Textured popcorn ceiling patterns used to be all the rage back when oak cabinets were still considered modern and microwave ovens were sitting on their own stands in the kitchen. But just like cabinets and microwaves, design concepts and trends have changed dramatically over the past two decades. So if you have popcorn ceilings that are driving you mad, chances are, your tastes have changed along with everyone else’s. Fortunately, you have two sensible options for removing a popcorn ceiling, both of which are economical in price and efficacy.
Continue reading to learn the 4 basic steps for removing popcorn ceilings, as well as, what you can do if DIY drywall is not something you have time or energy for.
ASBESTOS WARNING: Spray-on acoustic ceiling finishes (including textured popcorn ceilings) that were manufactured before 1980 might possibly contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. If your ceilings fall within this time frame, have it tested for asbestos before getting started on your project. Covering your face, scrap a small piece from your ceiling and seal it in a container or plastic bag. Then drop off the sample at the local EPA office to have it tested for asbestos. If your ceiling is contaminated, you will need to contact a licensed asbestos abatement company for the job.
What You Need:
► Ladder
► Painting Tape
► Drop Cloths (Canvas or Plastic)
► Lightweight Plastic Sheeting
► Spray Bottle & Hot Water
► Liquid Fabric Softener
► Chemical Paint Remover (Optional)
► 10” Drywall Knife (Or A 12” Popcorn-Ceiling Scraper)
► Joint Compound
► Sanding Sheet or Block
► Ceiling Paint and Primer
Step ❶ – Room Prep
Get your work area set up. Clear out anything of value or that will be in your way, such as furniture and décor. Then continue by laying down your floor tarps and canvases to protect your flooring. Finish by taping your lightweight plastic sheeting to the surrounding walls to protect them from dirt and damage.
Step ❷ – Water or Chemicals
Your next step is to determine if your ceilings are painted or not. If they are painted, water will not absorb well into them, making the scraping process much harder and monumentally messier. In this case, you would do better to use a chemical paint remover rather than water.
If your ceilings are NOT painted over, combine 4 cups of HOT water with 1 tablespoon liquid fabric softener inside a plastic spray bottle. The fabric softener will help reduce the rate of evaporation, keeping your ceilings soaked while you work. Then, use your ladder to access the ceiling space and generously spray the surface with your solution. Allow the water to soak in for 10 minutes, and then spray the surface again. Wait another 10 minutes, and then move onto the next step.
Step ❸ – SCRAPE!
It is time to start scraping off all of the saturated drywall material. Keep in mind, this will be messy, so just set your stress aside until it is time to clean up. Be sure to hold your drywall knife at a very light angle so that you do not puncture the ceiling. If you have a popcorn ceiling scraper, you can use it instead of a drywall knife. Try attaching it to a broom handle and tie a plastic bag around the tip so that it catches material in the bag while you scrape!
Step ❹ – Prime and Paint
Before you actually begin priming and painting your freshly-scraped ceiling, sweep up all of the debris, but leave the tarps and sheeting in place. Now you can fill in any holes or dents with joint compound, and sand the surface flat when it dries. When your ceilings are back to basic, you can prime them and paint them any way you like!
Is the Job Too Tough?
IF the whole project seems too tough to tackle on your own, just call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for Indianapolis drywall service you can afford! We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.
