The easiest and cheapest way to finish the ceiling surface was, is and will be - whitewashing the ceiling with chalk. This method has been popular for several decades among Russian residents, today you can also meet people who use chalk and "emphasize" the whiteness of their ceiling.
How to make a chalky whitewash solution?
There are two types of mortar that are applied to the ceiling: lime and chalk. In our case, we will consider all the features and working points relating only to the chalk solution. To make the required mixture, you will need the following ingredients and tools, all of which can be purchased at your regular hardware store.:
Whitewashing tools
It is imperative, before starting work, to prepare everything necessary so that in the process of applying the chalk solution to the ceiling, an incident does not occur and does not have to be interrupted due to the lack of something:
- Oilcloth, container (basin or bucket) and gauze: necessary at the first stage, when creating a solution.
- Stepladder (scaffolding).
- Brush or roller or spray bottle.
- Putty knife.
You can use a roller with a long handle, then you do not need a stepladder, this is safer, since the risk of falling is reduced, and more efficient: you can move around the room calmly.
Ingredients for the chalk solution
- At least 3 kg of chalk. Previously, you had to crush chalk, but today you can buy ready-made powder or paste. The initial appearance of chalk is gray, it's okay, it will turn white when mixed.
- Slightly over 50 g of powdered laundry soap.
- About 100 g of wood glue.
- More than 10 g of blue: it is necessary so that the whitewash remains "snow-white" and does not change its color.
Based on half a liter of solution per square meter of ceiling, it is easy to independently calculate how much ready-made mixture you need. Don't worry if you bought a little more ingredients, and they will remain: the chalk does not lose its properties, so it will come in handy for the next whitewashing.
It's important to know! Before whitening the ceiling surface with chalk, the dry mixture must be sieved to remove all coarse and hardened particles.
Solution preparation process
- Pour chalk (about 2-3 kg) into a container and pour warm water (3-3.5 liters).
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly. If you have a drill with a special attachment, this will simplify your task and speed up the cooking process.
- Filtration: the resulting mixture is passed through cheesecloth, then there will be much less lumps in the solution that can spoil the appearance of the ceiling.
To check the readiness of the solution, it is necessary to lower a flat metal object into the liquid and pull it out: if the solution runs off the blade, then there is a lot of water. This problem can be solved by leaving the solution alone for several (2-3) days: the chalk will settle, the water on the surface is easily removed with a scoop. Put all the remaining chalk in the form of a paste on an oilcloth: in layers no thicker than 5 centimeters - this is dry chalk, which will be ready for re-cooking as soon as it dries.
Safety precautions for finishing ceilings
Before answering the question - how to whitewash the ceiling surface with chalk, - let us pay attention to the observance of several important points that will help to avoid injuries and injuries:
- First, you should prepare protective equipment such as gloves, respirator and goggles. This is due to the fact that small particles of chalk, when applied to the ceiling, can fall down, it is possible that they will not get into the eyes. Plus, if they are inhaled in large quantities, they will begin to irritate the walls of the mucous membrane.
- Secondly, check the integrity of the scaffolding and the ladders from which the work will be carried out: if they stagger, dangle and behave as if they are about to fall apart, put them aside, do not save on health.
- Thirdly, newborn children and animals, at the time of whitewashing, it is better to take out of the apartment.
Surface preparation for work
Removing the old whitewash is not so easy, this process is the most time-consuming and messy. Firstly, it is necessary to take out all the furniture and equipment from the room, the bulky can be covered with a film or rag, as, in fact, the floor can be covered with cardboard or film. Second, use goggles and a respirator (see).
You can start from any part of the room, if only the workflow is effective: to speed up, you can purchase a special tool that helps to clean the whitewash from the ceiling or prepare a soapy solution. It is better to use a spatula of several types: wide and narrow.
After the old coating has been removed with a spatula, it is required to clean the surface: fill up cracks and pits, remove various stains and stains (see). Chalk ceiling should only be started after the surface is dry.
Workflow - step by step
- First of all, you need to draw the ceiling into several sectors, which you will finish gradually (see). It is best to start from the window, working your way up to the door. If you are working with a roller: use a long handle, if whitewashing is done with a brush, it is better to make small scaffolding that will allow you to move around most of the room.
- After the solution has been applied to the ceiling, you should wait until the first layer dries and treat the surface again. In some cases, it may happen that you have to apply it again: an uneven ceiling and a little experience in whitewashing will affect the quality of the work. If droplets form on the ceiling, it is necessary to roll them over the surface with the help of an improvised tool.
- An even distribution of the chalk solution on the ceiling will lead to the best result - therefore, it is very important not to rush and work consistently.
- Exclude the possibility of a draft and direct sunlight on the surface to be treated: the whitewash can crumble.
- It is better to apply the second layer of the solution perpendicular to the first one: it reduces the number of streaks.
- In addition, paint the corners of the room with a brush.
- To determine which solution is on the ceiling, it is necessary to moisten it: if the surface has darkened and does not remain on the fingers - lime; after contact there are white traces - chalk.
Considering all of the above, you can easily answer the question yourself - how to whitewash the ceiling with chalk?
Do-it-yourself whitewashing of the ceiling is a great way to update a room and save money on repairs. Let's consider in detail all the stages of work.
To make the whitewashed ceiling look attractive and contribute to the comfort in the home, it should be properly prepared for processing with chalk or lime. This must be done. If you skip this step, later stains of rust and grease will appear on it, which will begin to break through the fresh whitewash. And it is almost impossible to apply really evenly chalk on an unprepared ceiling.
Preparation of the ceiling surface for whitewashing is carried out in three stages:
- You remove the old whitewash composition.
- Remove traces of dirt from the surface.
- Level the ceiling.
Old whitewash is removed with a sponge dipped in soapy water. It is also often necessary to use a wide spatula if the old coating does not want to go away. Immediately, we note that the ceiling, treated with chalk, is cleaned quickly enough.
Removing old whitewash with a spatula
But with the old lime coating, sometimes you have to "sweat". Removing it is not easy at all.
It is not difficult to establish what the ceiling surface was painted with earlier. You need to slide your finger across the ceiling. If a white mark remains on the hand, the painting was done with chalk. If there is no such trace, then the surface was treated with lime mortar.
After removing the old paint, it is necessary to examine the surface in search of rust, grease stains, mold and other types of contamination. It is recommended to wash off mold and rust with warm water, and then apply a solution of vitriol (ten percent) to the cleaned areas. Grease stains are well removed with a cloth, which is abundantly moistened with soda ash dissolved in water. It is also advisable to rinse the cleaned area with plain water (it can be slightly warmed up).
Leaks that are not washed off the ceiling with soapy water are usually "masked" with a mixture of synthetic linseed oil (take one part) and lime (20 parts). In addition, they can be painted over with a composition made of water (two parts) and liquid glass (one part). And repair professionals advise to treat heavily smoked ceiling surfaces with hydrochloric acid (a three percent solution of this substance is used).
Do-it-yourself high-quality whitewashing of the ceiling is impossible without this process. Careful leveling of the surface ensures good adhesion to the new whitewash and reduces the risk of blistering.
All cracks, gaps and irregularities on the ceiling must be moistened with water, and then filled with the compound that was previously used for plastering activities. If painting was done with chalk, you will need to dilute a special glue putty. It includes the following components:
- wood glue - 2 parts (it must first be diluted with water - 1 liter per 50 g of adhesive);
- gypsum - 2 parts;
- chalk - 1 part.
Such a putty adheres perfectly to the surface, it is easy to apply it yourself, and the process of preparing the composition itself takes a few minutes. The made solution is applied to the ceiling with a spatula. First you need to draw them across the existing irregularities and cracks, and then along. It is advisable to wipe the surface after filling with fine sandpaper or pumice.
Plaster putty with chalk
If lime was used for painting, not chalk, you need to prepare another solution. It is made from lime, diluted in water to the consistency of gruel, and pure fine fraction. The ratio of these components is 2 to 1.
Water is added to the quicklime, then sand is added, stir and a little more liquid is poured in. You should have a fairly thick composition. Moreover, it is made in such a way that the solution is applied to the ceiling surface without problems. When using slaked lime, water is added to a premixed composition of lime and sand.
Preparation of the surface for whitewashing is laborious and messy. You will have to be patient, and also cover the floors in the room with plastic wrap and remove furniture from the room that would otherwise get very dirty.
An important point! After applying the putty, the ceiling must be primed. Primer treatment provides a smooth surface and forms a very thin film layer on it. The new whitewash will not be absorbed into it. This means that you will get a beautiful ceiling and at the same time spend a little solution to paint it.
Let's figure out how to whitewash the ceiling with our own hands using a lime mortar. It prepares like this:
- Knead 2-3 kilograms of lime (take the slaked composition) in a liter of plain water.
- Add aluminum alum (about 0.2 kg) or presoaked table salt (about 0.1 kg) to the solution.
- Add (if necessary to obtain a special shade) about 0.5 kg of coloring elements or blue.
- Stir (as thoroughly as possible) the mixture and pour water in it, heated to 30–40 °.
Water should be topped up until the amount of solution reaches about 10 liters.
Adding water to lime solution
Now you can start painting the ceiling. It is carried out with a roller, hard paint brushes or with a spray bottle. When used, the first coat of whitewash is applied in the direction of sunlight. But the second layer already needs to be applied against the light. In this case, you will get a really nice and neat surface, on which there will be no brush marks.
If this is your first time painting the ceiling, it is better to use a spray gun or roller. This will make it easier for you to get an evenly colored surface. Whichever tool you use, you must adhere to the following recommendations of the pros:
- before starting work, brushes must be soaked in water (in warm water);
- before applying the whitewash composition to a separate section of the ceiling, the latter must be well moistened;
- the room should be kept at the same temperature throughout the drying time of the whitewash;
- do not use heaters to dry the painted ceiling.
First, we prepare the whitewash composition. For a ceiling of no more than 12 square meters, this is done as follows:
- Dissolve 20 g of blue, 3 kg of chalk, 30 g of glue (carpentry) in warm water (5 liters).
- Stir the mixture and lower the knife blade into it. When the solution drains from it, you need to add chalk. Repeat the procedure until you have obtained a sufficiently viscous composition.
Whitewash composition from chalk with blue
This completes the preparatory operations, you can start whitewashing. But before that, let's say that a little blue is added to the solution in order to enhance the whiteness of the ceiling. If you plan to give the surface a bluish tint, mix more blue.
Chalk (more precisely, its solution) is applied in several layers. Notice! Each subsequent layer must be applied only after the previous one has dried. Chalk whitewashing should be done with a paint roller. A spray bottle is also often used.
And another important piece of advice. Before you start whitewashing with a roller, you will need to brush the areas around the perimeter of the ceiling with a brush. Then the chalk will not fall from the roller onto the walls that were finished before.
It is recommended to whitewash or paint ceilings only after the old finish has been removed. However, this is a rather complicated matter. Removing old chalk or lime from the ceiling is long and tedious. In addition, a lot of dirt remains in the house after that. Previously, glue was added to the chalk solution before whitewashing. If the surface is finished with just such a tool, cleaning it turns into torment at all. Therefore, for sure, many owners of houses and apartments would like to know whether it is possible to whitewash the ceiling using the old whitewash, and how to correctly perform such an operation.
What you need to know
In principle, it is possible to paint or whitewash the ceilings without removing the old coating. But not in all cases. So, for example, on old whitewashing with chalk, it is extremely undesirable if it is covered with lime (and, accordingly, vice versa). Otherwise, sloppy stains will surely appear on the ceiling. If you don't want to clean off the old coating, you should whitewash the ceiling with the same tool that was used before. You should also not use lime or chalk if the surface was previously treated with water-based paint. The surface simply does not crack. The ceiling will remain yellow no matter how many layers have been applied.
Using paint - is it possible?
Many owners of houses and apartments are wondering, among other things, whether it is possible to whitewash the ceiling over the old whitewash with water emulsion. It is considered acceptable to use this tool. But only if the layer of the old finish is not too thick and stays firmly on the ceiling. In no case should oil paint or enamel be applied to the whitewash. When using them, the old coating will still have to be removed.
Preparation for finishing
In the event that you decide to perform such an operation as whitewashing the ceiling on an old whitewash, before starting processing, you will have to carefully prepare the old surface. Chalk is usually flat on the plaster layer. Lime can come off in pieces. Therefore, in the latter case, before whitewashing, you need to check the entire ceiling for the presence of such delamination. Of course, all loose pieces should be removed with a spatula. After performing this operation, of course, irregularities will remain on the ceiling. They need to be sealed with a special chalk putty or thick lime mortar with the addition of a small amount of PVA glue (depending on the type of old finish). Of course, all cracks and chips on the surface must also be smeared.
Before proceeding with it, it is advisable to go through with a damp cloth in order to remove dust, cobwebs, etc. It often happens that the old chalk or lime coating has a yellow color. After applying a new finish, this yellowness will most likely still show through. Therefore, before starting work, such a discolored surface should be bleached. Such a need, for example, will certainly arise when decorating a kitchen. Yellow ceilings are also in the event that one of the owners smokes right in the apartment. It is not difficult to whiten such a surface. It is enough just to add a little inexpensive "Whiteness" to the water in which the rag is dipped during cleaning. If the ceilings are very yellow, they should be passed with a roller dipped in the prepared solution. Next, you should wait until the surface is dry.
Whitewashing the ceiling according to the old whitewash: technology
Chalk and lime usually do not adhere very well to concrete. Therefore, the ceiling, previously finished with such a tool, should be processed using not a roller, but a spray bottle. In this case, the surface will be smooth and neat. A roller is also allowed. But when using this tool during work, you will have to carefully monitor so that there are no stains on the surface. Of course, it is necessary to whitewash ceilings on old lime or chalk layers not in one, but at least in two or three layers.
Using a water emulsion
Asking the question about the old whitewash, one should, of course, decide, including the type of finish used. Chalk and lime are rarely used today in the design of poltolkov. In most cases, apartment and house owners use water-based paint. This product is applied to the surface of the ceiling much more evenly. In addition, the water-based emulsion does not flake off over time. But of course, such a finish will last a long time only if it is applied correctly.
Before painting, the bleached ceiling should be primed. In this case, you should use a special means of deep penetration. After the primer is dry, you need to test the old coating for strength. To do this, simply try to scratch the ceiling with a spatula. If the old coating is easily removed, it is better not to risk it and still remove it. If the chalk or lime impregnated with a primer hold on tightly, you can start painting.
Sometimes the owners of apartments and houses finish the whitewashed ceilings with water-based emulsion and without preliminary priming. This is also acceptable. But only if a very high quality paint from a good manufacturer is used.
Basic whitewashing rules
Of course, before starting an operation such as whitewashing the ceiling on an old whitewash, the room must be prepared. Floors and furniture should be covered with technical plastic wrap. Wear rubber gloves on your hands. This is especially important if it is used for processing. As you know, it can strongly corrode the skin.
All doors and windows must be closed before whitewashing ceilings with water emulsion, lime or chalk. Otherwise, after drying, ugly stains and stripes will appear on the ceiling.
Application of special tools
The sprinkler gives a very thin finish. Therefore, whitewashing the ceiling according to the old whitewash with water-based paint when using this tool should be done in at least three layers. This results in a flat, completely white and clean surface. Before applying each subsequent layer, you must definitely wait until the previous one is completely dry. This rule, by the way, is observed both when using a spray gun and a roller.
Is it worth finishing the surface without preliminary cleaning?
So, we found out - is it possible to whitewash the ceiling to the old whitewash. In principle, this is allowed. If all the above recommendations are followed, the owner of an apartment or house can ultimately get a fairly even and beautiful coating. However, unfortunately, it will be necessary to correct such a finish in the future earlier than if the ceiling had been previously cleaned.
Therefore, before deciding on whitewashing without removing the old layer, you should think carefully. Lime adheres to the ceiling quite tightly. Therefore, if the surface is finished with it, it still makes some sense to apply a new layer without removing the old ones. But the chalk is removed from the ceiling very easily - just with a rag and water. Therefore, in this case, it is more advisable to clean the surface beforehand.
When repairs reach the ceiling, the most interesting question is to stretch or whitewash? Stretch ceiling allows you to give free rein to your imagination, you can order it of any color, texture, with or without a pattern, make it multi-level, install built-in lamps, but most importantly, you do not need to worry about surface preparation. However, the good old whitewash of the ceiling also has its advantages!
For example, if you need to renovate a room quickly and inexpensively, or if you prefer environmentally friendly materials, whitewashing the ceiling is ideal for you.
Wash off or whitewash over the old whitewash?
If you are making repairs in a new building with a rough finish, then the entire preparation of the ceiling will consist in applying putty. But if the apartment is not being renovated for the first time, then something will have to be done with the old coating.
Perhaps you have already thought about whether it is possible to whitewash the ceiling using the old whitewash. This is possible, but it should be borne in mind that you cannot apply lime to the chalk whitewash, and vice versa, you cannot cover the lime with chalk - this will form dirty stains. Paint the chalk coating will not work either, the paint will just fall off.
If there are no cracks, stains or other obvious defects on the old whitewash, then in order to simply refresh the coating, it is enough to whitewash it over the old layer. At the same time, all preparatory work is reduced to thoroughly cleaning the ceiling from dust and cobwebs.
If the previous coating was applied poorly, in some places it cracked or fell off, then it is recommended, nevertheless, to completely remove it.
It is not difficult to remove chalky whitewash, limestone is much more difficult. To understand what your ceiling is covered with, just slide your finger across it. White finger - the coating is chalky, lime whitewash does not leave traces.
The most common way to remove whitewash is to rinse with warm water using a roller or spray and scraper.
After the old whitewash is completely removed, you must thoroughly rinse the ceiling and wipe it dry. Only then can you begin to cook and apply a fresh layer of whitewash.
How to whitewash the ceiling in a room
We have already said that there are several options for the material for whitewashing the ceiling. Let's choose the most suitable one!
a piece of chalk
Chalk whitewash is still the most popular type of ceiling covering. It is an environmentally friendly and breathable material. The chalk-covered ceiling becomes perfectly white, straight shining. Of course, it has its drawbacks: it is afraid of moisture, it stains when touched, it can crumble, creating a rather unpleasant dust.
It is very easy and cheap to prepare a chalk solution: 10 liters of water, 5 kg of chalk, 50 g of wood glue. You can identify the desired consistency with a knife: while the solution easily flows off the blade, you need to add chalk to obtain the required viscosity. To completely eliminate the yellow tint, you can add blue.
Lime
Lime whitewash is not afraid of moisture, although it has a very pungent smell and dries for a long time. It closes up small cracks and crevices well, has good bactericidal properties. There is no such thing as perfect white.
The solution is prepared simply: 2.5 kg of lime per 1 liter of water, 100 g of salt (previously soaked in water) and a little blue (already diluted). The composition must be thoroughly mixed. Gradually add warm water to the resulting mass. As a result, you should get 9-10 liters of solution. An allergic reaction to lime is possible.
Water based paint
Water-based paint is an emulsion of water and another substance, depending on the properties of which the composition acquires certain characteristics - it can be cleaned or washed, closes any stains, becomes resistant to temperature and direct sunlight.
Pros and cons of painting the ceiling with water-based paint:
- You don't have to be a professional, it's easy to paint, and sometimes even interesting ;
- A stretch ceiling will take away a lot of vertical space (5 or even 10 cm), painting will not take anything away;
- You will need very few very simple and cheap tools;
- The painted ceiling can be washed only a few times without negative consequences for the coating;
- If neighbors flood you, yellow spots and streaks will appear on the ceiling, which will require a complete repainting to eliminate. It is not possible to partially paint the ceiling with water-based paint - it is impossible to accurately select the shade;
- Before painting, you will need to do some serious work on leveling the ceiling in order to get a perfect surface without minor irregularities.
Types of water-based paint:
- acrylic paint - has increased wear resistance, resists abrasion well and allows you to periodically wash the ceiling;
- polyvinyl acetate is the cheapest paint. Non-moisture resistant. Such a ceiling cannot be washed. Also, do not use polyvinyl acetate paint in rooms with high humidity;
- acrylic latex - the most expensive coating for ceiling painting. It evens out the surface like a putty, it can be washed, it can be used in damp rooms, for example in the kitchen or bathroom;
- silicate - intended for application to plaster, concrete, stone;
- silicone - vapor permeable and resistant to fungus.
What is needed to whitewash the ceiling
You will not need a lot of tools and fixtures for whitewashing the ceiling:
- container for solution;
- brush, roller or spray (optional);
- gloves;
- glasses for eye protection;
- ladder.
Whitewashing the ceiling
The solution is applied to the ceiling with a brush, roller or spray gun. Instead of the latter, a vacuum cleaner is sometimes used; this will require a suitable nozzle.
The ceiling is whitewashed in layers. Before applying each coat, make sure the previous coat is dry enough.
If you whitewash the ceiling with a brush and a roller, then first paint over all inconvenient places with a brush, then apply the whitewash on the main area with a roller. Apply layers perpendicular to each other. In this case, the penultimate layer should be perpendicular to the window, and the last one should be applied from the window to the opposite wall.
When using a spray (vacuum cleaner or spray gun), apply the solution by slowly moving from one wall to the other (opposite) in a circular motion.
arc-house.ru
7 tips on how to whitewash the ceiling and walls with lime, chalk, water-based paint
Today, the shelves of hardware stores are bursting with a variety of finishing materials. Wallpapers of different types, decorative plaster, stone, tiles - choose what you want, but with all this, the good old whitewash does not lose popularity. Among the main reasons are cheapness, ease of application and environmental friendliness. These qualities are sometimes enough to close our eyes to the low durability of the coating. We will figure out how to whitewash the ceiling and walls with lime and chalk, decide whether the water-based paint belongs to whitewashing, and which material shows itself better.
Whitewashing ceilings and walls is not the most modern way of decoration, and it is far from the most fashionable. What makes thousands and tens of thousands of people throughout the country still whitewash in the old fashioned way? Whitewashing has enough advantages:
- low price is the main argument in favor of this type of finish. When the budget is limited, and it is necessary to tidy up the premises, the choice falls on whitewashing. For this reason, in hospitals, schools and other government agencies, plaster and chalk are still actively used to decorate ceilings and walls;
- ease of application. A person can cope with whitewashing without special preparation - no special skills, abilities and tools are needed;
- neat appearance. Of course, in terms of intricacy and decorativeness, the whitewashed ceiling is inferior to the tension system, and the whitewashed walls are finished with Venetian plaster, but if you apply the whitewash correctly, you can end up with a fresh white surface with an even matte color. If desired, a dye can be added to the whitewash solution;
- harmlessness, environmental friendliness, the ability to pass moisture and air. The usual whitewash in this regard is much ahead of vinyl wallpaper and expanded polystyrene ceiling tiles, therefore, in some cases it will be even more preferable;
- lime whitewash has bactericidal properties, therefore it will become additional protection against mold and mildew.
Among the disadvantages are low durability (1-3 years), uncomplicated appearance and dirt when applied. 
No. 2. How to whiten: lime, chalk or water-based paint?
When they talk about whitewashing, they often mean lime whitewashing. Lime (this is calcium oxide) is quenched with water to obtain a material that is used in finishing.
The main advantages of lime whitewash:
- the bactericidal properties of the material, therefore, such a finish is used in kindergartens, schools, medical institutions, even in wet rooms. The antiseptic qualities of lime also make it possible to actively use it in the arrangement of cellars and chicken coops. For the same reason, the bark of trees is treated with lime whitewash;
- if the mortar was prepared and applied correctly, then the coating will last about 3 years or even more;
- resistance to temperature extremes and high humidity. That is why lime can be used to decorate bathrooms if other materials are not affordable;
- excellent adhesion to almost all materials, including brick, wood, plaster and concrete;
- the ability to fill small cracks;
- low price, which is typical for any whitewash.
With all the advantages, lime also has disadvantages. The main one is the possibility of getting burned, so all work must be carried out with gloves. Chalk is much safer in this regard. In addition, there is a chance of leaving stains and streaks. Allergy sufferers are not recommended to use such a finish. 
Chalk, like lime, is inexpensive and environmentally friendly, and among its additional advantages:
- work safety;
- a deeper white color, which many like more than the color obtained with lime whitewash;
- the ability to use in rooms where allergy sufferers live.
Chalk, when interacting with water, is capable of accumulating it, which leads to the appearance of cracks on the surface and the rapid peeling off of the whitewash layer, therefore, chalk whitewashing is taboo in bathrooms, kitchens and other wet rooms. If the application technology is violated, you can get not only stains and streaks, but also bubbles. In addition, the chalky whitewash stains. 
There is such a thing as whitewashing with water-based paint among the people. This finish has nothing to do with whitewashing and refers to painting. It began to be attributed to whitewashing, most likely, due to the composition of the materials used - these are paints based on cement and lime. Today, painting with mineral water-based paints can be considered the best alternative to whitewashing. Among the main advantages of this option:
- resistance to abrasion, temperature extremes;
- bactericidal properties;
- the ability to breathe;
- safety for humans;
- ease of use, high drying speed.
However, the durability of such a coating is also not up to par, but the price is much higher than that of a conventional whitewash.
No. 3. How to determine what the whitewashing was done?
Probably, at least once in his life, everyone has heard that different whitewashing cannot be mixed. If lime whitewash was applied to the ceiling or wall, then when installed on top of the chalk one, ugly spots can soon be observed. When preparing a room for finishing and assessing the condition of the surfaces, it is very important to determine what the whitewashing was done before.
Verification is very simple. It is enough to wet a small fragment of the finish with water and observe the reaction. Wet lime will darken a little, and if you rub the surface with your finger, then there will be no white marks on your hands. 
No. 4. How to wash off whitewash and prepare the surface?
Before whitewashing the ceiling or wall, it is necessary to prepare the room and surface for future work. The sequence of actions is as follows:
If your only task is to renew the whitewashed surface, then in the presence of small defects, they can be repaired with a cement-based putty, and then proceed to applying a new layer of whitewash.
No. 5. Preparation of a solution for whitewashing
Since lime is used more often, let's start with it. The process of preparing the material is simple, but still requires care. So, how to dilute lime for whitewashing?
Now let's look at how to dilute a chalk-based whitewash:
Note that ready-made dry mixes are also on sale, where lime or chalk has already been mixed in the required proportions with other components - you just have to fill in the required amount of water. Such mixtures are more expensive if you take all the ingredients separately, but the difference is small. 
No. 6. How to whitewash the ceiling and walls: brush, roller or spray?
In theory, whitewashing can be done with the following tools:
- brush;
- roller;
- spray gun;
- vacuum cleaner with air blowing function.
Immediately, we note that the first two options are more applicable - it makes sense to use a vacuum cleaner and a spray gun with a large surface area to be whitewashed. 
A special whitewash brush is taken from natural bristles with a width of 15-20 cm. After work, the brush can be washed and later used again. You can use a natural bristle brush to whitewash a brick wall. It is advisable to soak it in water a few hours before use. In this case, the wooden handle swells a little and holds the bristles well, which will not fall out during the whitewashing process. 
Before applying the mixture, it is important to mix well again so that the shade is uniform. The first layer is applied perpendicular to the window, the second - parallel to the frames. In this case, the stripes from the brush will be minimally noticeable. Experts recommend slightly dampening the surface of the ceiling and walls before applying the mixture. 
It is better not to use a whitewash roller. When there is only one layer, this tool will still work, but when the second layer is applied, the dried first one may fall off. If you work carefully, you can get a beautiful matte finish. 
A sprayer and a vacuum cleaner are taken only when a large surface is to be finished. The consumption of the solution increases, it is applied in a thicker layer, but it will be possible to mask small defects. If you have a sprayer, then there are no questions. 
You can also apply whitewashing with a vacuum cleaner if it has an air blowing function. Among the many attachments in such models, there should be a polyethylene lid with tubes. This cap is the atomizer. It must be put on a jar and connected with a hose to the outlet in the vacuum cleaner. It turns out that when the air is blown out with a vacuum cleaner, the air enters the sprayer, draws in the solution from the can and sprays it through the nozzle. As a rule, there is a special hole on the sprayer, covering which you can get the required solution supply pressure. It is better to apply the solution in a circular motion, spraying at a distance of 70-100 cm. 
So that after whitewashing you do not have to be treated, it is better to take care of safety precautions in advance. The respiratory tract is protected with a respirator, wet bandage or face shield. It is imperative to protect your hands with rubber gloves, and your eyes with goggles.
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Do-it-yourself ceiling - whitewash competently and efficiently
Nothing stands still, fashion is changing, tastes and requirements for home decoration are becoming more modern, however, whitewashing the ceiling with your own hands is still considered the easiest and most affordable option for repairing an apartment, private cottage or suburban building.
There is nothing safer, more natural and more environmentally friendly than the old and good old-fashioned method to whitewash the ceiling with chalk or lime. Dazzling with its whiteness and freshness, such a ceiling will give a feeling of cleanliness and light, it will be easy and comfortable to live and relax in the room.
Despite the fact that whitewashing the ceiling on its own is a fairly simple and not time-consuming process, one cannot do without preliminary measures to prepare it for whitewashing, since it is precisely from how much the ceiling covering is ready for repair, whether it is ideally even, whether it contains cracks and cracks , the final result of the work directly depends.
Preparing the ceiling for whitewashing
Preparing the ceiling for whitewashing has one single goal - to make the outer ceiling layer perfectly flat and smooth.
The first thing to start with is to remove the remnants of the old whitewash. Everything is extremely simple: the old whitewash is first slightly moistened with water, then all unnecessary fragments are removed with a weakly concentrated soap solution. If the ceiling has a grayish or slightly yellow tint, the old whitewash is washed out completely - this will help to prepare it as much as possible for the upcoming whitewash.
If a grandiose renovation is not foreseen, and the planned whitewashing of the ceiling assumes only its slight refreshment, making it whiteness is the main task to remove all defects and uneven areas, thereby preparing the ceiling directly for whitewashing.
To clean the surface on your own without making any special efforts, experts advise using a spatula. Everything must be done when the ceiling is still wet, without bringing it to dryness. This will make the uneven segments more visible and remove unnecessary dust during work.
When planning such a ceiling repair with your own hands, you should be especially careful about the putty of joints and ceiling seams, having previously aligned them.
Having removed the excess layer of the putty composition with sandpaper, we leave the surface until it fully sets. This completes all the preparatory activities - you can start whitewashing the ceiling with your own hands.
Types of whitewash ceiling
The most popular and at the same time affordable ways to whitewash the ceiling are:
- whitewashing the ceiling with lime;
- whitewashing the ceiling with chalk.
Which of these options to give preference is up to you. To make the choice, let's dwell on the main aspects of each method.
So, whitewashing the ceiling with lime. This will require 2-2.5 kg of slaked lime composition (depending on the size of the ceiling) mixed with a liter of water at room temperature, and then combine the resulting mixture with 120 gr. pre-steamed brine by adding 150 gr. alum. If you wish, you can independently give the whitewash a light color shade using a special dye, which can be purchased at many hardware stores.
How to whitewash the ceiling with chalk. Preparing the chalk mixture. Making it with your own hands is quite simple, observing the following proportions. For 4-5 liters of slightly warm water you will need:
- joiner's glue 20-30 grams;
- chalk (about 2.5 kg);
To whitewash the ceiling with your own hands to look high-quality and professional, in the process of work, experts advise adding a few drops of blue to the prepared mixture. This will help achieve a pure white shade.
In addition, some builders use blue (slightly increasing the proportion) to give the so-called milky tone - the ceiling at the same time acquires a kind of "frosty freshness".
White ceiling is correct
How to whitewash the ceiling correctly, doing it yourself and, moreover, for the first time? Many of us ask a similar question.
The dynamics of these repair measures involves the use of both a conventional brush (with certain skills and experience in such work) and a roller - the use of the latter is more justified. The whitewash composition is applied in two stages: the first (main) layer, and the second - the finishing layer, and each of them must dry completely, and the surface after such a repair will become slightly velvety and matte.
If the whitewashing is done with a brush, the main requirement is to start strictly in the direction from the lighter part of the room (window, door) to the darker ones. With this little trick, there will be no visible brush streaks on the surface.
How to whitewash the ceiling correctly and at the same time achieve a good result can be found in step-by-step instructions posted on thematic repair portals and sites. Having familiarized yourself with them and following the advice of professionals, repairing the ceiling with your own hands will become an understandable and simple process.
Sprayer application
Whitewashing the ceiling with a vacuum cleaner is the fastest way to renovate an indoor ceiling. Any beginner who is far from construction and repair work can do this with his own hands.
Putting on a special spray lid on the container in which the whitewash compound (can, plastic bottle) is located and making a slot for the vacuum cleaner, you are ready to go. If you do not want to make such a structure with your own hands, you can purchase it at any hardware store.
The container with the solution should be filled no more than two-thirds of the total volume. Many people ask themselves how to whitewash the ceiling in such a way that when using a vacuum cleaner there are no drops that are characteristic of this whitewashing method?
The answer is simple: apply the solution carefully, ensuring a uniform flow of the mixture, and if drops do appear, immediately remove them, since after the completion of the work, when the surface begins to dry out, it will be almost impossible to do this.
Despite the fact that the technology of whitewashing the ceiling with your own hands is an absolutely not complicated process, a number of specific features and nuances should still be taken into account:
- the mixture for whitewashing should have a thick consistency - it will be easier and smoother to lie down without splashing or leaving streaks;
- all the whitewashing components must be thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained;
- the lime composition for whitewashing the ceiling better eliminates and smoothes cracks and crevices in comparison with chalk, in addition, lime has bactericidal characteristics. However, with all the advantages of this material for whitewashing, it should be remembered that lime, despite its safety and natural non-toxicity, can sometimes cause allergies.