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How to Scrape a 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.
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.
Is removing popcorn ceiling worth it?
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 UN popcorn a ceiling?
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.
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.
How can I tell if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos?
You can test a popcorn ceiling for the presence of asbestos by carefully scraping a small sample into a plastic bag and having it tested at an EPA-accredited lab. While homeowners are allowed to remove a popcorn ceiling that contains the material, a professional asbestos remediation company should do the job.
How can I cover my popcorn ceiling without removing it?
Popcorn ceilings should be covered with lighter materials such as paint, paneling, or planks. One option to consider is gypsum board paneling, a material that is very similar to drywall, but much lighter and easier for the ceiling to support.
What is the best tool to use to scrape a 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.
Will removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?
By removing popcorn ceilings, you are increasing your home value and ridding your home of the “outdated” look. One important note: If the popcorn was added before 1979, get it tested for asbestos.
How much does removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?
Schutte estimates that removing a popcorn ceiling would add $25,000 to $35,000 in value for a large estate executive home. For a home of about 1,400 square feet costing about $200,000, he estimates an added value of about $2,500—essentially, close to what a homeowner might put into the project.
Are popcorn ceilings coming back in style?
No. When left intact and undisturbed, these materials do not pose a health risk to people living in it. Despite the outdated style, and, well, asbestos, popcorn ceilings still top many homes throughout the US. But, if you are looking into buying a new property, you’re going to want that sucker gone.
Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or replace drywall?
The cost to scrape, remove and refinish a popcorn ceiling is around $. 85 cents per square foot when few repairs are needed and you do the work yourself. To hire a painter or drywall contractor, expect an estimated cost of around $2.25 / square foot to remove the popcorn and finish the ceiling.
Can you paint over popcorn ceilings?
Interior acrylic-latex paint is the best type of paint to use for popcorn ceilings. If you need to protect your ceiling from moisture, though, use eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paint sheens. Popcorn texture ceilings require more paint than flat ceilings.
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.
How do you sand a ceiling after removing popcorn?
If you notice any small holes or blemishes, you can use a drywall compound with a putty knife to fill them. Apply the compound in a nice skim coat to make it smooth. This will help you skip out on any extra sanding that may need to be done.
Will a drywall sander remove popcorn ceiling?
Planex Easy Drywall Sander Is The Easiest Way to Remove Popcorn Ceilings.
What percentage of asbestos is in popcorn ceiling?
Popcorn ceilings generally contain between 1 and 10 percent asbestos. While 1 percent may seem insignificant, it’s important to note that any percentage of asbestos in a popcorn ceiling is cause for concern and should be addressed.
What happens if you remove popcorn ceiling with asbestos?
If you remove this ceiling dry, you will contaminate your home with asbestos and expose yourself and your family to potentially high concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers. These fibers may remain in your home indefinitely. It is recommended that three workers perform the job.
Was asbestos used in popcorn ceilings in 1979?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber. It was present in many products used in home construction, including acoustic (popcorn) ceilings. The use of asbestos in ceilings was banned in 1975 and was out of the material by 1979. If your home was built prior to 1979 you must have your popcorn ceiling tested.
Is it OK to drywall over popcorn ceiling?
Covering the ceiling with drywall is a very inexpensive option, but it can be hard work to lift and attach 8-foot-long drywall panels overhead, unless you rent a special drywall lifting tool. Installing drywall also requires finishing skills that are challenging for many DIYers.
