While the 60’s and 70’s left us with great music, it also left us with popcorn textured ceilings. If it’s time to update your look, read on…
Removing popcorn textured ceilings is not too difficult, but it is an extremely messy job that requires manual hard labour and safety precautions.
Use these steps for a DIY project or call Detailed Drywall for a free estimate.
Potential Health Hazard Before buying materials, preparation, moving of furniture or covering areas with plastic; check for this potential hazard first: Asbestos: Acoustic (popcorn) texture manufactured before 1980’s may contain asbestos and will require testing before further progression. You may scrap small amounts of ceiling texture, in multiple areas on the ceiling, into a plastic bag or hire an approved testing service to take the samples for you. From more information about asbestos in your home, click here.
One More Thing Before stripping your ceiling, check if the popcorn texture has been painted. Although painting may have given new life to a dull ceiling, it will prevent the texture from absorbing water therefore will not loosen the material. Painted popcorn texture may require a chemical stripper to breakdown the barrier in order to continue the project.Equipment and Materials for the Job Here is a list of what you will need to complete your job:Plastic sheathing for walls and floorsDust mask/RespiratorEye protectionPainters tapePump-up Sprayer/Spray BottleWide drywall scraperPutty knifeDrywall joint compoundDrywall joint tapeSanding paper or sanding pad with handleClean clothPreparation Removing popcorn texture is an understated ‘messy job’, therefore make sure you have completed the correct prep work to keep from damaging your home. All furniture should be removed from the room. If the furniture cannot be removed, place plastic sheathing over items. Turn off power to the room and heating or cooling system. Cover wall outlets, vents, switches etc. with plastic and attach painter’s tape. Cover the floor with plastic and attach the plastic overtop the baseboard with painter’s tape (you may also use a drop cloth as floor protection). You may choose to cover the walls using the same method above, although it may not be necessary for your project.Removal Now that the area is safe, and contained, it’s time to put on that dust mask or respirator, and grab the safety glasses. Fill the pump-up sprayer or spray bottle with warm water.
Spray a small section, 10 square feet, at a time. Do not over spray as it will damage the drywall underneath the texture, then wait 15-20 minutes. Using a wide drywall scraper, carefully scrape away the popcorn texture at a 45-degree angle one section at a time. After you’ve finished scraping the ceiling, it’s time to apply the drywall compound. Touch Up’s and Paint You’re almost there! The most important part of the job is the touch up’s if you are painting a flat ceiling. Apply the drywall compound using a drywall knife to problem areas. Smooth the compound to ensure a flat finish. Ensure that any screws or nails half also been screwed or hammered back in. After all areas have been corrected, let the compound dry overnight. Once dry, lightly sand the repaired areas and wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth. Prime and paint the ceiling for a flat finish.
Whether you are looking to update the look of your home or have some damaged areas, let Detailed Drywall be your ceiling professionals. Call us to book a free estimate at 403-291-7021. or Book Online.