Walls and Ceilings - Best method for textured ceiling removal?

Hi all,

I've been researching different methods for removing a textured ceiling. I want to smooth ceilings that have a "crows feet" texture that have been painted. The house was built in 1988. After many days and many web sites...DIY being the best of course :-)...I have learned about 3 different methods. Here they are:

1. Wet, scrape, patch with drywall compound, sand, prime, paint

2. Sand down with sander and clean up with shop vac, prime, paint

3. Fill in the texture with drywall compound, sand, prime, paint

I've been reading a lot about these methods and know that all of them will be messy, time consuming, and basically make you want to pull your hair out. Being a novice, I would like to know which method would be the easiest and most effecient. In other words, what method will turn out the best looking ceiling? Thank you all for any responces.
Katrina

Welcome to the forums Katrina!

Since your ceilings hae been painted, wetting the texture won't do much good. The joint compound [texture] will disolve/soften when wet but the paint will prevent it from obsorbing enough water to be effective.

IMO the best method would be to scrape what you can and then skim coat with joint compound. Sanding will work but it will take more time and you still will need to apply some j/c. The smoother you get the ceiling prior to adding j/c, the thinner you can apply it..... which should be easier for you.

Thank you so much for the information Mark! I'll let you all know how it turns out.