Cracks in ceiling

[PeteMars]

What's the easiest way to makes these cracks look less awful, before one days getting a new ceiling or skim coat ?

The cracks bulge out.i did a patch repair; opened with knife, filled with deep gap and toupret filler as required, sanded down and painted.... And it left a smooth recess, equally conspicuous.

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 265726]

I think the repairs only show a bit more than you want because they aren't flush and the texture is smooth as opposed to the rest of the ceiling. The filler could have contracted. The way I see to cracks is to open up the gaps, fill with expanding foam depending on depth of the crack, cut the cured foam back to just below the surface, fill with toupret interior filler to just above the surface and then sand down flush. Sometimes it takes more than one run to fill and sand until flush but this way of repairing interior plaster cracks works for me. A textured paint which matches close enough to what you've got there would help blend. Is it artex?

 

[PeteMars]

Thanks. Agree, I prob could do a second fill and sand.
I've not used artex but I think so... It's hard and like a bit plasticy like old gloss paint. And has random texture.
I've also not used textured paint before - is that a modern alternative? Not seeing these stand out in the DIY store....

 

[Deleted member 265726]

They still make artex but without the asbestos. I think it would be a good idea to check what that covering is if you aren't sure, for peace of mind.

 

[opps]

Have you sorted out the leaks?

 

[PeteMars]

You mean check it's not asbestos? That's the ~£100 testing kit I suppose?

The leak was only when the crack opened , when roofers redid roof and hammered the battons off so hard the ceilings split! And then it hailed.

 

[Deleted member 265726]

It is only a suggestion as I don't know how long that covering has been on that ceiling for, which looks to be artex, is all I'm saying. If you know it isn't artex with asbestos in, then carry on with the repairs. The choice is ultimately your one.

 

[Odds]

Looking at the pattern of cracks it appears the ceiling is sagging along the joist: perhaps look into supporting the area before filling and decorating o'er the cracks.