How To Remove Stipple Ceiling

A stipple ceiling finish gained popularity in the 1970s, particularly with the innovation of tract housing. Stippled and popcorn textured ceilings became popular because they are less labor intensive to apply than finishing a drywall ceiling. While this process was popular during the 70s and even into the 80s and 90s, it is a finish that has fallen out of favor. Many contemporary homeowners decide to remove stippled ceiling fixtures in an effort to create a more streamlined ceiling finish.

This is a relatively easy home improvement project, although it can be a bit time consuming and messy. There are two popular methods for removing stippling. One involves wetting down the texture and then scraping it off. The second method involves sanding the texture down to the drywall surface.

Method One – Wetting and Scraping the Texture:

Step 1 – Remove Furnishings, Place Drop Cloths/Tarps

This process is easiest when completed in an entirely empty room. If it is not possible to remove all of the furniture, cover any remaining items with drop cloths. Place tarps over the entire floor.

Step 2 – Dampen Stipple

Fill the garden sprayer with clean water. Working on a small section of the ceiling at a time, spray the ceiling with the sprayer. Let the water be absorbed into the ceiling. Apply a second layer of water to the ceiling.

Step 3 – Peel Stipple

Using a putty or joint compound knife with a wide blade, carefully peel the stipple from the ceiling. Be careful not to damage the ceiling with the edge of the knife. If there are places where the stipple does not easily peel away from the ceiling, apply another layer of water to dampen the material.

Step 4 – Complete Remainder of Ceiling

Complete Steps 2 and 3 to remove the remainder of the stipple from the ceiling.

Step 5 – Remove the Floor Tarps

Once you have removed all of the stipple, then collect the tarps from the floor. Since there will be accumulated water, raise the tarps at the corners and allow the water to pool in the center of the tarp. Carefully remove the tarps from the room without spilling the water.

Step 6 – Dry Ceiling

Use portable fans pointed at the ceiling to dry any water that seeped through to the ceiling drywall. Once the drywall is completely dry, then remove any remaining tarps and drop cloths from the room and replace the furniture unless you plan to paint the ceiling. If this is the case, then leave the drop cloths and paint as you normally would.

Method Two – Sanding the Texture:

Step 1 – Seal Room

Seal off the room by hanging plastic sheeting with duct tape. This will protect the rest of the house from flying dust. Also close any air vents. Open any windows for circulation.

Step 2 – Sand Stipple

Wearing a protective air mask, use a palm sander, begin sanding the stipple texture. Continue sanding until you reach the surface of the drywall. Be careful not to dig the sander into the drywall and damage it. Instead, just skim the surface of the drywall, while at the same time removing the stipple material. This process will go faster if more than one person is working at the same time.

Step 3 – Vacuum Clean

Use a shop vac to clean up all of the accumulated dust from the stipple material.