Leaky Ceiling Stain Fix

Tools:

roofing cement
drop cloths
dust mask
safety glasses
ladder
putty knife
rubber gloves
bleach
bucket
towel
sponge
drywall mud
spray-on stain blocker
scrap cardboard
ceiling texture spray gun

1. First inspect around the skylight and seal any cracks with roofing cement (figure A).

2. Spread a drop cloth on the floor beneath the problem area. Carefully scrape away the water damaged texture with a putty knife (figure B). Try to minimize the area you clear. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working.

3. Mix one part bleach and three parts water and clean stained area after removing texture. Make sure the sponge is damp but not saturated so you don't have bleach running down your arms. Dab and wipe the area being careful not to knock down too much of the ceiling texture.

4. Smooth out imperfections around the opening by applying drywall mud with a putty knife (figure C). Allow the mud to completely dry before applying stain blocker.

5. Lightly spray blocker over affected area, using a piece of cardboard as a shield to avoid getting any blocker on your walls (figure D). Keep the can at least six inches from the ceiling, and start moving your arm before depressing the knob and spraying on each stroke.

6. Now get ready to apply texture. Adjust the size and flow rate on the ceiling texture gun, and test it on a scrap piece of cardboard. Once the texture seems to match your ceiling, apply new texture to area (figure E). Have a friend to hold up a cardboard shield to limit overspray.

7. If you get any texture on your walls, just wait for it to dry and remove by scraping it off and wiping area with a damp towel.