what do i use to float entire ceiling.

Just a general idea ...........You need to secure any loose plaster to the supports with big flat plaster washers......Under cut any cracks so the plaster has a KEY..........Paint all broken surfaces with a Latex Ad-mix straight from the bottle(looks like milk......seals the old plaster so it doesn't s*** all the moisture from the patch and 'glues' the materials ...........I mix any dry plaster with the same AD-MIX instead of water to make a strong flexible patch.........Yes, You need to mix batch after batch of plaster......applying in layers to completely fill the damage.......Trowel or knife tightly to keep finishing to a minimum........Use a damp sponge while the plaster is almost set to recreate the surface texture of the surrounding ceiling.........dry.....prime.......paint

[This message has been edited by doug seibert (edited September 04, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by doug seibert (edited September 04, 2002).]

thanks Doug. Alot of useful info, and a lot of work ahead....

I have a tip that might help you float your ceiling a little quicker.

Apply the drywall compound with a taping knife or a trowel and then use a 3ft or 4ft length of C Channel (the channel that metal studs fit into)to smooth and even out the drywall compound. You hold the wide edge of the channel at a 45 degree angle to the ceiling and using both hands drag/pull the channel towards yourself. This allows you to cover a bigger area and it also helps level uneven areas of the ceiling. You might need to fine tune with a smaller knife or trowel.

I tried this tip after seeing it on television and found it to work quite well.