How to paint gypsum false ceiling?

A complete guide for gypsum false ceiling painting

The gypsum false ceiling comes with a joint putty finish which is usually done by false ceiling contractors or installers. If it's not done by them, you may need to cover the joints or seams between the gypsum boards with self-adhesive fiberglass tape or paper tape and apply a thin layer of jointing compound over them before you start the surface preparation with full coat putty.

Step 1: Prepare the surface

Before you start the surface preparation on your gypsum false ceiling, you need to make sure that the joint putty is dried completely and then sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to make it smooth and even. You can use a ready mix or powder putty to prepare the surface. However, do not use acrylic putty for surface preparation to get an undulations-free finish. It is recommended to use cement-based powder putty for the best result.

Mix the powdered putty well with clean water without bubbles to get a flat surface while you apply the putty. Make sure it's in a peanut butter-like consistency to avoid dripping when you need more thickness near the cross joints to make it even. Apply the putty on the entire gypsum false ceiling surfaces evenly to conceal the plasterboard joints as required. Let it dry, and sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to make it smooth and even.

Pro Tip: While gypsum plasterboards have tapered edges on the longer sides, the other two sides only have square edges due to the manufacturing process. The tapered edge joints don't affect the true-surface as there is a groove that works as a gauge to maintain the flat surface. However, the square edges on the cross joints require extra care to minimize the cross joints properly.

To achieve the best result here, you should follow the professional advice as follows: Start applying zero thickness over the cross joint and go with the thickness of the bulge in the middle of the joint and gradually reduce to zero when you reach at least 250 mm wide on each side parallel to the cross joint. If you do it properly, you can't see where the cross joints are after primer.

Step 2: Apply the primer

The next step is to apply a primer on your gypsum false ceiling. A primer is a type of paint that prepares the surface for the final coat of paint by improving its adhesion, durability, and appearance. A primer also seals the micro pores of the cement putty and prevents them from absorbing too much paint or moisture. You should use a water-based primer to get better result. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to mix and apply the primer properly. You can use a roller, a brush, or a spray gun to apply the primer evenly on the ceiling. You should let the primer dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Apply the paint

The final step is to apply the paint on your gypsum false ceiling. You can choose any color or finish that suits your taste and style. However, you should avoid using dark or glossy paints as they may make your ceiling look lower or expose the undulations of the putty or joints. You should also use a high-quality paint that is suitable for gypsum boards and resistant to mold, mildew, and fading. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to mix and apply the paint properly. You can use the same tools that you used for applying the primer, but make sure to clean them thoroughly before using them again. You should apply at least two coats of paint on your ceiling, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next one.

Step 4: After-paint care

Once you have finished painting your gypsum false ceiling, you can enjoy its benefits and beauty for years to come. For that, you should clean your ceiling regularly with a damp cloth or a sponge to keep it dust-free and stain-free. You should also avoid exposing your ceiling to excessive moisture or humidity as they may cause damage or discoloration. If you notice any signs of peeling, cracking, or fading on your ceiling, you should repaint it as soon as possible.

We hope that this blog post has helped you understand how to paint your gypsum false ceiling correctly and efficiently. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us.