How To Remove Stipple From Ceiling

Stipple. Information technology's the little brother to popcorn texture that was pop on 60s- and 70s-era ceilings. Dissimilar popcorn, which is sprayed-in-identify using specialized equipment, stipple is practical by dipping an applicator in drywall chemical compound, sticking it to the ceiling, and pulling information technology away to create a pattern of pointy stalactites. The outcome is a ceiling that looks darker (because it casts hundreds of tiny shadows) and ane that pops every balloon that floats upward to its thorny surface.

Dwelling builders in the disco years sold popcorn and stipple ceilings in droves, generally touting their acoustic benefits. Of class, it didn't hurt that both popcorn and stipple are less labor-intensive–and therefore cheaper–methods of finishing a ceiling.

We know at present that neither texture looks as skillful as a plain, flat ceiling. But merely similar bell bottoms and leisure suits, we didn't realize the gravity of our commonage error until well into the 80s. And that's being generous. Our house (a Ryan Shenandoah A) was built in 1984 and information technology had this texture all over. There are still a few builders using this technique today, especially on less expensive homes.

We've been flattening out the stipple in this home for the terminal few years as we tackle one room afterward another in our remodeling escapades. We've recently turned our attention to our twins' upstairs bedroom, which provides the perfect properties for this tutorial.

Here'due south a shot of the bedroom. This detail vantage point makes the stipple look relatively unoffensive, except that you can tell the ceiling has a sort of shadow to it.

With artificial, floor-based lighting in use, the stipple shadowing consequence becomes more obvious.

Up close, you lot can see merely how abrupt the ceiling is and just how many shadows it casts.

How to Remove Stipple

Afterward trying several different methods for removing this stuff over the years, nosotros've settled on what we think is the all-time method for getting the job done: sanding the stipple with a random orbit sander using 80 grit paper. This method works well to get the ceiling by and large flat. If you desire to go the ceiling completely flat, you're going to need to spend time sanding with a pole sander after knocking downwardly the majority of the stipple using the ability sander. If yous use the power sander also long, you'll inevitably run through the newspaper backing on the drywall.

Before we get started, it's worth noting that this method works best when the ceiling hasn't been painted. If it'south been painted, the effort required to tear down the stipple is significantly greater.

Step 1: Cheque for Asbestos.

In all likelihood, your stipple ceiling probably doesn't accept asbestos in it. But it'due south not out of the realm of possibility. Asbestos was legal in the U.s. through 1978 and was an ingredient used in some textured ceiling compounds. Fifty-fifty after asbestos was outlawed, builders were allowed to utilize whatever remaining supplies they had on paw that contained the ingredient. There are several asbestos testing labs effectually the country. You can Google for "asbestos testing lab" or read our experience with Western Analytical Laboratory for more than information. It's well-nigh $20 to go a sample tested. Nosotros had three samples tested from throughout our house.

If you discover asbestos in your ceiling, you should exit information technology completely undisturbed or consult a professional for removal. In many states an asbestos abatement contractor is required to tackle projects were asbestos is present.

Step 2: Cover Up Floors. Yous Might Consider the Walls Likewise.

Tape plastic over the flooring surface. You lot'll need to throw it away after you sand as it volition be covered with pulverisation, which easily kicks upward into the room, then using something cheap is a good motion. We used the thinnest .3 mil plastic available at Walmart and it works just fine.

If you've already painted the walls, you may also want to tape plastic up to the walls. This job is better performedbefore painting.

Footstep iii: Don the Appropriate Condom Equipment.

While a simple dust mask will provide some protection, nosotros prefer a negative pressure mask like the one in this movie. It should become without saying that safety goggles are a must. The sanding procedure throws off a hefty amount of debris.

Step 4: Vent Outside Using a Fan. Turn off the A/C fan.

Fix up one or more fans to blow air outside. You're going to get a lot of dust through the sanding procedure. You'll besides want to plough off the A/C fan in the firm to prevent the dust from blowing or recirculating.

Step 5: Sand. Sand. And Sand.

You can use any pattern/approach you desire. Nosotros advise the following:

• Utilize a random orbit sander like this Milwaukee version we reviewed.
• Kickoff with 120 grit newspaper and working up to something more powerful if you lot need it.
• Outset with a slower orbit speed and working up to something more powerful if you demand it.

Be careful NOT to hold the sander in one place too long. You tin can eat through the drywall paper if you go also deep.

You're Done!

Afterward the ceiling is finished, you lot should accept something that looks like this… (You can ignore those patch marks on the walls… simply it is worth pointing out that this job should exist done before you paint the walls, if you're doing that in the same overall project).

And here's an up close shot of the ceiling. Balloons everywhere volition be thankful.

For the sake of dissimilarity, hither'due south a very similar shot, earlier the sanding, so you tin can meet them adjacent to each other.

I'd love to show you a movie of the end product of this room, but you'll have to look a few days for the complete flick. Kim's running that along with a review of a new paint kit nosotros used for the room.

iv Key Tips for Sanding Stipple

• Make sure to go the ceiling checked for asbestos before starting this task.
• Ventilate well. Plow off your habitation'southward A/C fan.
• Put down plastic. This chore is a mess.
• Start sanding at deadening speed and with fine grit paper. Increment grit and speed once you go the hang of it.

Source: https://www.oneprojectcloser.com/how-to-remove-stipple-ceiling/

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