How to Remove Popcorn Texture
- Begin by scraping the popcorn texture, to remove the painted layer.
- After the paint has been removed, apply water to the texture to soften it. ...
- Scraping popcorn texture will generate dust, so be sure to cover or remove all furniture from the room. ...
- Once all the texture has been removed, a new finishing surface could be applied.
- Be careful when removing popcorn texture and try not to scrap the drywall surface, where the popcorn was applied. ...
- If removing the popcorn surface creates you additional problems, you might want to install a new layer of drywa ll over the existing texture, but be sure to use screws ...
How to get rid of popcorn walls and ceilings?
Remove the Popcorn Ceiling
- Prepare to scrape off the textured material. ...
- Paint scrapers help extend your reach when paired with a handle or painters pole.
- You may scrap each section while it’s dry, but applying a bit of water often helps moisten and remove the material if the process becomes difficult. ...
How to a cover popcorn ceiling without removing it?
To effectively hide your textured ceiling with wood planks, follow the procedure detailed below:
- Locate the rafters – using a stud finder, situate the ceiling joists and mark them out using tape or a marker pen. ...
- Cut out light fixture holes – using a jigsaw, create holes for the lighting fixtures and vents on the wood planks.
- Install the wood planks- install the wood planks by nailing them down to the popcorn ceiling. ...
How much does it cost to remove popcorn ceiling texture?
What Is The Cost Of Popcorn Ceiling Removal Per Square Foot?
- Dining Room & Bedroom – About $200 to $800 having 200 square feet area
- Master Bedroom – About $300 to $1200 having 300 square feet space
- Living Room – $330 to $1320 having about 330 square feet space
How to remove popcorn walls?
Sanding
- Sand With Coarse Grit A pole sander works well on large or high surfaces. ...
- Use a Fine-grit Sander Go over the surface with a fine-grit sander to eliminate any rough or raised spots. ...
- Remove the Dust
How do you remove painted popcorn from walls?
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 professionals remove popcorn ceilings?
0:5013:27DIY How Pros Remove Popcorn Ceilings & Spray Textured WallsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd a hose that has fit from a water pump. Outside. They will let this soak for about 20 minutesMoreAnd a hose that has fit from a water pump. Outside. They will let this soak for about 20 minutes before they start to scrape off the popcorn.
How do you remove popcorn ceiling from drywall?
3:136:52How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a joint knife you can think of it as kind of a wide putty knife. So what I was doing a momentMoreIt's a joint knife you can think of it as kind of a wide putty knife. So what I was doing a moment ago was rounding off the corners right here that will prevent us from gouging.
How do you remove a popcorn ceiling without damaging drywall?
“Use a wide putty knife or drywall taping knife and gently run it along the wet ceiling,” he says. Be careful not to gouge the ceiling beneath. (Filing the edges of your putty knife can help avoid gouges.) Make your way around the room, until all the texture has been removed.
Is it worth it to get rid of 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.
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 can I tell if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos?
0:051:45How To Test Popcorn Ceiling For Asbestos - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe only ways that I found were to mail off the samples to a test lab. And then they do it for you.MoreThe only ways that I found were to mail off the samples to a test lab. And then they do it for you.
Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?
On average, it is $876 to $1,730 cheaper to cover popcorn ceilings versus having to remove them. For those with homes built before 1990 and dealing with asbestos knockdown ceilings, you can save thousands by covering them up.
How much does it cost to have popcorn ceiling removed?
Popcorn ceiling removal cost ranges from around $898 to $2,847, with the average homeowner paying $1,853 for professional removal. Popcorn ceilings were all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s—everyone wanted them.
What is the easiest way to remove popcorn ceilings?
3:114:24SECRET to Removing Popcorn Ceilings FAST! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd watch how much easier this popcorn. Comes. Off when the ceiling has been painted the popcornMoreAnd watch how much easier this popcorn. Comes. Off when the ceiling has been painted the popcorn comes off in sheets when it hasn't been painted it comes off just in powder. Basically.
Do you have to skim coat after removing 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 remove a popcorn ceiling without scraping it?
How to Cover Ugly Popcorn Ceilings Without Scraping It OffAsbestos in popcorn ceiling material.Cover popcorn ceiling with drywall.Add wood panels or beadboard.Use a drop ceiling.Install metal ceiling tiles.Refresh the ceiling.
How much does it cost to have popcorn ceiling removed?
Popcorn ceiling removal cost ranges from around $898 to $2,847, with the average homeowner paying $1,853 for professional removal. Popcorn ceilings were all the rage in the 1970s and 1980s—everyone wanted them.
What is the easiest way to remove popcorn ceilings?
3:114:24SECRET to Removing Popcorn Ceilings FAST! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd watch how much easier this popcorn. Comes. Off when the ceiling has been painted the popcornMoreAnd watch how much easier this popcorn. Comes. Off when the ceiling has been painted the popcorn comes off in sheets when it hasn't been painted it comes off just in powder. Basically.
Do painters get rid of popcorn ceilings?
Popcorn ceilings were once all the rage. But for most homeowners now, it's an outdated health hazard they're ready to get rid of. That's why contacting a drywall contractor or painter is the way to go.
How can I tell if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos?
0:051:45How To Test Popcorn Ceiling For Asbestos - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe only ways that I found were to mail off the samples to a test lab. And then they do it for you.MoreThe only ways that I found were to mail off the samples to a test lab. And then they do it for you.
Popcorn ceilings were all the rage back in the '60s and '70s. Applying the texture to drywall and plaster ceilings was a quick and easy way to hide imperfections and didn't require any painting afterward. But the rough texture catches lots of dust and cobwebs and it can be difficult to know how to remove popcorn ceiling. It can be a real pain to match if you have cracks or holes in need of patching. Figuring out how to remove a popcorn ceiling texture from a ceiling is a messy chore but worth the effort if the substrate underneath is in good shape. Here are some tips to take some of the pain out of popcorn ceiling removal
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Do a Scrape Test
Before you go to all the trouble of prepping the room, try scraping a small area while learning how to remove popcorn ceiling. Try it dry first, then dampen the texture with water and try again. Some texture comes off easily without water, but in most cases wetting is best.
Test for Asbestos
Any popcorn ceiling installed before 1980 might contain asbestos —a known cause of lung cancer. Before trying to figure out how to remove any popcorn ceiling texture, contact your local health department and ask about getting a sample tested.
Prep for a Big Mess
Cover floors and walls with plastic drop cloths as you begin your how to remove popcorn ceiling project. Don’t use canvas drop cloths because water can soak through. Cleanup is easier with plastic too, because you can just ball it all up when you’re done working and throw it in the trash.
Get the Furniture Out
If possible, remove all furniture from the room you’ll be working in. When learning how to remove popcorn ceiling, it is messy work, and you won’t want furniture in your way every time you move the ladder around. If moving everything out of the room isn’t possible, cluster it and cover it with drop cloths.
Remove Ceiling Fixtures and Fans
You might think it’s easier to leave light fixtures and ceiling fans in place as you figure out how to remove popcorn ceiling, but they’ll just be in your way and get covered with wet popcorn. Plus, you don’t want to accidentally spray water into an electrical fixture.
Protect Can Lights From Water Spray
If you have recessed “can” lights, stuff newspaper or rosin paper inside them to keep them dry when completing a how to remove popcorn ceilings project. Also, make sure the power to those fixtures is turned off at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
How Much Does it Cost to Remove Popcorn Ceiling?
The national average for popcorn ceiling removal is $1,707, according to Home Advisor.
What is the Best Method for Removing Popcorn Ceilings?
Which is best? Depends on a lot of things, including the age and condition of the substrate (ceiling). We spoke with drywall and stucco expert Mike Poellinger, owner of Poellinger, Inc., in La Crosse, WI, who filled us in on everything a homeowner should know before deciding how to remove their 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 to Cover up with Drywall
Affix ceiling-grade gypsum board, which weighs significantly less than standard wall board, right over the existing popcorn ceiling. You'll need to securely screw it into the framing and be proficient at mudding and taping for a seamless job.
Skim Coat on a New Design
Yes, it's still a texture, but according to Poellinger, it's making a comeback—and it's fairly easy for homeowners to do themselves.
Do Popcorn Ceilings Have Asbestos?
If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there is a chance that the popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, according to the Mesothelioma Center. The best way to determine if your popcorn ceilings contain asbestos is to hire an abatement professional, or you can purchase a test kit.
The perfect solution for an ugly ceiling
Do you want to remove or patch a popcorn ceiling? First, remember that removing a popcorn ceiling is a really dirty job. Second, patching a hole is just, well, patching a hole. You should consider simply covering the whole ugly mess with a new layer of drywall instead. It’s probably the easiest way to get the best results.
Overview
Covering an old ceiling with new drywall is a big job—heavy lifting, a serious time commitment and a major mess. But in some cases, it’s the smartest way to go. We talked to a dozen remodelers, and every one of them made the same point: Sometimes, covering up an old ceiling saves time, money and headaches in the long run.
Money, time and materials
For a 12 x 12-ft. room, the total materials bill will fall in the neighborhood of $160, including drywall, joint compound, paint and drywall lift rental. With a helper or two, you can cover an average-size ceiling in one day. Finishing, or “taping,” all the joints is much more time-consuming and requires drying time between coats.
Step 1: Hanging the drywall
If you have a hole in the ceiling, hold a straightedge across it, measure to the framing and cut spacers to that thickness. Screw a spacer to the joist or truss to create a flush surface for the new drywall.
Step 2: Terrific tear-away bead
Staple the bead to the drywall every 8 in. Be sure to hold the bead tight against the wall before you fasten it.
Required Tools for this Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Required Materials for this Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
After Scraping
Assuming you have already gone through the time-consuming process of scraping the popcorn texture off of your ceiling and then wiping it down, you’re ready to begin the real fun. Now, you can get started on refinishing the ceiling.
Check and Repair Your Drywall if You Need to
Oftentimes, the process of scraping away popcorn ceiling can damage the drywall beneath it. If you find any damage to the drywall when you have done this process, these simple steps can be used to fix it back up before you go on with the rest of the refinishing process:
Protect the Drywall
Now, it is time to apply a new texture to make sure that the drywall stays protected and in good shape. Follow these steps to make it happen:
Get Your Ceiling Primed and Painted
After you have completed the process with the compound, you should let the area set for at least a period of 24 hours before applying primer. When that is done, you can finish the process by following these easy steps for painting:
Frequently Asked Questions
Making your ceiling look great after getting rid of a textured ceiling can be a lot of fun, and a great way to get into affordable DIY projects.