Popcorn ceiling textures were once a popular home aesthetic.
Learn how to remove popcorn ceilings if they no longer suit your space.
Getty Images / photovs
Popcorn ceilings were once a popular choice for interior ceilings.
Credit:Getty Images / photovs
Many homes had this ceiling texture throughout, though it was often absent from kitchens and bathrooms.
Because the ceiling treatment can make a home feel dated, some prefer to removepopcorn texture.
Additionally, popcorn ceilings can trap dust and dirt, making it moredifficult to keep the ceiling clean.
Use this guide to learn how to remove popcorn ceilings and update the aesthetic of your house.
A DIYer or general contractor cannot handle this job safely.
As an alternative, homeowners may enclose the asbestos byinstalling ceiling-grade drywallover the popcorn ceiling instead of removing it.
Start by moving any furniture, appliances, or other items out of the room.
Also, remove any ceiling fixtures or fans and set them aside for reinstallation when the job is complete.
Open any windows in the room and leave them uncovered to increase the ventilation.
Wet the Ceiling
Scraping off the popcorn texture requires the ceiling to be wet.
Spray the ceiling thoroughly, allowing the water to soak in for about 20 minutes.
Popcorn ceilings are typically very dry and absorptive, so they should quickly soak up the water.
Work in a 3-by-3-foot section until the entire ceiling has been scraped clean of the popcorn texture.
If part of the ceiling starts to dry out too soon, you may need to re-wet the area.
Use joint compound topatch any problem areas, and give the compound enough time to dry.
After the joint compound is dry, use a sanding pole and screen to sand the entire ceiling.
This smooths out the existing ceiling while also leveling the patched areas to create a uniform appearance.
This process involves applying topping compound to the entire ceiling using a broad 12-inch drywall knife.
Once the topping compound has dried, use the sanding pole and screen to sand the ceiling.
Next, apply primer to the ceiling with a paintbrush and roller.
Let the primer dry, and thenapply paint to finish the ceiling.
Clean Up
Once the job is complete, it’s time to clean up.
Cleanup should be relatively easy as long as you prepared the area properly.
Start by reinstalling anyceiling fixtures or fansand remove the plastic sheeting from the walls.
Most, if not all, of the debris should be on the tarp.
Roll the tarp inward to trap the debris and take it outdoors.
