How to Do Sculpted Ceilings

Sculpted ceilings add charm and allure to an often unnoticed space. Add plaster to the area and shape the texture to create dimension and interest. Not only will your ceiling be attractive, the plaster will also work as an acoustical sound barrier. Once plastered, apply paint to your ceiling. If you haven't worked with plaster before to create texture, practice beforehand on a piece of drywall or poster board.

Plastic tarps
Drop cloths
Painter's tape
Joint compound
Hand drill
Mixer attachment
Putty knife
Drywall trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the room for the plaster project by removing all furniture and decor. Stretch plastic tarps or drop cloths along the entire surface of the floor. Hang plastic sheets on all walls in the room, for added protection. Use painter's tape to hang plastic to avoid destroying the wall's paint.
- 2
  Whip up the joint compound to ensure it is moist and not dry. Attach a plaster mixer to a hand drill and blend until the compound is smooth.
- 3
  Use a putty knife and add a dollop of plaster onto a drywall trowel. Holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle, press the edge of the trowel's blade against the ceiling. Swipe the flat portion of the blade with plaster onto the ceiling. Sculpt the plaster by moving and forming it into different textures.
- 4
  Continue to plaster the ceiling until you cover the entire area. Small areas throughout the ceiling may be left without plaster. Allow the ceiling to dry. Paint the ceiling with latex paint. Roll on the paint with a rough nap roller created for rough, sculpted ceilings.

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