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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.
What is the easiest way to remove popcorn ceilings?
“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.
Can I scrape popcorn ceiling dry?
If the texture is painted, you might be able to dry-scrape it first to expose some of the unpainted texture and follow up with wet scraping. If the texture has paint mixed in, you might have to dry-scrape the whole ceiling or cover it up with drywall or T&G boards.
How do you remove a popcorn ceiling without wetting it?
Try scraping the area while it’s dry first to see how easily it comes off without water, but in most cases wetting the texture works best. Dampen the area with water and try again. If the water doesn’t soften the texture or soak in, the ceiling might have been painted or paint mix was added to the texture.
Why is my popcorn ceiling hard to remove?
Popcorn ceilings, also known as cottage cheese or acoustic ceilings, have a bumpy and textured appearance. If your popcorn ceiling is covered in paint, it may be more difficult to remove. Paint can prevent the texture from absorbing water, which is necessary to loosen the material.
How do you smooth out a popcorn ceiling?
If you want to chip away at the texture and create a smooth surface after scraping popcorn ceilings, you’ll need a 4-inch utility knife or a drywall knife. If you want to smooth out imperfections, you’ll probably need to skim it with a thin layer of joint compound, then sand it smooth before painting.
Is it worth it to remove popcorn ceiling?
It’s time consuming and annoying, so if you’re bothered enough by it you can have it removed. It’s worth remembering that removing the ceiling in itself will cause a lot more dirt and dust around your home, at least while the work is being carried out. If you’re ok with that, then removing the ceiling is a good idea.
How much does it cost to have popcorn ceiling removed?
If you’re wondering how to get rid of popcorn ceiling, you should know that removing a popcorn ceiling is a labor-intensive job, and the cost reflects it. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to remove a popcorn ceiling is between $1 and $2 per square foot. The average homeowner will pay around $1,780.
Can you partially remove 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 I know if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos?
Unfortunately, you generally can’t tell whether a popcorn ceiling contains asbestos by examining it visually. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, there’s a good chance your popcorn ceiling has asbestos in it. The best way to determine if asbestos is present is to have your ceiling professionally tested.
Can you use an orbital sander to remove popcorn ceiling?
Another option is to use a random orbital sander and just start sanding. After you have scraped the texture off, and let it dry completely (at least 48 hours) you can go back with a sander and smooth everything out. Then you can apply your new texture or skim coat the ceiling for a nice flat finish.
Can you sand down textured ceiling?
If the push broom doesn’t penetrate the paint, you have two options: Sand off the texture with a drywall sander and create clouds of dust, or skim coat over the texture with fresh joint compound to make a smooth surface. After you remove the texture, you might have to refinish the drywall seams.
Can you texture over popcorn ceiling?
The least expensive option for covering a popcorn ceiling is to seal it with paint or a heavier texture. You can also spray a heavier texture on the ceiling to cover and disguise the existing popcorn. As an alternative to spraying, you can trowel with ceiling with a heavy coat of drywall mud.
When was asbestos used in popcorn ceilings?
Asbestos was used in spray applied textured ceilings from 1945 to at least 1980. Exposure to asbestos and the probability of developing lung disease is high in individuals who lived with these types of ceilings in their home.
How do you change a textured ceiling to smooth?
Add some joint compound to the hawk. Scoop a small amount of the joint compound off the hawk using the taping knife, and then apply it in thin, smooth coats over the textured ceiling. This technique requires multiple coats, so don’t feel the need to fill in all the low spots on the first pass.
What will stick to popcorn ceiling?
You can hide a popcorn ceiling by installing rigid foam ceiling tiles, drywall panels, or even wood planking right over the existing texture. Feather-light decorative foam ceiling panels can be installed with adhesive, while drywall and wood must be attached to the ceiling joists with nails or screws.
