution drains from it without leaving traces, the density should be increased by portionwise additions of lime with constant stirring.

May need some priming

To ensure high-quality adhesion of the finishing material to the surface of the base on which it is applied, it must be primed. Its composition is selected depending on the implementation of whitewashing with chalk, lime or application of water-based paint.

On the construction market there are universal compositions for all types of finishing materials. You can prepare the primer yourself from a mixture of three kilograms of slaked lime, two hundred grams of laundry soap, one hundred milliliters of drying oil, diluted in eight liters of water.

We whiten correctly: with a roller or brush in two layers

After the primer has completely dried, the ceiling is whitewashed using a paint roller or brush. In the room in which the work will be carried out, drafts are unacceptable: uneven drying will lead to shedding of the material, so doors, vents and windows should be tightly closed. The correct whitewashing technology consists of applying two layers of coating.

The first of them is performed in the direction of incidence of light rays from window openings thin even layer. You should not increase its thickness excessively; the material will collect in the form of drops, which will subsequently burst and crumble, since there is air inside them.

At behind closed doors and windows are dried for twenty-four hours. After complete curing of the coating, a second layer is applied in the transverse direction. Final drying is carried out without the use of heating units or heating devices, in natural conditions.

A huge variety of finishing materials is replacing old methods of repair, and lime whitewash is no longer used as widely as it was 50 years ago. But this method, proven by generations, fully corresponds to the expression “cheap and cheerful.” If you are planning to whitewash walls, ceilings or borders in the garden, learn what properties slaked lime has, how to prepare it correctly, calculate the solution consumption and apply it to various surfaces.

Lime is not the easiest material to use. However, it occupies its niche in the building materials market quite firmly and is very reluctant to give up its position. Considering all the advantages and disadvantages, in certain cases the use of lime whitewash is advisable, and sometimes it is more appropriate to choose another method.

Budget finishing material

Important properties of lime whitewash

The lime known to everyone from school is called calcium oxide in chemistry textbooks. For whitewashing, slaked lime is used, that is, it has reacted with water. In chemical terms, slaked lime is strong foundation– alkali. It has good disinfectant properties, because an aggressive alkaline environment has a detrimental effect on fungus, insect pests and other unwanted living creatures.

Lime whitewash is not afraid of humid air, does not crack or bubble. In addition to resistance to high humidity, walls treated with this substance are resistant to temperature changes.

Fluff in powder form

For whitewashing it is not necessary to wash off the existing coating; it can be applied to old finishing. Moreover, if a network of small cracks has formed on the surface of the walls or ceiling, treatment with slaked lime solution will strengthen the finish and extend its service life.

The cost of lime for whitewashing in stores cannot be compared with the price of other finishing materials. This is due to the fact that the production process is very simple - it is a simple firing of lime rocks in a kiln. Raw materials cost pennies, so the price of the product is low. A thirty-kilogram bag costs about $2.

Where and why is it advisable to use lime?

The properties of an antiseptic and fungicide make slaked lime a leader among finishing materials for damp and cold rooms: cellar, barn, garage, basement and the like. It is used for walls and ceilings. The weather resistance of the substance allows it to be used for whitewashing facades.

The record holders for using lime for whitewashing and other tasks are summer residents. Here it is applied full swing. It is customary to whitewash walls both inside and outside, add quicklime to the soil to change its acid-base balance, treat tree trunks to protect them from insects and animals, and borders for beauty.

Trees are whitewashed from pests

In those rooms where practicality, rather than aesthetics, comes to the fore, and also matters financial side question, lime solution is also used to cover walls and ceilings. This can be observed in entrances, on staircases, in common corridors, foyer.

It is quite appropriate to whitewash the ceiling in any living space in this way. In schools, hospitals and other institutions, lime mortar is still used for wall finishing. After drying, calcium hydroxide becomes safe and does not release any harmful substances.

Entrance decoration

Buying lime - which one to buy and how much

Before going to the store, you need to find out what kind of lime to buy for whitewashing - slaked or quicklime, how much of it is required and what other components will be needed. This will save you from going to the construction market again if suddenly the solution is not enough or its properties do not meet your requirements.

How to make slaked lime with your own hands

As you already understood, extinguished and quicklime- completely different substances that are united only by a consonant name and the presence of calcium in the composition. For household repair work Slaked lime is used. It is sold by weight in any hardware store or agricultural department.

Kipelka - lump lime

However, there are often situations when the farm has a fairly large supply of quicklime and it is advisable to use it rather than buy slaked lime. In this case, you can extinguish it yourself, especially since this chemical process does not require the skills to conduct such experiments in the laboratory.

So, how to prepare lime for whitewashing from lumpy quicklime. First you need to worry about personal protection. Since you will be dealing with a rather aggressive alkali, take care to protect your eyes (goggles), respiratory organs (respirator), and exposed skin (closed clothing and gloves). This must be done in the air.

Video: How to prepare a whitewash solution

You will need a deep container, such as a bucket, and a mixing tool - traditionally a stick. The list of ingredients is also short:

• lump quicklime;
• water.

Quenching process

The water must be cold, this is the only condition. Even a first-grader will remember the proportion – 1:1.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. For 1 kg of calcium oxide take 1 liter cold water.
2. Combine all this in a container and mix. Almost instantly you will be able to observe the beginning of a powerful chemical reaction with the release large quantity heat. When extinguishing, the mixture sometimes heats up to 150 degrees; it is not for nothing that the substance is popularly called boiling water - the solution literally boils.
3. When the reaction stops, heat and gas cease to be released, the lime can be considered “fluffy”, that is, slaked. However, it is not yet suitable for whitewashing.
4. The solution should ripen for 2-3 weeks under a lid in a cool, dark place.

Solution proportions and consumption per square

To start whitewashing with lime yourself, you need to prepare at least the following set of materials:

• powdered fluff or lime paste;
• water.

Packaging of fluff

In addition, various auxiliary substances are often added to whitewashing, which give it certain properties. The base solution is prepared in a ratio of 1:3. For every kilogram of fluff, take 3 liters of water. As a result, 4 liters of solution can be prepared from 1 kg of substance.

The consumption of lime per 1 m2 during whitewashing directly depends on the type of surface on which it is applied:

• The largest consumption is about 1 liter ready solution per square, will go untreated during whitewashing brickwork.
• A flat prepared surface requires approximately 0.5 liters per square meter of area.

Preparing the premises

Another criterion that affects consumption is painting tools. More often they use a regular flat brush or a round brush. These tools are wasteful, the mass is applied in a thick layer, and drips and drops can form. The spray gun can significantly reduce material consumption and operating time. Often, instead of a spray gun, a vacuum cleaner with reverse airflow and even hand-held tree sprayers are used.

How to calculate the amount of fluff and water

Before diluting slaked lime for whitewashing, you need to perform some calculations. An approximate calculation of consumption is as follows.

First you need to calculate the area of ​​the walls and ceiling that you plan to whitewash. For example: a room 3 by 5 m, ceiling height 2.5 m. It was decided to treat the ceiling and part of the walls from mid-height to the ceiling with lime whitewash.

Wall area: (3*2.5+5*2.5+3*2.5+5*2.5)/2=20 m2.

Ceiling area: 3*5=15 m2.

Total area: 35 m2.

A solution of the required consistency

Based on the average consumption of 1 liter of solution per 2 m2 of surface, it is easy to calculate required amount for whitewashing - 17.5 liters of lime mortar. You can round up to 18, or better yet, to 20, because average consumption is a fairly flexible concept.

That is, 20 liters of solution are required, and this is 5 kg of slaked lime powder. It is worth noting that ready-made lime dough, which is sold in construction stores, is diluted according to the same proportion, which means the calculation is correct for him as well.

Whitewashing leaves marks

Supplements to improve durability and combat deficiencies

Since lime has been used in construction for a very long time, there are a lot of “ folk recipes"and methods that improve the properties of this substance. After all, modern water-based paints appeared not so long ago, and craftsmen were forced to practice chemistry right in their dacha or home.

The first problem that is solved by adding secret ingredient into a solution of lime whitewash - shallowing. A dried surface tends to stain everything and everyone who touches it. What to add to lime to prevent it from smearing? This ingredient is in every home - salt. It has a good bonding effect. Add 100 g of salt per liter of solution.

Salt - so as not to smear

Another problem, especially when using whitewash for exterior work, is that the composition is quickly washed off with water. It has long been known what to add to lime so that it does not wash off - a fatty component is introduced into it - drying oil. Drying oil repels water and allows whitewash to last longer. Proportion 1:10, 100 ml per liter of solution.

They practice adding laundry soap, grated on a coarse grater, PVA glue, wallpaper glue, and acrylic primer. All this is done in order to ensure maximum adhesion of the whitewash to the wall, to prevent its swelling and bubbling.

Drying oil - so that it does not wash off

White is not the only color possible

To prevent the lime coating from becoming yellowish, an ordinary blue dye is added to it - methylene blue. You will need 10-20 g per liter. The whitewashed ceiling will become snow-white. But sometimes it becomes necessary to obtain lime mortar of other colors. This mass can no longer be called whitewash, and not every dye is suitable. Only those pigments that are resistant to an alkaline environment are used - mineral, but in no case organic.

Pigments used for lime paints:

• ocher (yellow tint);
• umber (greenish brown);
• red lead (orange);
• mummy (red-brown);
• chromium oxide (green);
• titanium dioxide (white);
• lithopone (white);
• ultramarine (blue).

Pigments are used for preparation

To prepare lime paints good quality, it is not recommended to add pigment in its pure form - powder. It is first diluted with water to obtain a paste. Then pigment paste Let it sit for about 24 hours. And only after this the dye can be added to the solution. This is because grains of pigments often do not dissolve well and can drag on the brush, forming unsightly streaks of color.

How to apply the composition to the surface according to all the rules

Instructions on how to whitewash walls with lime vary widely. The thing is that each master has his own recipe for a lime mixture, his own tool, and therefore his own technique. But you can try to combine the fundamental points into one algorithm. The result is a universal method, which everyone has the right to supplement or slightly adjust depending on the situation.

A roller is suitable for the ceiling

Is surface preparation necessary?

If the task is to quickly whitewash the walls and the decorative side of the issue does not really concern you, you can skip the preparation stage altogether. In fact, you can whitewash directly on top of other coatings without worrying that the result will not live up to expectations. But if the walls are covered with adhesive paint, then you need to remove it first.

If speed is not your priority, then it is better to prepare the surface for applying lime mortar. This way the result will be more accurate. The old whitewash is washed off, the swollen areas on the plaster are removed, sanded, and puttied. The same applies to cracks, if any.

Preparing the ceiling for whitewashing

Plain water is used as a primer. The surface is slightly wetted for better contact. And if the mixture contains one or more of the additives listed above, then adhesion will be even better.

It is important to protect all other surfaces from accidental contact with lime. All furniture, if it cannot be removed from the room, the floors and walls are covered plastic film. The worker must wear a protective suit, gloves, goggles and a mask for personal protection.

A few secrets for uniform application

The application process is not particularly difficult. A brush or paint brush is dipped into a container of whitewash and the solution is applied to the walls or ceiling thin layer. For ceilings, it is better to use a tool with a long handle. You can make it yourself. This will make your work easier and eliminate the need to climb on unstable structures made of tables and chairs.

Direction of movement of the brush or roller

Apply whitewash in several layers - 2-3. Each layer must be applied perpendicular to the previous one. This way the coating will be more uniform and there will be no streaks or thickening. There are often unbleached areas in the corners. In these places it is better to go through the brush again.

It is necessary to maintain a time interval between applying layers. The previous layer must dry completely. This will happen much faster if the layers are thin. The thinnest and most uniform layer will be obtained when using an electric spray gun. The lime mixture is poured into the tank and sprayed onto the surface in tiny drops. This eliminates the occurrence of divorces.

Spray gun - a solution to many problems

Despite the fact that the process of whitewashing walls and ceilings with lime is not difficult, for those who are faced with this for the first time, it may seem like an impossible task. Especially when it comes to high ceiling or an extensive amount of work on large areas. It's never too late to turn to a master - a professional in his field. He can easily do this job efficiently and much faster than a beginner.

Video: Quick repair cellars

Whitewashing the ceiling is a traditional, affordable and at the same time environmentally friendly finishing method. A ceiling whitened with chalk or lime retains freshness and cleanliness for several years. The cost of materials for this type of finishing is low, and the technology is simple, thanks to which anyone can whitewash the ceiling with their own hands.

Whitewashing the ceiling: advantages and disadvantages

When planning to make repairs, many people prefer simple and proven finishing methods, especially if the budget is limited and does not allow hiring a team of craftsmen who have the skills to work with expensive modern materials. These types of finishing include whitewashing the ceiling. This method has been known for a long time, as have its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of whitewashing:

• the cheapest finishing option, the technology is simple and does not require special skills or expensive tools;
• chalk and lime used for whitewashing are environmentally friendly materials; they do not have a harmful effect on health;
• whitewashing does not take much time - along with preparatory work you can do it in two or three days;
• the ceiling covering turns out to be vapor-permeable and does not interfere with the normal evaporation of moisture;
• does not affect the height of the room, like tension or suspended structures;
• With the help of color you can give the ceiling any shade.

Disadvantages of whitewashing:

• fragility, especially in the bathroom and kitchen; over time, the ceiling darkens or turns yellow;
• whitewash is afraid of splashes of water and leaks from the upper floor;
• dirt, dust and splashes during the repair process;
• If the technology is not followed, the whitewash may peel off.

Whitewash retains its whiteness and freshness for 2-4 years, but given the low cost of repairs, it is easy to update it regularly without compromising the family budget.

Whitewashing materials and their features

Traditional materials for whitewashing ceilings are lime and chalk. Outwardly, they give a similar effect, but the properties of the coating are slightly different.

Features of chalk whitewash:

• easy preparation of the solution;
• good coverage without streaks;
• low price and low material consumption.

Features of lime whitening:

• good antiseptic, kills germs;
• has the property of sealing microcracks;
• has greater water resistance than chalk whitewash; minor stains can be cleaned without disturbing the main coating layer;
• lasts better and longer than chalk;
• The working solution for good covering power must be thick enough, so the material consumption is greater;
• more difficult to apply without streaks.

The choice of material is a matter of taste; in city apartments with concrete floors chalk is usually used, in houses with wooden floors would be better suited lime - it serves not only as a finish, but also protects the wood from rotting.

Important! You cannot whitewash with chalk over lime or lime over chalk without first completely removing the old whitewash!

Preparing the ceiling surface

The adhesion of the dried bleaching composition depends on proper surface preparation. Preparation is carried out in several stages, which should not be neglected.

Video - Removing old whitewash from the ceiling

To prime the ceiling, you can use a ready-made primer for interior paints or prepare it yourself according to the recipe given in the table.

Table. Primer for whitewashing.

Soap is grated and dissolved in a small amount hot water, pour drying oil into it. Slaked lime is diluted separately in a bucket. cold water, pour in a solution of soap and drying oil. After thorough mixing, the solution is ready. It is applied to the ceiling with a roller or spray gun.

Video - Plaster and putty on the ceiling

Preparation of working solution

Calculation necessary materials performed based on the ceiling area in all rooms that need to be whitewashed. They are calculated by multiplying the length and width of each room that needs to be whitewashed and adding the result.

Note! For getting high-quality coating two or three layers of whitewash are needed. This must be taken into account when calculating.

Chalk solution

The chalk solution is prepared from fine powder intended specifically for whitewashing. The table shows the solution recipe and the number of components required for whitewashing 10 m² of ceiling area.

Table. Chalk solution for whitewashing.

Preparation of chalk solution.

1. They take required quantity warm water, pour it into a plastic or enamel container of sufficient volume.
2. Glue is dissolved in water.
3. Add pre-grated or knife-cut soap.
4. Pour in the calculated amount of chalk and mix thoroughly by hand or with a construction mixer.
5. Add blue to give whiteness or tint to create the desired shade, mix again.
6. Strain through two or three layers of gauze or nylon stocking to remove lumps and foreign particles.

After filtering, the solution is ready for use. It is better to use it immediately - during storage it settles and will require repeated mixing. The solution can also be prepared from chalk paste, packaged in jars; it is sold in hardware stores. In this case, the solution is prepared following the instructions on the package.

Lime solution

If quicklime is used, it must be slaked first.

Ready fluff lime is diluted according to the recipe given in the table. The consumption in the table is indicated for 10 m².

Table. Lime mortar for whitewashing.

Preparation of lime mortar.

Unlike chalk mortar, lime mortar long-term storage only wins, becomes more uniform and shows its covering ability better. Therefore, you can prepare a solution for several stages of whitewashing at once. When using ready-made lime milk, water is added to it until the desired consistency is achieved; no reaction with heating occurs.

Whitewashing the ceiling

You can begin whitewashing after the ceiling has been prepared and the primer has completely dried. The whitening solution can be applied with a brush, roller or spray gun.

Tools that need to be prepared before work:

• brush choose a wide, wooden one with natural bristles, so that the hairs from the brush do not crumble during the whitewashing process; it is pre-soaked in warm water for several hours, while the swollen wood clamps the bristles more tightly;
• roller you can take both foam rubber and fur; the structure of the coating depends on the roller - a fur coat gives a rougher, more voluminous surface, and foam rubber gives a smooth and uniform surface; the roller is placed on a long handle, for example, from a mop;
• spray gun you don’t have to buy it – you can rent it or from friends; Before pouring whitewash into the spray gun, the solution must be carefully filtered so that there are no lumps or clogging of the nozzle.

Note! Before starting work, you must close all windows, doors and vents to prevent drafts. If this is not done, the whitewash will dry unevenly and may crumble. They can only be opened after the ceiling has completely dried.

Applying whitewash to the ceiling with a brush or roller.

When applying whitewash with a spray gun, it is also applied in two layers, and the direction has no of decisive importance, since the whitewash lays down more evenly and without streaks. It is important not to apply too much thick layer solution to avoid dripping.

After the whitewash has dried, the room is ventilated to remove excess moisture and smell, remove the covering film from the furniture and do wet cleaning. Connect lighting or it is better to hang the chandelier after all the work is completed.

Note! You can quickly wash off drops and splashes of whitewash from the floor or furniture using warm water and soap and adding a tablespoon of vinegar.

Whitewashing without removing the old coating

If the ceiling is not too dirty and its base is not damaged, you can do without wet removal of the whitewash. In this case upper layer The old coating is swept away with a hard brush, removing dust and excess chalk. To reduce dust, you can use a vacuum cleaner: bring its hose directly to the surface to be swept, turn on the vacuum cleaner and remove dust directly from the ceiling.

Apply the whitening solution conventional technology. It is recommended to try first small area. If the whitewash begins to peel off, remaining on the roller or brush, it is better to stop working and remove the old coating in the usual way using a spatula and sponge.

Which roller should I use to paint the ceiling?

The above technology for whitewashing the ceiling is quite simple. All stages of the work can be done with your own hands, without the help of professionals, and the resulting result will delight you for several years. The freshness and cleanliness of a whitewashed ceiling will give your home a cozy atmosphere without extra financial costs.

There are different materials for repairing and covering the ceiling. From modern options It is worth noting the hanging and tensile structures. But most often they use whitewashing or painting. These finishing methods are recognized as the most economical, fast and easy to implement. The whitewashed surface adds coziness to the room. You can refresh the ceiling using the services of specialists. But after learning how much a master’s work costs, many apartment owners decide to whitewash it themselves. The article will tell you how to do this correctly.

Before you whitewash the bathroom ceiling yourself, you need to prepare it. The quality of work depends on this. If you do everything correctly and carefully, the whitewash will turn out uniform, without streaks, and no rust or grease stains will show through. The slightest mistake can lead to everything having to be done again.

Here's how to prepare the surface for whitewashing:

• removal of the old facing layer;
• removing traces of dirt, greasy yellow spots;
• ceiling leveling.

Old whitewash is removed using a sponge soaked in soapy water, paste or a wide spatula. The degree of complexity of this work directly depends on the type of old coating. For example, chalk solution is easy to remove, but lime is difficult to remove. It’s easy to understand what the ceiling was painted with: you just need to run your finger over the surface - the chalk will leave a white mark.

After cleaning the ceiling from old paint, you need to carefully inspect the surface for mold, dirt, rust, greasy stains. Rust and stains are washed off with a solution of copper sulfate. Old stains are removed using regular warm water. If the ceiling is smoked after a fire, then it must be cleaned with a 3% solution of hydrochloric acid. Grease stains can be easily washed off soda ash, dissolved in water.

The levelness of the ceiling determines how well the master can whitewash the surface, so before painting the ceiling should be leveled.

What materials are suitable?

In order to whitewash a plasterboard ceiling in a kitchen, you usually use lime, chalk or water-based paint. To determine which type of material is best, it's worth considering the pros and cons of each option.

The positive aspects of lime whitewash are:

1. environmental cleanliness;
2. presence of antibacterial properties;
3. the facing layer has microscopic pores through which water passes and evaporates well;
4. high resistance to abrasion;
5. the layer is durable;
6. acceptable price.

From negative aspects worth mentioning are:

The positive aspects of whitewashing with chalk are given below:

1. Ecological cleanliness. The material does not contain harmful chemical compounds.
2. Economical. This is the most profitable option for ceiling cladding.

The disadvantages of this finish are:

The advantages of water based paint are given below:

1. The presence of different shades allows you to create an interesting design.
2. The ability to visually increase the ceiling. The effect is achieved by choosing a composition of a certain color.
3. The paint does not require preparation.

But this type of material also has some disadvantages:

• High price. Moreover, the cheaper the paint, the greater the consumption.
• Until the composition dries, breathing in the room is allowed only with a respiratory mask.

Water-based paint is produced with various additives (latex, acrylic, acrylic copolymers). Latex gives waterproofness, and acrylic gives elasticity and strength to the composition.

List of required tools

The ceiling can be whitened beautifully and evenly with a spray gun (sprayer), roller or brush. It is better for novice craftsmen not to use a spray gun. Because there is a big risk of splashing the walls. It is better to give preference to an ordinary brush. It must be made of natural pile, at least 15 centimeters long. It is advisable to soak the brush in water a few hours before starting work. This will give it softness and strength. Whitewash from the brush is easily washed off with plain water.

A roller is also a good choice. It allows you to complete all the work efficiently and quickly. When buying a roller, you must not forget to purchase a special tray. Whitewash or paint will be poured into it.

Brush and roller are the most common tools for ceiling cladding. But if the room area is large, then it is better to use a spray gun or garden sprayer. Some people use a vacuum cleaner.

The process of whitewashing the ceiling and walls

How to whiten correctly concrete ceiling, depends on the selected tool. If you plan to use a brush, then the first strokes should be applied perpendicular to the windows. Last layer It is recommended to apply parallel to the window opening. This technology eliminates the appearance of streaks after the composition dries.

If a roller is used as a tool, then the lining process is as follows. The whitewash solution is poured into the tray. The roller is dipped into the mixture and rolled out carefully along the slope. In this case, the whitewash is evenly distributed over the roller, all excess remains in the pallet.

Chalk and lime

After cleaning and leveling the ceiling, begin preparing the chalk solution.

To do this, take chalk and dilute it in water in a ratio of 1:2. Add a little blue to get a bluish tint. Some novice craftsmen are interested in whether it is possible to add another pigment to the chalk mixture. Experts answer that it is possible, but to give the ceiling freshness and maintain its cleanliness, they recommend using blue.

How to whitewash a ceiling with chalk using a photo is described below:

1. The strokes of the first layer are applied transversely to the rays of light entering the room from the window.
2. After the first layer has dried, apply the second. In this case, strokes are made perpendicular to the direction of the previous treatment.
3. If necessary, apply a third layer.
4. Decorate the ceiling with molding.

Apartment owners who do the ceiling cladding on their own often face the problem that stripes, spots, bubbles, and stains appear on the surface. The result of the work largely depends on the quality of the material. Therefore, in order to avoid questions about what to do with defects, it is necessary to observe the proportions when preparing the chalk solution.

On a ceiling whitewashed with lime, stains and stains often appear. But this cladding is more durable. Therefore, many people prefer slaked lime. The lime solution is prepared as follows: 0.4 kilograms of lime are diluted in 0.6 liters of water. Sometimes 5 grams of salt and 1/3 tablespoon of drying oil are added to give water resistance and strength. To make whitewash bluish in color, you should add 25 grams of ultramarine to it. This mixture is enough for 2.5 square meters of room.

How to whiten with lime is described below:

• Moisten the ceiling a little with water.
• Whiten the surface in two layers. In this case, the second layer is applied to the undried first one. This makes the whitewash more durable.

After plastering the surface for whitewashing, you need to use pure lime milk. It is diluted in water to a certain concentration, which depends on the ability of the coating to absorb moisture. The composition should not be made too thick. Otherwise, it will not be possible to distribute it evenly over the surface.

An alternative option is water-based paint.

If the surface is lined with ceiling tiles or wallpaper, then it is better to use water-based paint for cladding. It's easy to apply. The main thing is to follow the instructions.

How to paint a surface with a roller or brush in the garage is described below:

Here's how to properly whitewash a ceiling with a vacuum cleaner:

• put a special attachment on the vacuum cleaner that sprays the coloring composition;
• stir the paint in a bucket and pour it into a jar;
• attach the nozzle to the vacuum cleaner hose and securely fix it;
• To prevent air from escaping, close the hole on the nozzle with your finger;
• point the sprayer at the corner of the room and turn on the vacuum cleaner;
• Whitewashing is done in a circular motion.

Thus there are different variants ceiling cladding. Some make hanging and stretch ceiling. Others decide to put up wallpaper. The most economical, practical and easy-to-implement method is whitewashing. It is done with chalk, lime mortar or water-based paint. To find out which option is most suitable, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each composition. Knowing the rules of how whitewashing is done and following the instructions, even a beginner can do it almost perfectly with his own hands. Watch a video on the topic below.

If you have started renovation and decided to whitewash the ceiling, this article is for you! Today the market offers us many different finishing methods: tension and suspended ceilings, ceiling tiles, GCR structures. But, of course, whitewashing is the most environmentally friendly and affordable option. And, importantly, it will not steal precious centimeters from you. Before starting work, you need to decide on the material. The whitewash mixture is based on lime and chalk. Which one is better to choose?

Whitewashing the ceiling with lime

This solution is suitable even for cold and damp rooms, since the lime layer contains pores, which promotes rapid drying. If there are small cracks on the surface, lime will hide them. It has powerful antibacterial and disinfectant properties, resists the appearance of fungus and mold. Therefore, it is perfect for utility rooms with high humidity that require disinfection: basements, sheds, outbuildings. The limestone surface does not smear. There will be no problems with cleaning after finishing the work. Anything that gets on the floor can be easily washed off with water, leaving no streaks. This coating will last quite a long time - about 4 years.

But it’s worth considering that lime can cause allergic reactions, so people with allergies should not stay in such rooms.

Whitewashing the ceiling with chalk

Chalk-based solution can only be used in warm and dry rooms. Unlike lime, the chalk layer does not have the pores necessary for drying. The surface whitened with chalk looks more matte, the color is deep and rich. back side This effect is that the surface smears. The coating lasts for 1-2 years, after which it must be whitened again. It is quite difficult to clean marks on the floor after finishing work. Just remember school board No matter how much you wash it, it still remains white. Unlike lime, chalk will not hide small cracks and irregularities. But there is one significant and important advantage: chalk is a hypoallergenic material, it passes all the most stringent sanitary and hygienic requirements. Therefore, if you have allergies, then you simply cannot find a better material.

We figured out the advantages and disadvantages of the two solutions. Which one to choose is up to you. What will we do next?

Before starting work, all possible furniture must be removed from the room, as drops and smudges cannot be avoided. Cover what cannot be taken out with newspapers. Let's start cleaning the ceiling. If before this it was whitewashed with lime, then both lime and chalk mortar will fit well on such a surface. If the ceiling was whitewashed with chalk, the lime will not take it. No amount of cleansing or priming will help. You can only put chalk on chalk.

Required Tools

In order not to rush around in search of the right tool, prepare everything in advance. You will need:

• wide brush (15 cm) or roller;
• narrow brush (5-7 cm);
• plastic containers;
• stepladder or table;
• latex gloves;
• old newspapers, rags.

Depending on the situation, you may need:

• spatulas;
• sponges;
• serpyanka;
• sandpaper.

How to find out what was applied to the ceiling before

Run your finger over the surface. If a white mark remains on your finger, then it is chalk. If not, it's lime. If you are still in doubt, soak a piece of cotton wool in lemon juice and apply to the surface. Chalk will sizzle, but lime will not.

Regardless of what kind of coating there was, it must be processed. To do this, we go through the entire ceiling with a wet rag. Thus, we will eliminate dust and white deposits.

What to do with cracks

If there are large cracks in the ceiling, they need to be filled with putty. Please note that it is not enough to simply cover up the cracks. After drying, the putty will crack. Therefore, it is imperative to apply a serpyanka. Serpyanka is a mesh in a roll 3-5 cm wide (the width varies). Using a serpyanka, seal cracks and joints in drywall. In general, all elements that violate the integrity of the surface. The fact is that the crack contains air inside itself and there is nothing for the putty to stick to in this place. While we are applying it, it is damp and it seems that everything is smeared. But after drying, the cracks will appear again. Therefore, we unwind the tape from the roll and seal the crack. The serpyanka has an adhesive surface on one side, so it sticks easily. Then apply putty using a spatula. Only in this case the crack will not appear again.

Don’t be afraid that it won’t turn out very smooth, then you can rub it all over. The drying time of the putty depends on the humidity and temperature of the room. If you live in ordinary apartment, then it will take a day. In any case, you can determine the level of drying yourself. Well, at the end we sand all the irregularities with simple sandpaper.

How to remove stains

Are your neighbors flooded or do you live on top floor where the roof leaks in the spring. Consequently yellow spots and smudges. You don’t have to try to whitewash them or even putty them. This is impossible! While water-based paint can still cope with this task, lime cannot. But don't despair. In fact, there is a way out. Regular bleach or bleach will help us with this. Dip a sponge in any liquid and apply to the stain. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves, otherwise it will instantly corrode your skin.

Primer for better application

We whiten and whiten in one place, but the solution doesn’t seem to stick, and only droplets remain. So, to prevent this from happening, you need to prime it. Primer is a white liquid in plastic bottle. In general, this is polyvinyl acetate glue diluted with water. But for convenience, they began to release it in finished form. This slurry is applied using a roller. Ideally, if you have a plastic basin or a wide plastic bucket (a large bucket of high-grade paint will work perfectly). The main thing is that the roller fits into this container. The primer creates an adhesive layer. In other words, a thin film with micropores is formed, to which the solution will definitely stick.

How to properly dilute the solution

There are two types of lime: slaked and quicklime.

Quicklime is sold in plastic packages of various packaging and consists of solid rocky pieces, similar to chalk. In order to obtain lime powder from them, they must be quenched. This is done as follows. For 1 kg of lime, take 1 liter of water and gradually pour it in. As a result of slaking, lime powder is obtained. Lime is a very strong alkali.

When extinguishing, take all precautions. It is necessary to wear a protective face mask, a plastic gown and rubber gloves, because everything will hiss, bubble and splash.

Just in case, keep a solution of vinegar or citric acid next to you. If the mixture gets on the skin, the acid will neutralize the alkali and no burn will form. It is best to slak lime in metal containers, because plastic ones may not hold up. high temperature and melt.

It is much easier and simpler to work with ready-made slaked lime. To obtain 10 liters of solution you will need 3 kg of lime. It’s good if you have large unnecessary metal containers. We heat the water in it so that it becomes not warm, but rather hot. Add lime gradually, while simultaneously stirring the solution so that no lumps form. It is better to stir with a wooden stick. It is necessary to mix in a separate container brine. We take any salt that is available and dilute it in a ratio of 100 g per 1 liter of water. Pour it into the solution and mix.

To ensure that the lime does not acquire a yellowish tint after drying on the ceiling, you can add blue. To do this, you need to dilute it separately so as not to overdo it. You must determine the amount and concentration of bluing yourself, depending on the desired result. When everything is well mixed, the mixture needs to be strained. This can be done using gauze or a nylon stocking. This is done in order to eliminate lumps of lime that have not dissolved. Otherwise, you risk decorating the ceiling with relief decor.

You can also follow the instructions on the packaging, if available, since different manufacturers offer different technology preparation of the mixture depending on the characteristics of the composition.

If you have a stepladder, great! If not, a regular table will do. It is even more convenient because you can walk on it. You will need two brushes: wide (15 cm) and narrow (5-7 cm). You can, of course, use a roller, but since the solution is very liquid, it will all flow copiously onto the floor. In addition, the chance of covering without gaps with a brush is higher. Prepare some convenient container that you can hold in your hands. Large for a wide brush, small for a narrow brush.

We start whitewashing from the window, since only in this direction of light will the unbleached areas be visible. First, we whitewash the joints between the ceiling and the wall along the perimeter with a narrow brush. Then, using a wide brush, we fill in the main area, starting from the window to the door. Movements must be in one direction. After whitewashing, the ceiling is damp, looks gray and ugly. Do not be afraid! It will become whiter as it dries. After the first layer has dried, you can apply the second. In general, it depends on the neglect of the case. Perhaps one layer is enough. But if you decide to whiten again, then whiten perpendicular to the direction in which you whitened before. This will help prevent streaks and streaks. Whitewash dries quickly. In a dry, warm room for 3-4 hours.

Important! Close the windows and vents. Make sure there are no drafts in the room, otherwise everything you care about will stick to the ceiling.

Painting the ceiling with water emulsion

If you have had lime and blue applied to your ceiling, you don’t even have to try to whitewash this situation with lime or chalk. Nothing will work! Don't waste your time. No matter how many layers you apply, the blue will show through. Therefore, immediately take water-based paint. It will cover up bluing, smudges, and any other defects. No material for whitewashing that is more pleasant to use has yet been invented. The only advantage of lime and chalk mortar compared to water emulsion is the price. But how much effort does it take to whiten well! Water-based paint has many advantages:

• no dust during the cooking process;
• smoother surface due to thick consistency;
• the mixture is already ready and does not need to be diluted;
• you can paint with a long-handled roller directly from the floor;
• no need to paint in many layers;
• the ceiling will still be whiter than from lime;
• the coating is more durable.

If you decide to paint with a water emulsion, the technology is the same as for whitewashing. First, we go through the joints between the ceiling and walls along the perimeter with a brush, and then with a roller, starting from the window, we paint the main area in one direction. Unlike lime, paint on the ceiling immediately has White color. At normal temperatures, the water emulsion dries in 3-4 hours. After which, if desired, you can apply a second layer. But, as a rule, this is not necessary.

We looked at the advantages and disadvantages various types whitewash mixtures. Well, which one to choose is up to you.