We’ve got essential tips for you if you’re considering getting rid of popcorn ceilings. While researching removal methods, you may have come across techniques that involve spraying warm water with a garden sprayer and scraping. That’s exactly what we’ll cover briefly. We’ve also included ways to hide a popcorn ceiling without removing it, so you can explore alternative options before making your final decision.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Before we dive into how to cover a popcorn ceiling, let’s first discuss scraping. While popcorn ceilings are still common in some countries, they’ve fallen out of favor in modern décor. As a result, many people are looking for ways to get rid of them.
The texture of a popcorn ceiling is thicker than regular paint, which makes it relatively easy to scrape off—often in large chunks. So, if you’re worried it won’t come off, rest assured it’s possible. The process may be time-consuming and tiring, but it’s something you can tackle on your own.
Is Popcorn Ceiling Hard to Remove?
Removing a popcorn ceiling requires strong arms and shoulders, and you’ll likely feel some soreness after all the scraping. That’s why it’s best to tackle the job with help or consider hiring professionals to handle it. However, there’s another significant issue with popcorn ceilings to keep in mind.
Popcorn Ceiling and Asbestos!
When scraping a popcorn ceiling, be aware of the asbestos risk. Many buildings constructed before 1979 may contain asbestos or lead, which are now known to be hazardous. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues. If your home is older, have the ceiling tested for asbestos, and always wear a professional-grade mask during the scraping process.
What is the Best Way to Remove the Popcorn Ceiling?
Moisture is a common problem in buildings, often causing paint and plaster to peel over time. However, it can be a useful tool when removing a popcorn ceiling.
What’s the best way to remove a popcorn ceiling? Moistening it makes the scraping process much easier. Simply fill a garden sprayer with warm water and spray the ceiling. You’ll quickly notice how much easier it is to scrape off.
How Do You Remove Popcorn Ceiling?
Even if you moisten the popcorn ceiling to minimize dust while scraping, dust will still settle on walls and furniture. To avoid a messy cleanup, remove or cover all furniture and stick drop cloths to the walls using painter’s tape. If you skip this step, you’ll likely need to wipe down the walls afterward—which can leave marks. Covering them is the better option.
Tools You’ll Need
- Painter’s Tape: For securing drop cloths to walls and wrapping furniture.
- Mask: Use a dust mask or a professional-grade mask if your home was built before 1979, as it may contain asbestos.
- Scraper Blades: A 15–20-inch scraper for large areas and smaller scrapers for edges. Long-handled scrapers make the job easier.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing minor imperfections after scraping.
- Safety Goggles: To protect your eyes from dust and debris.
- Overalls and Hat: To shield your clothes and body from dust.
- Ladder: Essential if your ceilings are high.
- Garden Sprayer: Use it to moisten the ceiling with warm water for easier scraping.
- Drop Cloth: To protect floors, furniture, and other surfaces. This will save you from hours of cleaning.
- Paint and Primer: Once the popcorn ceiling is removed, calculate the amount of paint needed for the ceiling (and walls, if necessary).
By having the right tools and preparing your space, you can make the process more efficient and less messy.
How to Scrape a Popcorn Ceiling?
Before scraping the popcorn ceiling, cover all furniture and walls with drop cloths to protect them from dust and debris.
Use a garden sprayer to moisten the ceiling with warm water. Start with an area of about 6 square meters, adjusting the size based on your work speed. Let the water soak in for 15 minutes, then begin scraping with a wide scraper blade. If the ceiling is difficult to scrape, moisten it again and wait a bit longer. After scraping, inspect the ceiling and sand any uneven spots for a smooth finish.
Once the entire ceiling is scraped, prime and paint it before removing the drop cloths. However, ensure the ceiling is completely dry before painting to avoid issues like peeling. Waiting a full day before priming and painting is a good precaution.
If you also need to remove paint from the wall, you can read the article on “How to remove paint from the walls?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth It to Remove Popcorn Ceiling?
Popcorn ceilings are an old decorating technique. If you’re worried about the removal cost, consider painting over them. But removing popcorn ceilings increases the value of your home and makes it easier to sell.
Can You Cover a Popcorn Ceiling Instead of Removing It?
Instead of dismantling popcorn ceilings, consider coating them. It is possible to cover popcorn ceilings with drywall and foam coverings. You can also screw wooden rails to the top and cover it with wooden panels.
Is It OK to Drywall Over Popcorn Ceiling?
Yes, you can do drywall on a popcorn ceiling. Foam and wood paneling can also be an easy option.
Is It Better to Remove Popcorn Ceiling or Cover It?
Removing the popcorn ceiling is a better option. Because covering it can leave gaps in between. This creates a breeding ground for insects. Also, if the ceiling is uneven, there will be a difference in the level of the coatings.
How Do You Modernize a Popcorn Ceiling?
To modernize popcorn ceilings, you can use drywall sheets and ceiling coverings. You can also apply suspended ceilings.
How Do You Remove a Popcorn Ceiling without Ccraping It?
Unfortunately, there is no way to remove the false ceiling without scraping. You can consider painting and coating options. “If you are thinking of painting a popcorn ceiling, this article on how to paint without leaving roller marks may be helpful to you.”
How Much to Scrape Popcorn Ceiling?
The cost of scraping the popcorn ceiling is directly proportional to the size of the top. The larger the size of the pan, the higher the scraping cost. In addition, if asbestos is found as a result of the test, it may increase the price again. Whether the house is furnished or unfurnished is also a factor affecting the price. You can budget between 1000 dollars and 3000 dollars for a small to medium-sized house.
How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling that has Been Painted?
There is no practical difference between removing a painted popcorn ceiling and an unpainted one. It is necessary to moisten the ceiling with garden spray and scrape it. It will come off together with the paint.
How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling without Making a Mess?
Dampening the popcorn ceiling with warm water before removing it makes it easier to scrape and prevents dust. It would help to cover all the furniture and walls with drop cloth.
