A leak, a new pot light or a plumber’s access hole leaves a scar in a stipple ceiling. Most of the time the damaged section can be repaired and re-textured instead of removing the texture from the whole room.
Stipple repair has two parts: a sound drywall repair underneath, then texture applied and feathered so the patch sits into the surrounding pattern. A close match is realistic; a perfectly invisible one depends on the existing texture, its age and the paint over it.
Repair suits one or a few damaged areas in a ceiling you otherwise want to keep. Removal makes more sense when damage is widespread, the texture is loose or flaking, or you want a smooth modern ceiling anyway.
If several rooms need patches, compare the cost of patching against removal and a smooth finish before deciding — we can quote both.
See also: Popcorn ceiling removal · Ceiling repair
Fix the leak first and let the area dry. If the board is still firm, the stain can be sealed with a stain-blocking primer and re-textured. If the board is soft, sagging or musty, that section is cut out and replaced before texture goes back on.
See also: Water-damaged drywall repair
New pot lights, moved fixtures and plumbing access leave neat or ragged holes overhead. Each opening is backed, patched, taped and finished flat, then textured. Grouping several cutouts into one visit is usually the most economical approach.
See also: Drywall hole repair · Drywall patching
Some textured ceiling coatings applied before the 1990s can contain asbestos. In an older home, have the texture tested before it is cut, sanded or scraped. We do not disturb material that has not been tested.
See also: Asbestos in the home (Health Canada)
Clear expectations. A considered plan.
A finish that brings the room together.
A close-up and a wider shot of each area, plus what caused it if you know — a leak, a door handle, settling or old plumbing work.
We confirm whether each spot can be patched or needs a section cut out, and note any moisture issue that must be fixed first.
Damaged board is cut back or backed, taped and filled in several thin coats, with drying time and sanding between each.
The repair is feathered into the surrounding wall or ceiling and checked under normal light so it is ready for primer and paint.
A closer look at each type of project. See all projects.
Tell us what needs doing and where. Prefer to talk? Call (613) 319-4768.
It can be matched closely, but an exact invisible match is not always possible on aged or painted texture. Repainting the whole ceiling after the repair usually gives the most even result.
No. Localized damage can be repaired and re-textured. Removal is worth considering when damage is widespread or you want a smooth ceiling.
The drywall repair needs drying time between coats before texture goes on, so most repairs take more than one visit. Small cutouts can sometimes be finished faster with setting compound.
You cannot tell by looking. Texture applied before the 1990s should be tested by a qualified lab before it is disturbed.
Tell us what you have in mind. Let’s talk about your drywall project.
