Removing a textured ceiling can seem like a daunting task, but there are several methods to help you achieve a smooth finish. Whether you prefer scraping, applying plaster, or covering the ceiling, each approach has its own set of challenges and benefits. Scraping is the most common method and doesn’t require expert skills, but it can be time-consuming and messy.
Applying plaster, while effective, demands precision and skill, and it can be exhausting. Alternatively, covering the ceiling might be the quickest solution, though it comes with risks such as uneven surfaces or crooked edges. In this guide, we’ll walk you through these methods and provide step-by-step instructions to help you decide the best approach for your textured ceiling removal project.
How to get Rid of Textured Ceiling
There are three methods to remove a textured ceiling.
- The most preferred method for removing a textured ceiling is scraping. It doesn’t require expertise, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive. It also causes a lot of dust.
- The second way to get rid of a textured ceiling is by applying plaster to it. However, this method requires expertise and skill. It is also tiring. If you haven’t worked with plaster before, there will likely be imperfections on the ceiling. Plus, sanding is necessary after the plastering.
- One way to fix a textured ceiling is by covering it. However, there are risks to covering a textured ceiling. There may be unevenness, or the covering could end up crooked.
How to Scrape Textured Ceiling
The best way to remove a textured ceiling is with a hard, sharp, and sturdy scraper. The sturdy, long handle of this scraper makes the scraping process much easier. As you can imagine, scraping the ceiling can be tiring, so you’ll need strong arms and shoulders.
You will also need to take time to clean up the dust generated during the scraping. Therefore, it’s important to take safety precautions before you begin, both for cleaning and for your own protection. After the scraping is complete, you may also need to prepare the ceiling for the new application. We outline all these steps in detail below.
1-Prepare the Ceiling
Before you start scraping the textured ceiling, you should remove any ceiling fixtures. Get rid of obstacles that will slow you down. This will help you move faster. Remove the ceiling fixtures and cut the power to eliminate the danger of the cables.
2-Cover the Floor
Cover the furniture with a drop cloth. This will help eliminate most of the dust generated during the scraping process. Even if there is no furniture in the room, you can reduce the cleaning time by taping drop cloths to the floor.
3-Protect Yourself from Dust
Wear overalls, dust mask and goggles. The dust may contain asbestos. You must wear a mask to avoid exposure to very harmful asbestos. Work goggles are also very useful to protect your eyes from dust.
4-Use a Quality Scraper with a Long Handle
Use a scraper with a sturdy tip and a long handle. Your arms and shoulders will become tired when scraping the textured ceiling. A scraper of good quality, equipped with an adjustable handle, will significantly ease the job.
5-Work in Multiple Directions
Scrape in different directions. If scraping is difficult in one direction, change direction. If the scraping is very difficult, spray the ceiling before you start scraping. Let the water soak into the rough ceiling for about half an hour. This will make it easier to scrape and get rid of dust.
6-Check if The Ceiling is Smooth Enough
After scraping, check that the ceiling is smooth enough and, if necessary, sand and smooth some areas. Wipe the entire ceiling with a damp cloth.
8-Clean the Dust
After all the scraping is done, start cleaning. Even if you cover the floor and furniture, dust will still get into some parts. Therefore, cleaning is also necessary. Remember that dust can also cling to the walls. Remove dust from the walls and floor. “Related: how to clean walls without leaving streaks?”
7-Apply Primer Paint
Use primer paint. Once the ceiling is sufficiently leveled, use the appropriate primer for your new project. However, if you are considering a coating, you may not need a primer.
What is the best way to remove a textured ceiling?
The easiest way to remove a textured ceiling is to scrape it with a long-handled scraper and then sand it.
Can textured ceilings be smoothed?
To smooth a textured ceiling, you can either scrape it or apply a layer of plaster over it.
Is it worth removing textured ceiling?
If the grooves in your textured ceiling collect dirt easily, you can scrape it or smooth it with plaster. This can be a challenging process for the entire house. Instead, you might consider painting the textured ceiling with a long-nap roller.”
Can you sand down a textured ceiling?
Scraping the textured ceiling before sanding can make the job easier. First, scrape it with a long-handled scraper, then sand it with 200 or 220-grit sandpaper.
Can I just paint over a textured ceiling?
Painting a textured ceiling requires a long-nap roller or a paint sprayer.
Can you cover up a textured ceiling?
Even to cover a textured ceiling, it needs to be smoothed first. Otherwise, the covering won’t sit evenly.
How do you remove textured ceilings?
To remove a textured ceiling, you either need to apply plaster or scrape it.
How to remove textured ceiling plaster?
To remove textured ceiling plaster you need to scrape it off.
