remove joint compound - Trompe l'Oeil texture

[jac]

I have a room where there was a tromp l'oeil mural done. Part of the mural includes joint compound being slatherd on and sanded smooth in order to create texture. I would like to remove this mural.

Is there an easy way to remove the joint compound or should I just start sanding? Is there anything I can put on the painted joint compound in order to make it easier to get it off?

Thanks

[mrcaptainbob]

How thick is that portion on the wall? Is it painted where water won't penetrate? Sanding is certainly an option, but that dang dust will be on the dishes in the kitchen cabinets! How about saturating it with hot water? Maybe lay a paper towel against that area and spritz with a spray bottle...when it softens enough, you should be able to putty knife it off. Mild sanding to finish the area smooth..?

[jac]

The joint compound is around 1/4 inch at the thickest.

It is all painted with at least 3 coats of paint.

I'm sure I could "score" the paint with something and then try the hot water...

But your right, I really want to keep the dust to a minimum.

[mrcaptainbob]

Hmmm....I wonder if it just wouldn't be easier to cut out the whole dang thing down to the studs and replace a whole square section. It may be easier to fill and smooth the perimeter of something like that than maybe the whole area? Could be a lot of work if the surface gets chopped up too bad.