Repairing a plaster ceiling with plaster is the best way to maintain an older home’s integrity.

Step 1: Plastering is a messy job. Prepare the work space by removing furniture and covering everything with plastic. Tape plastic sheeting over doors and windows to reduce the spread of plaster dust.

Step 2: Use indoor scaffolding or an elevated platform to allow freedom of movement during the plaster application. Position the platform so the ceiling is a foot or less above the top of your head.

Step 3: Prepare the surface by removing all the loose plaster. It is imperative that the edges of the patch area are structurally sound and firmly attached to the wood lath.

Step 4: Back cut the plaster around the edges of the patch area at an angle to allow the new plaster to lock between the existing plaster and the lath.

Step 5: Reattach any loose lath and repair broken boards. Clean out the spaces between the slats of lath to allow the new plaster to lock into the lath.

Step 6: Use a spray bottle and brush to wet the surface to be plastered.

Step 7: Mix the plaster to a thick consistency. Do not mix more plaster than can be applied in 20 minutes.

Step 8: Use a flat plaster trowel and a plaster hawk to apply the plaster to the ceiling area. Place a lump of plaster on the hawk and scoop some of it onto the trowel.

Step 9: Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and begin by applying plaster around the edges of the space. Press the new plaster back behind the old plaster to lock the repair into place.

Step 10: Continue to apply plaster, working into the center of the space from the edges. Hold the trowel at an angle and level it toward the ceiling as you pull back away from the edge. Finish each stroke with a curve and reverse the action to pass over the newly laid plaster a second time.

Step 11: Apply the first coat of plaster no thicker than 1/2 inch. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat.

Step 12: Once the space has been filled with multiple layers of plaster, skim coat the surface with a thin layer of lightweight joint compound. Use a damp drywall sponge to give the ceiling a smooth finish.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.