I’m remodeling a condo and am in the process of selecting a plaster/drywall sub. During the demo process, I decided to leave a majority of the plaster ceilings in tact rather than take them down (mostly due to the fact that the homeowner is living onsite during the construction). The ceilings have different plaster textures and we were hoping to have one unified smooth texture throughout.
Currently, some of the ceilings are open and need blueboard and plaster while some are already covered with the old plaster. I’ve been told a couple different things from the plaster subs bidding the job. Some say that I’ll have to take down the old ceilings and put up new blueboard in order to get a smooth ceiling throughout ( I generally always remove the old plaster on my jobs, so this makes sense). Others have suggested that I fur down the open ceiling to the thickness of the old remaining ceiling (lathe and plaster). They said they’d plan on covering over the old ceiling w/ new blueboard and plaster. I’ve never blueboarded over old plaster before and I want to be sure this is ok to do.
Replies
As long as the furring and the blueboard are installed correctly there is no problem. Use more and longer fasteners for the furring. Screw the blueboard to the furring and then plaster.The whitecoat is heavier than just a drywall and mud job,hence the more care in the furring and board install.
mike
great- thanks!
btw, should i prep the original (plastered) ceilings before the blueboard is installed?
No prepping necessary unless some of the plaster is sagged. Then screw the plaster thru the lath into the joists with washer head screws.Screw the furring ,easier to adjust for straight than nails. Remember that you want straight,but not neccesarily dead level. Sometimes trying to level the ceiling you find that you have to shim over an inch in low spots.Slight variations in the furring won't hurt,especially with blue board and plaster.
mike
thanks for the advice-
mike
Don't worry about the holes. In fact, the plasterers will come in and punch holes anyways to find studs and get very secure attachment. As long as the underlying structure (lathe, etc.) is fine, screwing new blueboard over it is common practice here in the northeast.
good to know- thanks