What's the best way to get rid of swirly textured ceilings?

Question

Sanding them down? Plaster sheet over the top of the ceiling. Any idea on cost per square foot?

Most homes in the Boston area seem to have these horrible ceilings.

Answer 1

if the stippling ( textured swirls) doesn't scrape off to easily, you are better off putting new plasterboars over the old ceiling and re -plaster them...yes it's a messy option, and more costly but when you have a nice smooth ceiling at the end of it, you will be glad you did it. normal plasterboards are 8' X 4' and you would get away with using 3/8" boards to make things easier, but the ceiling should have most of the heavy stippling hacked off first...get a good plasterer to quote you a price and see if it is worth the hassle...I think it is, to be honest

Answer 2

Get Rid Of Textured Ceiling

Answer 3

If you do not have "popcorn" ceilings the best way to remove the texture is to simply apply two coats of drywall mud to the ceiling at right angles to each other. Lightly sand, prime then paint. The cost should be minimal, $0.50 to $1 per square foot for the mud and sanding.

Answer 4

You can not sand the swirls down. You must just apply a new coat of mud over the swirls, to achieve the look of just a flat ceiling, then when dry just sand lightly and re texture with texture hopper then paint

Answer 5

The options are limited. Sanding will take allot of time and messy. Scraping will be the same. Covering with either plaster or plaster board will be costly and also messy. The best option would be to just put up with it.

Answer 6

My experience is sanding takes too long unless you have a high powered sander. try scraping the ceiling with a big Spackle knife and a large razor blade scrapper.

Answer 7

odd do you realize most PAY extra money tohave those ceilings? I wish I could take them...but you cant sand them down....need to plaster..