Remove popcorn ceiling
#1
07-31-11, 07:35 AM
Remove popcorn ceiling
Hi all,
I am looking for some advice.
My house has popcorn ceiling. It is kind of old. I would like to change from popcorn ceiling to another type of texture, like knockdown or flat smooth.
I need to remove the popcorn ceiling and then apply the drywall component and then apply a new texture.
The option is 1) completely remove the popcorn ceiling; 2) just scrape of the rough part of the popcorn.
The layer of popcorn ceiling seems to provide a good insulation. Completely remove the popcorn ceiling seem to be time consuming. But not removing them all, may create an issue later where the the old layer of popcorn ceiling may peel off.
I like option 2, however, I feel a bit un-comfortable. Any one has opinion on this?
I am looking for some advice.
My house has popcorn ceiling. It is kind of old. I would like to change from popcorn ceiling to another type of texture, like knockdown or flat smooth.
I need to remove the popcorn ceiling and then apply the drywall component and then apply a new texture.
The option is 1) completely remove the popcorn ceiling; 2) just scrape of the rough part of the popcorn.
The layer of popcorn ceiling seems to provide a good insulation. Completely remove the popcorn ceiling seem to be time consuming. But not removing them all, may create an issue later where the the old layer of popcorn ceiling may peel off.
I like option 2, however, I feel a bit un-comfortable. Any one has opinion on this?
#2
07-31-11, 08:09 AM
Member
I'm a bit confused by what you are describing as option 1. Are you saying remove the entire ceiling vs just removing the popcorn?
Popcorn ceilings are a spray on texture that some builders use because it's quicker and cheaper than paint. Its also is good at hiding drywall goofs. Most homeowners with popcorn ceilings learn to hate them.
Removing popcorn from ceilings is easy. All it takes is a scraper (DW mud knife), a spray bottle of water and lots of elbow grease. If you google 'remove popcorn ceilings" you'll find all sorts of info and instruction.
Popcorn ceilings are a spray on texture that some builders use because it's quicker and cheaper than paint. Its also is good at hiding drywall goofs. Most homeowners with popcorn ceilings learn to hate them.
Removing popcorn from ceilings is easy. All it takes is a scraper (DW mud knife), a spray bottle of water and lots of elbow grease. If you google 'remove popcorn ceilings" you'll find all sorts of info and instruction.
#3
07-31-11, 11:13 AM
Wayne, thank you for responding to my post.
I was not planning to remove the ceiling completely.
My option 1 was to scrape of the popcorn spray completely and leave a clean dry wall (the ceiling dry wall). This a very clean job but take too much time.
My option 2 was to just scrape of the rough part of the popcorn and leave most of the original spray on the ceiling. Then I just apply the dry wall compound on top of what left over to smooth out the surface. My concern with this option was that after a couple year the ceiling may be peel off.
I was not planning to remove the ceiling completely.
My option 1 was to scrape of the popcorn spray completely and leave a clean dry wall (the ceiling dry wall). This a very clean job but take too much time.
My option 2 was to just scrape of the rough part of the popcorn and leave most of the original spray on the ceiling. Then I just apply the dry wall compound on top of what left over to smooth out the surface. My concern with this option was that after a couple year the ceiling may be peel off.
#4
07-31-11, 12:28 PM
Option 1. Average room= about an hour. As Wayne said, just spray an area about 3' x 3' and scrape it off. I find it neater to have a trash can nearby, and I use canned drink flats (cardboard) to catch the offing in. Just so you are aware, it was popcorned because the builder didn't want to pay to have it finished well. So you will be faced with redoing the joints and making the surface paintable.
If you only scrape off part of it and try to finish over it, the moisture from whatever you use to go over it, will release the popcorn and you will have a genuine mess on your hands.
If you only scrape off part of it and try to finish over it, the moisture from whatever you use to go over it, will release the popcorn and you will have a genuine mess on your hands.
#5
07-31-11, 12:35 PM
Group Moderator
In my house I removed as much of the popcorn that I could. I could not get to bare drywall because it was painted a few times. I then skim coated it with two coats. It looked nice and smooth then.
I personally like a textured ceiling. I tend to go for knock down though.
I personally like a textured ceiling. I tend to go for knock down though.
#6
07-31-11, 01:54 PM
I probably should add that some of the older houses had popcorn that was made from asbestos 
While it was mostly used in commercial works some was used in residential. It was banned in the late 70's but old stock was allowed to be used up. If the house was built before 1980, it would be a good idea to have the texture tested. Asbestos is really only a hazard in dry powdered form where the dust can be inhaled.
While it was mostly used in commercial works some was used in residential. It was banned in the late 70's but old stock was allowed to be used up. If the house was built before 1980, it would be a good idea to have the texture tested. Asbestos is really only a hazard in dry powdered form where the dust can be inhaled.
#7
08-01-11, 04:49 AM
Group Moderator
Removing popcorn is easy and pretty quick, it's just messy. As stated, though, you're likely to find a less than stellar drywall installation underneath.
#9
08-02-11, 04:04 AM
Removing all the texture and then touching it up with joint compound or skim coating will look a lot better than only removing the top half of the texture and trying to skim coat over that. IMO it would be easier too.
#10
08-02-11, 01:09 PM
A friend told me that down in the Los Angeles area "they" ( I don't know who "they" are) are spreading right over the popcorn and smoothing it down and painting.
I'd like to see this done before I try it. Rubs me the wrong way.
Maybe the texture has been painted several times and the moisture from new compound does not penetrate before it dries.
Has anyone heard of such a thing?
I'd like to see this done before I try it. Rubs me the wrong way.
Maybe the texture has been painted several times and the moisture from new compound does not penetrate before it dries.
Has anyone heard of such a thing?
#11
08-02-11, 01:56 PM
Not me! How would you keep the popcorn trash out of your mud as you spread it Even painted popcorn will turn loose the little 'balls' as you go across it with a roller, I couldn't imagine skimming over it with a knife full of j/c.
Even painted popcorn will turn loose the little 'balls' as you go across it with a roller, I couldn't imagine skimming over it with a knife full of j/c.
#12
08-03-11, 07:06 AM
Group Moderator
I think at a minumum I'd scrape the ceiling with a dry knife first, that would probably get the majority of the loose stuff. Personally, I would remove it all and then skim coat, I think that will actually be the least amount of work overall.
