How do I repair this drywall without replacing it?
+8
How to repair drywall ceiling without replacing the drywall
www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/how-to-repair-a-drywall-ceiling
Good old drywall compound and a magic trowel will fix that right up for you. Best part of all, no sanding! Here's a video that shows exactly how easy this is to do: https://youtu.be/dxkd9DaiEPU?t=32 You just add a little water to the drywall compound, smooth it on with a thick napped roller and smooth it with the magic trowel. If it looks like it might need sanding, let it dry completely and then gently wipe down with a damp sponge and you won't need to sand, either!
Good luck!
youtube all the way!
You do not mention what the ceiling texture is. If smooth, the job will be easier - but not easy! FORGET the commercial for a magic trowel! It will do you no better job than tools costing 1/3 as much. The secret is in your applicaiton, not in any tool. I am a pro and have done two such jobs this week.
Clean out the loose material in the crack, fill with patching plaster (if more than an 1/8" wide), apply drywall tape (sticky type is easier for a DIY) over the crack when dry, then apply a thin coat of joint cement no more than 4 or 6" wide over the tape. Sand lightly to knock down any high spots, then apply another coat, going wider with each successive coat.
If there are some holes in your work, it is better to leave them than to go back and over-work the mud. Continue sanding, coating until you are satisfied it is smooth and relatively straight across. A sanding sponge works good to finish.
Allow each coat to dry thoroughly, of course. The tape is essential.
Now comes the hard part (if the ceiling is textlured) - tell me.....
Donpaulin, what are knock-down and orange peel? And thanks for the info.