Can I put dry wall mud on a tile ceiling to make it look smooth?

  9 answers
  • Jean Jean on Oct 13, 2017

    what sort of tile? acoustic? pressboard? tin?

    what's underneath (or above?) it?

    lightweight Spackle might work, but straight drywall mud? might pull the ceiling down.



    • Clyde Lance Clyde Lance on Sep 02, 2023

      It’s the little square tiles 12-12 I have to patch a ceiling leak I was going to patch the missing tiles with 1/4 inch drywall and just skim in the kitchen ceiling will it bond to the ceiling tiles

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Oct 13, 2017

    The ceiling tiles I have would be damaged (and probably pull loose) from the moisture in the spackle and the weight. Most ceiling tiles are a fiber material.

  • Ed Cannon Ed Cannon on Oct 13, 2017

    Yes, but it may stain it a light brown color. If so paint with a primer/sealer.



  • Greg Greg on Dec 24, 2020

    Yes, I have. It is in a low humidity room where the tiles are well adhered to the plaster ceiling above....there will be significant shrinkage in the tile spaces so hit it 2x....the tiny dimples in the tile clean up easier. Try a thined out joint compound applied with a brush for a final more finished coat...the.n prime and paint

  • Deb K Deb K on Sep 02, 2023

    Hello, I think that may work for you since it just an area you are patching.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 03, 2023

    Why not over board?

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 06, 2024

    You can put a skim coat on a tile ceiling to make it look smooth. This is an effective way of covering up any imperfections in the tiles and giving your ceiling a more uniform appearance. But before attempting this project, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of skim coating on this type of surface.

    First, you will need to make sure that the tiles are securely fixed to the plaster ceiling above them. If they are not securely attached, then applying drywall mud could cause them to become loose or even fall off completely.

    Second, because of shrinkage in the tile spaces when drying out drywall mud, it is recommended that you apply two coats instead of one for the best results. The second coat should be a very thin layer of joint compound applied with a brush for a more finished coat before priming and painting over it.

    Thirdly, if there are tiny dimples in the tiles from previous repairs or other issues such as water damage or age-related wear and tear, these may be difficult to clean up once covered with drywall mud so extra care should be taken when sanding down any excess material.

    Finally, always remember safety first! Make sure that you have adequate ventilation while working with any type of chemical product like joint compound and also use proper protective gear such as gloves and goggles.