Problem with planex in takeing down a textured ceiling

[Jeremiah9675]

Well for two weeks now I've tried to find the right combo of abrasive papers, settings, and sanding pads to try and take down a brush on textured ceiling evenly and without tearing the gypsum paper. I either go too far and tear the paper or I don't go far enough and the swirls remain and I feel like I'm sanding endlessly in the same spot and wasting time. I have the soft pad, interface pads, and tons of different abrasives. I used a saphir 24 and 36 grit to even out the ceiling, then I have moved on to 60 grit granat, 80 grit brilliant, 150 grit brilliant, 120 grit granat. I can't seem to find the happy medium? I am open to suggestions. Is it how I'm holding the planex to the ceiling? Is it my settings (speed)? Is it my abrasives? My pad combo? I added pictures of the ceiling. Also the texture is so hard that I can't even get the swirls down without hitting it first with the saphir paper. Please help! Thanks! ???

 

[Saskataper]

Honestly I would say that ceiling calls for sound bar and new drywall. The planex is an amazing tool and I've taken down some nasty texture with it but that is a ton of material to be removed. If new drywall isn't an option for some reason I would go over it with the planex just enough to knock down the high spots then skim the ceiling, sand, skim, sand until it was flat.
I wish I had a better answer for you.

 

[Jeremiah9675]

Saskataper, unfortunately I believe you are right. After multiple pointless failed attempts I realized that I had one of four options:
1.Cut all my ceiling corners with a razor knife. Rip the drywall down, put up new. Then use the planex to sand all the joints.
2. Sand everything down to a level swirl. Roll on watered down mud, skim it, and sand it with the planex to a level surface.
3. Keep at it the way I've been going until I find the right combo of paper and pads until its just right.
4. Or return the planex, do option one and sand it conventionally.

I will keep trying for one more week and see what happens? My only problem is that I showed the exact same photos to my local Festool rep and he said that taking that texture down would be no problem. Wouldn't have bought it if he told me that it may not be possible but he was very sure that it was more than capable.

 

[Bikeboy80]

Try this (if you haven't already) [embarassed]

Start with the standard pad, 36 grit Saphir set to about mid speed. Run it over the texture to knock it down but not take it all the way down the the paper. Then switch to the soft pad with one interface pad and 80grit Brilliant, 5-6 speed to take it down further. Then swap to the 150 grit and clean it up.

This seems to be what works best for me for most types of textures, it will take some time just be patient. Good luck!

 

[Jeremiah9675]

Bikeboy, I'm gonna try that tonight. I haven't tried that approach but like I said I'm open to anything. If it works I will let you know. How about suction? Outer ring or inner ring? Suction at 6?
Thanks.

 

[Bikeboy80]

Outer ring for the first run. The ballance with the inner suction, close to full power but allowing you to easily move the sander across the ceiling without digging in. It will just be a feel kind of thing.

Also if you haven't yet try being closer to the ceiling, hold the Planex so the pole is close to parallel to the ceiling. The tool seems easier to control especially with the 36 grit being so aggressive. Once you move to the higher grits working from the floor is fine.