Updating outdated ceiling textures can improve a room’s feel and appearance. While popcorn ceilings are often scraped off, other textured finishes can be more challenging to remove. Fortunately, there’s an easier solution for flattening textured ceilings without the mess of scraping. In the video above, Ask This Old House painter Mauro Henrique demonstrates how to smooth out a textured ceiling using joint compound.
Why Flatten a Textured Ceiling?
Textured ceilings were popular in homes built or renovated 30 to 40 years ago. These finishes, often created using a plastic trowel, added visual interest but have since fallen out of favor. Today, homeowners prefer smooth, flat ceilings for a more modern look.
Flattening a textured ceiling can increase light reflection, making the space feel larger and brighter. It modernizes the look of your room, giving it a sleek and contemporary appearance. A smooth ceiling also simplifies future painting and maintenance, making it easier to achieve a uniform finish and keep the ceiling clean.
Preparing To Flatten Your Ceiling
Complete the steps below before beginning your ceiling flattening project.
Gather Tools and Materials Needed
To flatten your textured ceiling, you’ll need the following supplies:
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Canvas drop cloths
- Damp rags
- Drill with mixing paddle
- Fast-setting joint compound
- Hawk
- Plastic drop cloths
- Step ladder or staging planks
- Taping knife
- Wide finishing trowel
Protect Your Space
Use plastic drop cloths to protect the top third of your walls. Cover the floor with canvas drop cloths to catch drips or spills. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using fans. Remove all furniture from the room or cover it completely with drop cloths to safeguard it from any mess.
Safety Considerations
Take the following safety precautions while renovating your ceiling:
- Ensure your staging or ladder is stable and properly positioned.
- Take frequent breaks to avoid neck and shoulder strain.
- Use a dust mask when sanding to avoid inhaling particles.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from falling debris.
The Flattening Process
Flattening a textured ceiling involves applying multiple thin coats of joint compound to fill in the low spots and create a smooth surface. We recommend using good lighting to spot imperfections as you work and keeping your tools clean throughout the process.
Follow the steps below to get started.
Step 1: Clean the Ceiling
Before applying any compound, clean the ceiling thoroughly. Use a damp rag to wipe down the entire surface, removing any dust or debris that could interfere with adhesion.
Step 2: Mix the Joint Compound
Pour the fast-setting joint compound into a bucket. Add water gradually while mixing with a drill and paddle attachment. Aim for a consistency slightly thicker than cake batter.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat
Load some compound onto your hawk. Using the taping knife, apply a thin, smooth coat to the ceiling. Focus on filling in the low spots of the texture. Work in small sections, maintaining a wet edge.
Step 4: Add Subsequent Coats
Allow the first coat to dry for about 45 minutes. Apply a second coat using a wider finishing trowel. Focus on smoothing out any remaining texture and imperfections. Repeat the process if necessary. Two to three coats are usually sufficient.
Step 5: Sand the Surface
Wait 24 hours for the compound to dry completely. Then, use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire ceiling. Focus on any visible seams or imperfections. Wipe away dust with a clean, dry cloth. Inspect the ceiling closely for any imperfections after sanding and touch up as needed.
Step 6: Paint the Ceiling
Choose a flat, white ceiling paint for the best results. Apply a coat of primer to the entire ceiling. Apply two coats of paint, allowing proper drying time between coats.
Maintaining Your New Ceiling
After flattening your ceiling, maintain it with simple, regular care. Periodically dust the ceiling to prevent buildup. Be mindful of potential leaks or water damage, as they can affect the smooth finish. When repainting, consider using a primer again to maintain the integrity of the surface.
Additional Considerations
Different homes and ceilings can present unique challenges. For example, homes with high ceilings or crown molding might require additional steps or adjustments in the process. If you encounter old and fragile plaster, it might require more careful handling or preliminary repair. Ceilings with detailed edges or moldings will need precision to ensure the joint compound blends smoothly with those features.
Flattening Alternatives
If flattening seems too daunting, consider other options, like installing a new layer of drywall over the existing texture. This method can provide a fresh, smooth surface without the mess of joint compound application. However, this generally requires professional help and may involve additional costs.
Resources:
Mauro used Sheetrock Easy Sand 45 joint compound, which is manufactured by USG. Henrique thinks this product works well in this application because it dries in a reasonable amount of time while still giving you a little flexibility to really work with it and apply it smoothly to the ceiling.
The other tools Henrique used for the job, including the drill with the mixing bit, taping knife, hawk, and drop cloths, can all be found at home centers.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Mauro’s Painting.
