We have essential advice if you think it’s time to get rid of popcorn ceilings. While researching ways to remove them, you may have seen methods that involve spraying warm water with a garden sprayer and scraping. Yes, that’s what we’ll briefly discuss. We’ve also covered ways to conceal a popcorn ceiling without removing it, so you can explore other options before deciding to take it down.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Before we explain how to cover a popcorn ceiling, let’s talk about scraping. Although popcorn ceilings are still used in some countries, they are no longer part of modern décor. As a result, many people are looking for ways to remove them.
The texture of a popcorn ceiling is thicker than standard paint, which makes it easy to scrape off, often coming off in large pieces. So, if you’re concerned that the popcorn ceiling won’t come off, don’t worry—it’s just a bit of a long and tiring process. However, you can even remove it yourself.
Is Popcorn Ceiling Hard to Remove?
It would help if you had strong arms and shoulders to remove the popcorn ceiling. Your shoulders are likely to ache after all the scraping is done. Therefore, you should either do the popcorn ceiling scraping with many people or leave it to the professionals. But there is another major problem with the popcorn ceiling.
Popcorn Ceiling and Asbestos!
When scraping the popcorn ceiling, you should know the asbestos hazard. Most structures before 1979 contained asbestos and lead. We now know how dangerous these substances are. Inhaling asbestos can cause serious illness. Therefore, if your building is old, have an asbestos test done and use a professional mask when scraping.
What is the Best Way to Remove the Popcorn Ceiling?
Moisture is a big problem in buildings. It causes paint and plaster to peel over time. However, turning moisture into a helpful tool when removing a popcorn ceiling is possible.
What is the best way to take off the popcorn ceiling? Moisten popcorn ceilings to make them easier to scrape. You can even put warm water in a garden sprayer and spray the ceilings. You will see how much easier it is to scrape.
How Do You Remove Popcorn Ceiling?
Even if you wet the popcorn ceiling with water to avoid dust when scraping it, dust is bound to accumulate on the walls and furniture. Therefore, remove or cover all furniture. Even stick drop cloths on all walls with paper tape. Otherwise, you may need to wipe the walls after the scraping is finished. (Wiping the walls may leave traces, so we recommend covering them.)
Which Tools Do You Need to Use?
- Paper tape: For wrapping objects and covering walls with a drop cloth.
- Mask: Dust mask or a more professional mask. The walls and ceilings may contain asbestos if your building was built before 1979. In this case, you should use a professional mask.
- Scraper blades: You will need a 15-20-inch scraper and small scrapers for the edges. Scrapers with long handles make your work much easier.
- Sandpaper: For minor corrections after scraping.
- Safety goggles: Goggles are necessary to protect your eyes from dust.
- Overalls and hat: Your whole body is likely to be covered with dust.
- Ladder: How high are your ceilings? You may need a ladder.
- Garden sprayer: You need to moisten the ceiling with warm water before scraping, and you should do this with a sprayer so that it penetrates the top.
- Drop cloth: You need to cover the furniture and the dowels. Otherwise, you must spend as much time cleaning the house as digging the popcorn ceiling.
- Paint and primer: Calculate the paint you need for the ceiling and, if necessary, your walls.
How to Scrape a Popcorn Ceiling?
Before scraping the popcorn ceiling, cover all furniture and walls with a drop cloth.
With a garden sprayer, moisten the room’s ceiling you want to scrape with warm water. Start with an area of 6 square meters. You can then moisten the size according to your work speed.
Wait 15 minutes for the moisture to soak into the popcorn ceiling, and start scraping with the wide scraper blades. How successful was the moisturizing? If the scraping is difficult, moisturize again. After grinding, check the ceiling and sand any areas that need correction.
When scraping the entire ceiling, prime and paint the ceiling before removing the drop cloth from the furniture. But before you start priming and painting, you must ensure the moisture has disappeared from the top. Otherwise, the paint will be affected by humidity and peel-off. Waiting a day is an excellent way to do this.
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.
