Stripping Popcorn Ceiling: A Guide To Removing Your Ceiling Texture
If you live in an older home, chances are you have popcorn ceilings. These textured ceilings were popular in the 1960s and 1970s but have fallen out of style in recent years. Not only are they unattractive, but they can also contain asbestos, a dangerous substance that can cause cancer when inhaled. If you're looking to update your home, removing your popcorn ceiling is a great place to start. In this article, we'll discuss the steps involved in stripping popcorn ceiling and give you some tips for making the process as painless as possible.
Step 1: Prepare the Room
The first step in stripping popcorn ceiling is to prepare the room. This involves removing all furniture and covering the floors with plastic or drop cloths. You'll also want to remove any light fixtures or ceiling fans and cover the remaining electrical boxes with plastic. Finally, you should turn off the electricity to the room to prevent any accidents.
Step 2: Test for Asbestos
Before you start stripping popcorn ceiling, it's important to test for asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in popcorn ceilings prior to 1980, so if your home was built before then, there's a good chance your ceiling contains the substance. You can purchase a testing kit online or hire a professional to test your ceiling for you. If your ceiling does contain asbestos, you'll need to hire a professional abatement company to remove it safely.
Step 3: Wet the Ceiling
The next step in stripping popcorn ceiling is to wet the ceiling. This will help soften the texture and make it easier to remove. You can use a spray bottle or a garden sprayer to wet the ceiling. Be sure to cover the entire ceiling and let the water soak in for at least 10 minutes.
Step 4: Scrape the Ceiling
Once the ceiling is wet, you can start scraping the texture off. You'll want to use a scraper with a wide blade to make the process easier. Be sure to work in small sections and scrape the texture off gently. If you scrape too hard, you can damage the drywall underneath. You'll also want to have a bucket handy to catch the texture as it falls.
Step 5: Sand the Ceiling
After you've removed the texture, you'll need to sand the ceiling to create a smooth surface. You'll want to use a fine-grit sandpaper and work in small sections. Be sure to wear a dust mask and eye protection to prevent any debris from getting into your eyes or lungs.
Step 6: Prime and Paint
Finally, you can prime and paint your ceiling. Be sure to use a primer that's specifically designed for drywall and let it dry completely before painting. You can use a roller or a paint sprayer to apply the paint, but be sure to work in small sections and apply several coats for a smooth finish.
Tips for Stripping Popcorn Ceiling
Here are some tips to make the process of stripping popcorn ceiling as easy as possible:
- Work in small sections to prevent the texture from drying out.
- Use a scraper with a wide blade to make the process easier.
- Wear a dust mask and eye protection to prevent any debris from getting into your eyes or lungs.
- Turn off the electricity to the room to prevent any accidents.
- Test for asbestos before starting the process.
People Also Ask About Stripping Popcorn Ceiling
Here are some common questions people ask about stripping popcorn ceiling:
1. What is the best way to remove popcorn ceiling?
The best way to remove popcorn ceiling is to wet the ceiling and then scrape the texture off with a wide-bladed scraper. Be sure to work in small sections and wear a dust mask and eye protection to prevent any debris from getting into your eyes or lungs.
2. How do you test for asbestos in popcorn ceiling?
You can purchase a testing kit online or hire a professional to test your popcorn ceiling for asbestos. If your ceiling does contain asbestos, you'll need to hire a professional abatement company to remove it safely.
3. Can you paint over popcorn ceiling?
Yes, you can paint over popcorn ceiling. However, you'll need to use a thick-nap roller to ensure that you cover the texture completely. You may also want to consider priming the ceiling first to ensure that the paint adheres properly.
4. How much does it cost to remove popcorn ceiling?
The cost of removing popcorn ceiling varies depending on the size of the room and the condition of the ceiling. On average, you can expect to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot for professional popcorn ceiling removal.
5. Can you remove popcorn ceiling without damaging the drywall?
It is possible to remove popcorn ceiling without damaging the drywall, but it can be tricky. You'll want to use a scraper with a wide blade and work in small sections. Be sure to scrape gently to avoid damaging the drywall underneath.