Popcorn Ceilings

Why are we so negative about popcorn ceilings? Take a look at this before and after, which do you prefer?

Popcorn ceiling

Ceiling after popcorn finish removed

There is always reasons for why things were done they way they were. Instead of giving popcorn ceilings the stink face we can understand the reason for it and happily remove it. It gained popularity at a time of rapid home construction. It provided a cost-effective way to cover drywall seams and flaws and was fast and easy to install. The other major benefit is the texture provided noise reduction due to the sound-dampening properties. I can appreciate that reasoning at that time but I still want to say good bye to popcorn ceilings and here's why.

1. It's dirty and hard to clean

2. Makes the house look dated

3. Rooms can look darker

4. Ceilings appear lower

5. It flakes off when touched

   
   

Asbestos

Always have popcorn ceiling tested by a certified professional before removing it.

Kits are available for you to collect the sample and mail it to a lab for testing. The recommendation is two samples and costa about $50. Asbestos Test Kit

Many popcorn ceilings installed before 1980 are more likely to contain asbestos. The EPA banned asbestos in spray-on ceiling materials in 1973. The 1980 rule of thumb is to account for the years the asbestos material was still in warehouses. Avoid disturbing any untested ceilings. Asbestos fibers can be harmful if you breathe them in and known to cause lung cancer and chronic lung disease.

Removal Options - No Asbestos

1. Scrape it Off

   1. Ceilings that have been tested and do not contain asbestos can be sraped off. Scraping is easier on ceilings that have never been painted. Spray an area with water helps loosen the material making if much easier to scrape off. Mixed in some fabric softener or the purple stuff cleaning product.

2. Skim Coat

   1. Sometimes ceilings have been painted with really good paint and painted several times making it nearly impossible top scrape it off. There are sanding devices you can try but still may prove to be more time consuming than desired. Scrape the ceiling quickly with the goal to knock off what you can. Then use drywall compound to skim coat the entire ceiling. This does take skill and time.

3. New layer of Drywall

   1. Another option is to go over the ceiling with new drywall. Install the drywall right over the popcorned ceiling, tape, mud and there you have a great popcorn ceiling.

More before and after pictures