My 1920 plaster ceilings look like merangue peaks. I don't know how many layers of plaster have been gooped on to likely cover the cracks. The foyer has it on the walls too. I'm not exaggerating to write that you would snag a sweater if you leaned against that wall. The 'merangue peaks' could put a toddler's eye out.

It's too textured to clean or paint over. How can I sand it ? I would be comfortable with a textured stucco final appearance. I have cut off some of the peaks with a dremel with reinforced blade for cutting metal and the dust was unbelievable for the results of such a small area. I am a petite woman so I can't imagine standing on a ladder, holding a heavy rotary sander over my head to do three rooms ceilings AND the ceiling over a steep stairs.

Do you know what kind of plaster was used to create the texture? It would be helpful to know that.

To avoid the dust, and if it would work on the type of texture and plaster that has already been applied, you could get the sanding apparatus that people who apply drywall use to sand and suck up the dust, such as might be found on the following links that you will find on the following search.

Drywall Sander No Dust - Google Search

I am sure that there will be others who will come along to address your question. I am usually dealing with paints and the application of fresh drywall as well as textures. But, the textures that I apply are not very compact or dense. You could be dealing with something that is actually a thick and dense plaster for the texture, so drywall tools may not work.

Please be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment, such as a dust mask and goggles, no matter what you do to smooth out the appearance of what is already there.

Thanks!