How to Remove Textured Ceiling Paint

Many people enjoy the look of a textured painted ceiling. If you do not like this painting style or want something new, you can remove the textured ceiling paint and start over. Textured ceiling pain can be removed by chipping it away with a putty knife.

Items Needed:

• Painter's tape


• Plastic sheets


• Putty knife


• Dish detergent


• Pump sprayer


• Sander


• Sandpaper

1. Apply painter's tape to electric outlets and any vents that are in the room. If the textured ceiling pieces fall in the outlets or vents, they may damage the electrical system or clog the vents.


2. Lay an old cloth sheet or plastic sheet on the floor and over any furniture you want to protect from paint chips and debris. Plastic sheets can be purchased from many department stores and paint supply stores.


3. Add 3 tablespoons of dish detergent to the pump sprayer and fill it with water. Dish detergent helps soften and remove the textured ceiling paint.


4. Spray a small section of the ceiling with the detergent mixture. You want to make the ceiling very wet. Use a putty knife to scrape off the textured paint. Work in small sections at a time to prevent the detergent mixture from drying before you can scrape the paint away.


5. Once all the textured ceiling paint has been removed, use the sander to lightly sand the ceiling. Go over any sharp edges or corners to make the ceiling as flat and smooth as possible. This will give you a fresh start to paint the ceiling if desired.