Is it OK to sand down a popcorn ceiling?
Yes you can sand it, but if you want it gone the easiest way is to mist the texture with a sprayer and wait for it to soak in then use a trowel or flat drywall blade and scrape the popcorn off. A painters drop on the floor will catch all the waste. After that there will be traces of the texture left on the ceiling.
What is the best way to clean a popcorn ceiling?
Preparing to Clean a Popcorn Ceiling
- Dusting an Acoustic Ceiling. If your main concerns are dust and spiderwebs, cleaning a popcorn ceiling isn’t too difficult. ...
- Removing Stains from a Popcorn Ceiling. ...
- Leave the Everyday Cleaning to Merry Maids®. ...
Can You smooth out popcorn ceiling?
When scraping popcorn ceilings, you’ll want to use a 4-inch utility knife or a drywall knife to chip away at the texture and create a smooth surface. You’ll probably need to skim it with a thin layer of joint compound to smooth out imperfections, then sand it smooth before repainting.
Can You texture over a popcorn ceiling?
You can also spray heavier texture on the ceiling to hide and disguise the existing popcorn surface. Trowel your ceiling with a heavy coating of drywall mud as an alternative to spraying. You will be able to cover the popcorn effect completely and create a new different texture design.
How do you smooth out a popcorn ceiling without removing it?
3:1513:34How To Cover Popcorn Ceiling Without Removing It - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea i switched back and forth between my 10 inch. And my smaller taping knife and any of thoseMoreArea i switched back and forth between my 10 inch. And my smaller taping knife and any of those little areas where i needed to get around the vent hole or around the fan.
Can I sand painted popcorn ceiling?
Once the ceiling has been scraped clean, you'll likely still need to fill any dings and sand it all smooth before painting. You might want to give it a day to dry out before attempting to patch any holes and sand.
Is it worth scraping popcorn ceiling?
In short, removing a popcorn ceiling can increase your home value. However, particular circumstances can affect its impact. Removing popcorn ceilings from a smaller home may not be a good use of renovation money. As long as it's in good condition, a fresh coat of paint may be the better option due to cost.
Can you sand a textured ceiling?
After trying several different methods for removing this stuff over the years, we've settled on what we think is the best method for getting the job done: sanding the stipple with a random orbit sander using 80 grit paper. This method works well to get the ceiling mostly flat.
Is it better to scrape or sand popcorn ceiling?
How to Scrape a Popcorn Ceiling. When scraping popcorn ceilings, you'll want to use a 4-inch utility knife or a drywall knife to chip away at the texture and create a smooth surface. You'll probably need to skim it with a thin layer of joint compound to smooth out imperfections, then sand it smooth before repainting.
How do you make popcorn ceilings look better?
When looking for a way to dress up a ceiling with texture while also hiding that popcorn texture, consider adding wood or wood paneling. Covering the ceiling with tongue and groove wood planks, bead board, or another rustic wood plank or panel is a creative way to add interest to the ceiling and update the space.
Why you shouldn't remove popcorn ceiling?
Why Isn't Removing Popcorn Ceiling Perfect? Most of the time, removing the popcorn ceiling takes too much effort, and it cost you a lot of cleaning during and even after.
Why are houses built with popcorn ceilings?
The original purpose of popcorn ceilings was to make life a little easier. Popcorn ceilings began as a cost-effective means of making a home look nice without all the extra effort of fixing, painting, sanding, repainting, and general maintenance and upkeep.
Does all popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
Popcorn ceilings were extremely popular from the 1950s to the 1980s. Before the dangers of asbestos were widely known, most popcorn ceilings were made from this deadly material. If you have popcorn ceilings in your home, they're likely safe if left undisturbed.
How do you sand a textured ceiling?
6:187:00How to Flatten a Textured Ceiling | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell this is all we can do for today uh what i want you to do is wait about 24. Hours get a 220 gritMoreWell this is all we can do for today uh what i want you to do is wait about 24. Hours get a 220 grit sandpaper lightly sand there's a cup spot i still see some scratch on the ceiling.
Can you use drywall sander on popcorn ceiling?
Planex Easy Drywall Sander Is The Easiest Way to Remove Popcorn Ceilings.
How do you change a textured ceiling to smooth?
Add some joint compound to the hawk. Scoop a small amount of the joint compound off the hawk using the taping knife, and then apply it in thin, smooth coats over the textured ceiling. This technique requires multiple coats, so don't feel the need to fill in all the low spots on the first pass.
How do you scrape a popcorn ceiling that has been painted?
0:311:58Best way to remove Painted Popcorn Ceilings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt up 90% with hot water and then 10% with distilled white vinegar the cool thing about this is itsMoreIt up 90% with hot water and then 10% with distilled white vinegar the cool thing about this is its acidic. So it will eat through the paint. Then you'd spray a section of the ceiling. Just like this.
How do you get rid of popcorn ceiling that has been painted?
Removing a Painted Popcorn CeilingTo help breakdown the paint, spray a mixture of one part vinegar to ten parts water on the surface of the ceiling.Use a 4-inch utility knife/type scraper to remove the material. This method is messy and slow, but it works.
How do you sand a painted ceiling?
0:041:34How To Sand A Ceiling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne now the real one is probably easier to use the square one sometimes can be a little bit moreMoreOne now the real one is probably easier to use the square one sometimes can be a little bit more awkward. But the square one gets in the cause around one dozen on normally go in there just. First.
How do I remove texture from a painted ceiling?
1:043:15How to Remove Textured Popcorn Ceiling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd water will be required to loosen its hold on the ceiling. Then you can begin gently scrapingMoreAnd water will be required to loosen its hold on the ceiling. Then you can begin gently scraping with an ordinary drywall knife held at a shallow angle to remove the texture.
What Grit Do You Use To Sand Popcorn Ceiling or Wall?
The sanding grit depends on what popcorn ceilings you have. If the texture is already painted, use a coarse grit. You should generally start with a grit that is between 36 and 60 and work your way to 100. Starting with a coarser grit and moving to finer grit will make sure to get rid of popcorn texture without damaging the ceiling.
How to remove popcorn texture from ceiling?
You can easily remove popcorn texture with a drywall sander. This tool has a flexible sanding head and a long arm that allow you to reach the ceiling without too much effort.
Can You Sand Down Popcorn Ceilings and Walls?
Although you can use a sander during the process of popcorn ceiling removal, it is not the most effective way and will often not work on painted texture. It can be convenient, but the proper tools are often expensive.
What is the best way to remove popcorn ceiling?
Sanding a ceiling by hand is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but thankfully there are tools that you can use to make this experience easier. Drywall sanders, vacuum sanders, and rotary sanders can remove popcorn ceilings quickly and easily.
How much does it cost to remove popcorn ceilings?
For a professional to remove the popcorn ceilings, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000. Since sanding expenses are close to this, it might be a better option to hire a professional. This would also take pressure off the homeowner to be responsible for this project.
Can you scrape popcorn ceilings?
When homeowners start to remove their popcorn ceilings, they usually attempt the scraping method. For this, you don’t have to buy an expensive sander. The materials needed for scraping are much cheaper.
How to smooth out a wall after sanding?
You can also use a joint compound to even out the surface after sanding. Let it dry, sand it once again, and add a layer of primer and paint. This can be very effective in achieving smooth walls.
How to remove popcorn from a room?
The technique is to remove all furniture from room, lay down sheet plastic to cover entire floor, and wet the popcorn with a garden sprayer, or even a well controlled garden hose connection with sprayer.
Why is popcorn put in houses?
The last thing I will say is to remember that popcorn was put into houses to quickly cover imperfections in the ceiling. When you scrape it down, those imperfections are going to show back up. If you aren’t comfortable fixing them, beware that you might need to call a contractor.
How to match popcorn texture?
Matching the existing texture is actually not as complicated as it would seem… especially with popcorn texture. Apply a thin coat of mud, about 1/8 inch, in the area you've scraped… but here's the trick: don't go all the way to the edges of the scraped area. You want about 1/2 inch to an inch gap between the existing texture and the mud you've just applied.
How to remove flaking texture from a sandpaper?
You'll first want to remove any flaking or loose texture. Just scrape it off with a putty knife or taping knife, being careful no
Can you sand popcorn?
Yes you can sand it, but if you want it gone the easiest way is to mist the texture with a sprayer and wait for it to soak in then use a trowel or flat drywall blade and scrape the popcorn off. A painters drop on the floor will catch all the waste.
Can you spray a texture that has been painted?
IF IT HAS BEEN PAINTED YOU MAY BE SCREWED. If the texture has been painted it will block the penetration of the water. You’ll need to figure out how to break that barrier. I would scrape the texture dry and see if you can knock off some of the nubbins and then spray it. Another solution would be to put 1/4” Sheetrock over the texture and then tape and bed it.
Is sanding popcorn ceilings bad?
Sanding is probably a bad idea. The way that popcorn ceilings are normally handled (and the way that I have removed mine) is by scraping them down.
What to use to sand popcorn ceiling?
Cover the floor with plastic for sanding a stipple ceiling and resin paper for sanding a popcorn ceiling.
How to protect yourself from sanding?
Protect yourself with eye goggles, respirator mask and protective clothing. Sanding can get very dusty and you do not want to breathe it in or get it in your eyes.
How long does it take to paint a 250 sq ft ceiling?
Mine did, but I used a wallpaper steamer to steam off the layers of paint first. It took three days to do a 250 sf ceiling.
How to check for asbestos in ceiling?
Though asbestos was no longer legal to use after the late 1970s, it was not uncommon for drywall compounds used in textured ceilings to contain asbestos. Carefully send a sample by scraping the ceiling into a plastic bag to an asbestos lab. If your ceiling does contain asbestos, ...
What is popcorn ceiling?
Popcorn ceilings are just decorative plaster sprayed onto the ceiling drywall. It was a popular in the 70s-80s. It serves no useful purpose and can flake off or look weird when it gets wet turning it to mush. As someone who owned a house with this on the kitchen ceiling it was a mess when a bathroom upstairs leaked into the ceiling of the kitchen. If it was just drywall, you can just let it dry out and repaint it but with a popcorn ceiling it gets wets it you have to remove the lumpy uneven mush that is left first. A smooth surface is easier to paint and looks neater.
How to match popcorn texture?
Matching the existing texture is actually not as complicated as it would seem… especially with popcorn texture. Apply a thin coat of mud, about 1/8 inch, in the area you've scraped… but here's the trick: don't go all the way to the edges of the scraped area. You want about 1/2 inch to an inch gap between the existing texture and the mud you've just applied.
How do I remove acoustic from a ceiling?
Start with a drop cloth that covers the whole room. Then a 6 ft ladder if your ceilings are 8 ft A spray water bottle, a 6 inch drywall knife. It looks like a 6 inch putty knife. A Darby it a aluminum plate about 12 “ x 12 “ it has a round wood handle on the bottom center. I used the Darby close to the ceiling to catch the acoustic am scraping off. That way I can dump it in one area for easier clean up.some cheap plastic show covers. When you need to leave the area get to the edge of the plastic your stepping off
How to remove flaking texture from a sandpaper?
You'll first want to remove any flaking or loose texture. Just scrape it off with a putty knife or taping knife, being careful no
Is popcorn safe to put in the ceiling?
Since it may have asbestos, the danger is 100% if it goes airborne. The ceilings are generally safe as long as the popcorn is not disturbed.
Can you repair drywall with a blind patch?
It depends on if you are repairing the drywall or the texture. If it's just the texture, skip to the second paragraph. If it's a drywall patch, you'll basically remove the damaged drywall and install a blind patch or “california”/ butterfly/ Hollywood patch (a patch that doesn't require braces or screws; it's name varies by region). There are many tutorials out there… here, on YouTube, and pretty much any home improvement site. Once that's done, it's time to texture.
Can you flip a house with popcorn ceilings?
I flipped many houses in my life and there are several scenarios with popcorn ceilings especially if you are re-doing an entire room or living areas.
What is a Planex sander?
The Planex Easy Drywall Sander is changing the game. This sander has a long arm that reaches the ceiling and features a flexible head joint, making it easy to get to any part of the ceiling no matter where you are standing. That's not even the best part, though: There's an integrated dust extraction design that captures dust at the surface as you are sanding. It's basically a vacuum for your ceiling, sucking in the grit you sand off, so there's virtual zero cleanup. Can you even?!
Can popcorn ceilings be vacuumed?
It's basically a vacuum for your ceilings. Popcorn ceilings can be seen as such an eyesore on an otherwise beautiful home. However, the thought of manually sanding it off sounds so much worse than actually having to look at the ceiling itself.
When did popcorn ceilings become popular?
They're difficult to repair, hard to clean, and catch dust easily; but despite all these cons, their popularity exploded beginning in the late 1950s because they made easy work of finishing ceilings and hiding imperfections.
What to do if ceilings must go?
If the ceilings must go, then it’s a good idea to call a professional abatement company to do the job.
Can you scrape a ceiling if it has asbestos?
If it tests positive, do not scrape it. If your ceilings are not at risk for asbestos or lead paint, but they have been painted, it may be near impossible to scrape them, since the porous popcorn material will have soaked it up. Drywalling over them may be a better option.
Can you scrape popcorn ceilings?
This is by far the most common method of popcorn ceiling removal. Scraping your ceiling is a messy and slow process, but it's the most cost-effective and can be completed by one person. However, popcorn finishes and paint applied before 1979 often contained asbestos and lead, respectively, which could be toxic if sent airborne. If you live in an older home, purchase a home test for lead paint, and consult with an expert about testing for asbestos. If it tests positive, do not scrape it.
Can you spray water on a ceiling before scraping?
Pro tip: Don’t spray your ceiling with water before you scrape. A lot of people spray their ceilings with water before scraping to loosen them up, but Poellinger doesn't recommend it. "Not only will it be a sloppy mess, but it will absorb into the ceiling and make it heavy; then it could start to expand and crack.
Can you remove asbestos from popcorn ceiling?
If you discover that your popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, don’t panic—and don’t try to remove it yourself. Removing it will cause the particles to escape into the air, making it easy for you and your family to breathe in the carcinogens. Leaving the ceiling intact poses no dangers.
Can you skim coat drywall?
If you opt to skim coat, use a quick-set drywall mud, then touch it up with a ready-mix ed joint compound. Don't use a ready-mixed material as your base, as it has a higher moisture content and contains silica, which is prone to causing some shrinkage, affecting your final look.
What is popcorn ceiling?
Half a century ago, popcorn ceilings were all the rage, cropping up above brightly colored walls, psychedelic patterns, and shiny furniture. Less expensive than traditional hand-troweled plaster, the sprayed-on technique—which actually resembles cottage cheese more than popcorn—camouflaged ceiling imperfections, offered a measure of fire-resistance, and provided noise-dampening benefits. These days, the speckled ceiling design tends to date a room’s style. Fortunately, whether you want to get rid of a popcorn ceiling altogether or bring new life to the retro look, you’ve got options.
How to test for asbestos in popcorn ceiling?
You can test a popcorn ceiling for the presence of asbestos by carefully scraping a small sample into a plastic bag and having it tested at an EPA-accredited lab. While homeowners are allowed to remove a popcorn ceiling that contains the material, a professional asbestos remediation company should do the job. Contact your local waste authority before having asbestos removed to determine the best (and legal) way to dispose of it.
Can you patch popcorn ceiling texture?
Thinned drywall compound, which is commonly used to texture new ceilings today, is not recommended for patching popcorn ceiling texture since it contains water, which can cause the existing popcorn texture to come off. Advertisement. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Can popcorn ceilings contain asbestos?
That means that popcorn ceilings installed as late as the mid-’80s could contain asbestos, and, when disturbed, disperse microscopic fibrils known to cause lung-scarring illnesses and even lung cancer if inhaled. You can test a popcorn ceiling for the presence of asbestos by carefully scraping a small sample into a plastic bag ...
Can you paint popcorn texture over white?
Popcorn texture comes in standard ceiling-white and, for a uniform look, it’s a good idea to prime the ceiling before spraying it on. The texture is also paintable, so if you want a color other than ceiling-white, plan on painting over the texture after it dries.
Can you remove popcorn ceilings?
Unpainted popcorn ceilings are not necessarily difficult to remove, but the process is messy and time-consuming. After spraying the ceiling with water to saturate the texture, which causes it to release, it’s simply a matter of scraping it away with a large putty knife or taping trowel.
How to deal with popcorn ceiling?
Paint. Ultimately, the best way to deal with a popcorn ceiling may simply be to learn to live with it. Think about it: How many people do you know who live with popcorn ceilings? I bet you can’t specifically remember who has it or doesn’t, because unless a ceiling is highlighted, we don’t typically spend much time looking at it.
When did popcorn ceilings start?
From the 1950s to the 1980s, so-called popcorn ceilings (with their prickly stucco texture resembling the popular movie theater snack) were a major architectural staple in America and many other nations.
What is beadboard ceiling?
Beadboard. Classic beadboard makes a charming ceiling treatment , and not just in a rustic cottage. Painted white, the subtle texture of beadboard paneling works well in traditional spaces or modern ones, adding a layer of depth in an unconventional place.
How much does it cost to redrywall a ceiling?
Redrywalling a ceiling will cost closer to $4 to $6 per square foot, but the results will be more predictable.
What wood to use for beadboard?
Warm wood. If you’re not into painted beadboard, try multitonal wood for a rich, inviting treatment that’s great for a den or sitting area. Contrast it with white molding and crossbeams, or let the wood speak for itself. This approach works well with rustic decor, as a gentle touch in a modernist space or somewhere in between.
How much does faux pressed tin cost?
They typically cost $1 to $5 per square foot.
Is popcorn ceiling a good eye catcher?
Despite its practical uses, popcorn ceilings, for many people, are considered an unfashionable eyesore, especially with contemporary demand for “clean lines.”. Also, popcorn ceilings can gather dust and be difficult to clean or repaint, which means they don’t always age beautifully. But don’t worry. You’ve got plenty of options.
