How to Remove the Adhesive From Ceiling Stars

Adhesive-backed ceiling stars are used to give room ceilings the look of a starry night sky. The adhesive backing prevents the stars from falling off the ceiling when humidity in the room increases. When the stars are removed for painting or to otherwise change the decor of the room the adhesive backing leaves a sticky coating or portion of the backing on the ceiling surface. Left unattended, the adhesive attracts dirt, causing unsightly stains on the ceiling.

    A metal scraper helps lift stuck-on adhesive.
  1. Scrape off as much of the ceiling star adhesive as possible with a metal scraper. Insert the edge of the scraper under the adhesive and carefully slide the scraper, in a side-to-side motion, until you've wedged the scraper underneath the adhesive. Lift the scraper and peel off as much adhesive as possible.

  2. Combine 1 pint warm water with 1 tsp. dish washing detergent and 1 tbsp. white vinegar. Soak a clean cloth with the warm detergent and vinegar solution and wring out excess moisture.

  3. Hold the cloth over the remaining adhesive for 30 seconds. Scrub the the cloth back and forth over the adhesive, which should cause it to ball up. Continue to scrub the adhesive backing to remove as much as you can.

  4. Spray the last traces of adhesive backing with lubricating spray used for greasing hinges or squeaky doors. Rub the lubricating spray into the adhesive with a clean, dry cloth until it's completely removed.

  5. Wash the ceiling surface with the dish soap and vinegar solution to remove greasy residue from the lubricating spray. Rinse the ceiling by wiping it off with a damp cloth.


  • Use caution when scraping adhesive backing off the ceiling so paint isn't removed along with the glue.

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