Cracked plaster in ceiling

[Tim Brennan]

about 4 years ago we had the ceiling skimmed upstairs, but recently it's got several cracks. This is probably from me walking around in the loft.

Is it possible to repair these cracks and stop them coming back? I have tried a product called "no more cracks" with good results but never on a ceiling. When I used it, I needed to cut out the cracks with a knife which makes a lot of dust.

 

[tjbnwi]

I use FibaWall or Fibafuse to strengthen skimmed plaster.

Tom

 

[AlexThePalex]

There are many types of fillers for this, but you must use a filler that stays flexible. It will be mentioned on the package. Flexible filler will be able to move along (a bit) with the movement of the ceiling. At least, in theory. In my experience, after a while the cracks will reappear again anyway, especially with a ceiling/floor you walk on. But using flexible filler will prolong it as much as possible.
 
A bit of dust in the process is unavoidable, but if you cut carefully and hold a vac close to the cut you can minimise it.

 

[Saskataper]

Fibafuse 36" rolls are the ticket. Get some all purpose drywall compound and thin it enough that it can be rolled on with a paint roller, apply that to the ceiling just over 36" wide then stick up the fibafuse using your roller to smooth it out and fill it with compound. Over lap the next row about an inch and so on. Next day once it's dry give it a sand making sure you sand out the overlap then roll on more compound and trowel it out. One more sand then prime and paint.
Voila, you have a fiberglass reinforced ceiling that should never crack again.
For a little extra holding power you can add white glue to your mud when your sticking it up, about a half a cup to a 5 gallon pail should be good. And make sure to wear long sleeves when putting it up and a mask when sanding, it's wicked itchy.

 

[johnmocha]

Ditto on the fibafuse.  I have an older home (1940) and is so much better than other options.  Here's a great blog post on using fibafuse to do exactly what you are doing by Myron Ferguson - a great teacher of drywall and plaster techniques.  http://www.talkinandtapin.com/saving-drywall-surfaces/