How to Remove Cottage Ceilings

Clear the room completely of all furnishings, appliances, curtains, tables, chairs, pictures and other wall hangings. Shut the electricity off for the room at the main breaker box.

Set up a ladder and remove any hanging light fixtures. Put wire nuts on the ends of exposed electrical wires.

Install outlet protectors to prevent the mess from getting inside them. Cover the floor with plastic dropcloths. Put on long-sleeves and pants, a dust mask and eye goggles.

Fill the pump garden sprayer with water. Liberally spray a small area of the cottage ceiling covering. Let it set a few minutes while it softens up.

Scrape the sprayed area with a wide scraper until all the cottage ceiling is removed. Then, move onto the next area and continue Steps 4 and 5 until you're done.

Allow the drywall ceiling to dry overnight. Repair any imperfections with drywall joint compound and a putty knife. Allow the compound to dry thoroughly per the manufacturer's directions.

Sand the ceiling repairs with 100-grit sandpaper attached to a sanding pole.

Use a paint roller and a paint pan to apply a good-quality primer to the drywall ceiling that remains since you removed the cottage ceiling cover. Finish by painting it.