The Easiest Ways to Get Rid of a Popcorn Ceiling
Popcorn ceilings have been popular for a good reason: the texture is easy to put on and the ceilings last a long time. Sure, popcorn ceilings are outdated now and you might want to get rid of them, but removal can be difficult, time-consuming and costly, not to mention dangerous, as some carry the risk of asbestos. Luckily, there are some easy ways to deal with popcorn ceilings that don’t require demolition and can often be a simple DIY project.
When to test for asbestos
The first thing to know about popcorn ceilings is that the texture compound, or the ceiling underneath, may contain asbestos if your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s (or if the texture was applied during those years). If you’re unsure if your texture is asbestos-free, contact an abatement specialist before proceeding. Popcorn ceilings may be unsightly, but asbestos is dangerous.
Cover Popcorn Ceilings with Drywall
The easiest way to get rid of the popcorn texture on the ceiling is to use ultra-light drywall , and since it will simply cover the existing surface, it can be used over asbestos. So, if you know your ceiling might have an old popcorn texture, this is the way to safely deal with that dust-collecting ceiling without exposing yourself to asbestos.
You’ll need a drill, drywall screws, a tape measure, and a saw , as well as a few drywall knives , dirt , and tape . Attaching the wall panel to the existing ceiling is done by screwing drywall into studs above the current ceiling. If you’re not sure you can measure, attach, and glue drywall, hire a professional – a good idea – working over your head and keeping the panels in line while attaching them can be tricky if you’re not used to working on stairs. .
Cover popcorn ceilings with ship wrap
If you don’t like the look of drywall ceilings, you can cover your popcorn ceiling with ship wrap instead. For this project, you will need a nail gun , a miter saw , and of course floor boards . You will also need a hole saw or a jigsaw to cut out the light fixture holes.
To install planks, you can nail them directly to the ceiling beams on top of the texture. To avoid one continuous seam across the entire ceiling between the ends of the boards, cut every second board before installing it so the seams are offset.
Use a different texture instead
You can use the new texture to cover your existing popcorn if your ceiling contains asbestos. Putting a new texture on top is called “encapsulation” and it’s one of the best ways to deal with asbestos because it keeps the texture from flaking and flaking, protecting you from the danger posed by particles small enough to be inhaled.
The process of applying the new texture can be done with a clay knife and drywall clay , applied directly to the ceiling. You can also add texture to your dirt to give it a different look. Unfortunately this method won’t produce a completely flat surface, but it will create a different texture – hopefully another one you like.
Sand and sand the ceiling
If your ceiling does not have asbestos, you can sand and sand the ceiling to get a smooth surface. This can be a do-it-yourself project if you don’t mind using clay and drywall knives for a long time and then sanding overhead for a while after that. If you choose to go this route, be aware that it will be a very dusty project and will require proper protective equipment such as a respirator , goggles , and gloves . Even though this process is messy, you will get a smooth surface to paint on if that’s what you want.