Acoustic ceilings, or popcorn ceilings, used to be a trendy interior design element in most households. But after some time, they will make a room to look outdated and even gather dust and cobwebs. When you want to remodel or change the appearance of your ceilings, popcorn ceiling removal can be the best way out. This guide will take you through the procedure of popcorn ceiling removal safely and effectively.
What is a Popcorn Ceiling?
Popcorn ceiling is a finishing that is done on the ceiling, which has a textured bumpy surface. It was also used in the 1970s and 1980s because of its capacity to conceal flaws and enhance sound proofing in rooms. Even though it was a fashionable aspect then, most homeowners prefer to eliminate it to bring their living environments to the present.
Popcorn ceiling may be composed of numerous things, such as plaster, drywall, or even spray-on popcorn texture. The first thing to remember is that your popcorn ceiling can be made out of asbestos, which is a toxic substance and should be handled with a lot of care in case it was created prior to 1978.
Step 1: Check for Asbestos
Test the popcorn ceiling to find out whether it has asbestos before you start the removal exercise. Before the year 1980, asbestos was widely utilized in popcorn ceilings and contact with asbestos may result in severe health complications such as lung disease and cancer.
How to Check for Asbestos:
Professional: You should hire a professional to test the ceiling in your house for asbestos especially when the house was constructed before 1978.
DIY Test Kits: Buy a DIY asbestos test kit at any hardware store, although the results could not be as accurate as those carried out by a certified professional.
When your popcorn ceiling has asbestos, you are not supposed to remove it by yourself. Removal of asbestos needs special equipment and methods so that you and your family are not exposed to any danger. Professional asbestos abatement service is better to be called.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
After you have ascertained that the ceiling you want to remove is safe, it is time to collect the tools and materials. The process will be smooth when everything is in place before you begin.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- Step ladder or scaffolding (if needed)
- Spray bottle or a garden sprayer (to moisten the ceiling)
- Putty knife or drywall scraper
- Sponge and bucket of water
- Protective goggles and gloves
- Dust mask or respirator (to protect from dust)
- Ceiling primer and paint (for finishing)
Step 3: Prepare the Room
Prior to the actual removal of the popcorn ceiling, you will have to cover your furniture and floor with dust and debris. The cleanup will also be easy because you will tarp off the room.
How to Prepare:
Clear the room: Take out all furniture or cover it with some plastic sheeting.
Protect the floor: Place a drop cloth or plastic sheeting on the floor to help deal with the falling debris.
Wrap the walls: Place painter tape on the walls and attach a plastic sheeting to cover the walls against moisture.
Switch off the power: In case your ceiling has some light bulbs or fans, switch off the power and uninstall them to avoid water damages.
Step 4: Soften the Popcorn Texture
The second procedure of the popcorn ceiling removal is softening the texture. This will make it easier to scrape off. To do this, you will be required to wet the ceiling with a spray bottle or a garden sprayer.
How to Soften the Ceiling:
Spray the popcorn ceiling with water: Take your spray bottle and fill it with water, spray the popcorn ceiling. You do not want to soak the texture but just to dampen it because excessive water may ruin the drywall underneath.
Wait 15-20 minutes: Let the water stand on the ceiling 15-20 minutes. This will allow it to sink into the texture and to loosen it off the surface.
Step 5: Scrape Off the Popcorn Ceiling
After ceiling has been softened, it is time to start scraping off the popcorn texture. Take off the texture with a putty knife or drywall scraper.
How to Scrape the Ceiling:
Beginning at one corner: Set your ladder in a place that will enable you to comfortably extend to the edge of the ceiling. Start in one corner and work your way across.
Scrape gently: Keep the putty knife at a shallow angle and scrape the popcorn texture away off the ceiling. Work slowly to avoid damaging the underlying drywall.
Divide the job into parts: When the ceiling is big, then divide the work into sections. Scrape each section after misting with water so that it would not dry up.
Step 6: Clean Up and Smooth the Surface
Once the popcorn texture has been eliminated, it will most probably leave some residue on the ceiling. Clean up any leftovers of texture with a sponge and a bucket of water. If you find that the ceiling is not straight, you will have to level it.
How to Smooth the Ceiling:
Wash the surface: Mop the dust and remaining texture with a damp sponge.
Fix the flaws: In case of any gouges or holes on the ceiling, fill them with joint compound. Apply a drywall knife and allow it to dry.
Sand the surfaces: After the joint compound dries down, lightly sand the ceiling so that the surface becomes smooth and even.
Step 7: Prime and Paint the Ceiling
Priming and painting your ceiling is now time since your ceiling is clean and smooth. Primer assists in the sealing of the surface and makes the painting stick. This enables you to roll on primer and paint to give an even coat.
How to Prime and Paint:
Primer: After the ceiling is dry, apply a coat of primer with a paint roller on the whole ceiling. Let it dry completely.
Paint the ceiling: Once the primer is dry, apply a coat of paint in your preferred color. You may need to apply a second coat for full coverage.
