What is a good way to remove glow in the dark stars from ceiling

Ruth
by Ruth
the ceiling is the old square cardboard type tiles (the house was built in the 70's) so the paint on the ceiling is just flat white, the stars have been there approx 16 yrs. Without tearing the whole ceiling up ?

  8 answers
  • M. M.. M. M.. on Feb 23, 2018

    Have you tried peeling one or two off? Maybe warming them with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive? Would it be possible to flip the tiles over?

  • Pjo26908388 Pjo26908388 on Feb 23, 2018

    Might have to try a few things to figure out what the glue is. I usually start with a putty knife to see if things pop of by loosening between the surfaces like your stars and the ceiling. Try warm water in a spray bottle to loosen the glue or a hair dryer (or both) along with gently prying between. A small knife might be needed to cut between. Good Off is great for removing stubborn glues.


    One of these methods will likely work- with care and patience. Might need to prime the ceiling so the glue doesn't come through. Kilz primer works for this.

  • Alice Alice on Feb 23, 2018

    • They won't come off easily. Scrape with a single edge utility scraper, then if there's any remaining adhesive residue, use a solvent like Citri Solve or Goo Gone.




  • V Smith V Smith on Feb 23, 2018

    Tough to work overhead, but I was thinking hair dryer or steamer. If the tiles were painted before the stickers went up they may let go without too much fight.

  • B B on Feb 23, 2018

    You can purchase replacement ceiling tiles at Home Depot and place with grids lots of choice including thin metal

  • B B on Feb 23, 2018

    Try fabric softener in spray bottle this removes wallpaper you soak it in and remove after a few minutes

    • Ruth Ruth on Feb 23, 2018

      will definitely try this.... will smell good as well !! Thank you

  • B B on Feb 23, 2018

    Ygreat let me know if you like or hate the result try one in a far corner

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jan 04, 2021

    I'd try a primer like Kilz before painting.