Directions to Applying Spackle to Ceilings

Spackling paste is commonly used to fill holes, and patch cracks in wood, drywall and plaster walls or ceilings. There are three different versions of spackling paste available today: Heavy paste (regular), lightweight paste, and light bodied paste (a combination between the light and heavy pastes). Applying spackle to ceilings is just like spackling walls, just made a little more challenging because the work is done over your head. First of all, it’s time to gather up your materials. You will need the following supplies:

Safety goggles
Dust mask
Spackling paste
Old paintbrushes
Sponge (optional)
Putty Knife
Utility Knife
Sandpaper
Stepladder
Adhesive mesh tape (if you have any large holes to patch)

1. Using the utility knife, strip away any old paint around the edge of the hole to be patched.

2. Dust the area around the hole with an old paintbrush to remove any loose debris.

3. Cover larger holes with adhesive mesh tape before applying spackle. Make sure the strips of tape are stuck firmly to the ceiling before spackling (an inch longer than the hole on each side works well to ensure adhesion).

4. Wet the edge of the hole with an old paintbrush dipped in water or a damp sponge.

5. Press the spackle into the hole with your putty knife. Keep in mind that spackle does recede over time. Be sure to completely fill the hole with spackling paste. Using a putty knife with an end one inch wider than the hole (wider than that is also fine), smooth out the spackle until it is flush with the rest of the ceiling. Ideally, you want the spackling paste to be spread out over an area about three times as big as the hole that was patched.

6. Allow the spackling paste to dry overnight before sanding it down.

7. Sand and dust until smooth and flush. The easiest way to sand ceilings is with a sanding block attached to a handle. These can sometimes be rented from hardware rental centers. For your safety, always wear eye protection and a dust mask when sanding. Paint and dust are very harmful to the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs.

8. Repeat the process of spackling and sanding until the proper level of smoothness is achieved. If you will be painting the ceiling, it should be finished as smooth as the walls. A slightly rougher surface is acceptable if the ceiling is to be textured later. Make sure to at least apply two coats of compound and sand it down before applying the texture.