Once a trend, popcorn ceilings have now lost their charm and appeal and have slowly started to become old-fashioned. If you have popcorn ceilings in your home, you surely do not want to be out-of-touch with the latest design trends. If you are someone who embraces modernity, popcorn ceilings are definitely not the right interior for you. In this article, we will explain how you can easily remove popcorn ceilings to achieve a more modern and finished look.
See also: How to paint a ceiling?
Source: Pinterest
Popcorn ceiling removal: Preparation
Before starting with the popcorn ceiling removal, there are a few things that you need to do.
Collect the essentials
- Plastic sheets
- Drop cloths
- Painters tape
- Ladder
- Safety gear such as goggles, gloves, mask, etc.
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Primer
Clear the room
Remove all the furniture from the room to protect it from the mess that you are about to make. Also, cover the rest of the objects with a plastic sheet or a cloth.
Ensure safety first
Before beginning the process of removing the popcorn ceiling, make sure you are wearing the appropriate safety gear. To protect yourself from the dust, put on gloves, a mask, and goggles.
Test for asbestos
If your house is old, there may be a chance that the ceiling contains asbestos. Get your ceiling tested before proceeding with any procedure.
Popcorn ceiling removal process
Now that you have collected supplies, worn safety gear and checked your ceiling for hazardous materials, you can start the removal process.
Spray water
Take a spray bottle, fill it with water, and spray it on the ceiling. Leave the ceiling wet for about 15 minutes so that it holds the water and the texture is softened. This makes it easier for you to scrape it off.
Start scraping
Using a putty knife, slowly scrape the texture. Do not hold the tool at a right angle as it will damage the ceiling, and do not apply excess pressure due to the same reasons. Be slow and patient throughout the process.
Source: Pinterest (BobVila.com)
Repeat the process
Continue scraping off the texture until you clean the entire wall. You might need to do it in a couple of rounds to scrape the entire thing off.
Popcorn ceiling removal: Repair and finish
Patch imperfections
Once you have removed the popcorn texture, patch the wall with a compound. For this purpose, you can use a compound that dries quickly so you do not end up wasting a lot of time. Make sure to fill all the imperfections and make the surface even with the help of a putty knife.
Sand the ceiling
Now that you have patched the imperfections, sand the ceiling a few times to ensure that the surface is smooth. Sanding the surface makes the ceiling look more finished.
Use a primer
Before painting the ceiling, it is necessary to apply a coat of primer to ensure that the paint sticks properly. Besides this, primer also adds a shine to the painted surface.
Popcorn ceiling removal: Painting the surface
- To paint the surface, the first step is to choose a good quality paint that matches your room’s aesthetic.
- Start by painting the edges; this helps in creating a clean boundary to help you paint with the roller.
- With the help of a roller, paint the entire surface gently.
Clean up
Now that you have painted the ceiling, let it dry, and in the meantime, clean the area. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt.
After the ceiling is dry, make sure there are no unpainted areas and touch up if needed. You have successfully transformed your old popcorn ceiling into a modern one.
FAQs
Can I paint my popcorn ceiling instead of scraping it off?
Painting will not remove the texture of the popcorn ceiling, so if you want a smooth finish, you will have to scrape it off.
Can I use any paint to paint my ceiling?
Since you just repaired your wall, it is best to use paint with a matte finish, as it helps conceal imperfections and gives the ceiling a smoother look.
Is it necessary to sand the ceiling?
Yes, it is necessary to sand the ceiling to achieve a finished and smoother look.
How long does the entire process of popcorn ceiling removal take?
Although it depends on the room size, it generally takes a few days to complete the entire process because the compound needs time to dry, and so does the paint.
Is it necessary to wear a mask during the popcorn ceiling removal?
Yes, masks are a necessity because inhalation of dust particles in excess may end up damaging lungs and respiratory tract.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
