What to Do After Removing the Popcorn Ceiling
After removing the popcorn ceiling, you’re left with an unfinished surface that needs some care to look presentable. Here are the steps you should follow:
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Key steps for successful popcorn texture removal
Steps to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling
Wet the Ceiling:
Steps to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling
Preparation:
- Test for Asbestos: Before starting, it’s essential to check if the ceiling contains asbestos (common in homes built before 1980). If asbestos is present, professional removal is necessary
Wet the Ceiling:
- Using a spray bottle or garden sprayer, lightly mist the ceiling with water. Allow it to soak for about 15-20 minutes. This softens the popcorn texture, making it easier to scrape off.
Scraping
Sanding and Smoothing
Scraping
- With a wide-blade scraper, carefully scrape the popcorn texture off the ceiling. A ceiling scraper with an attached bag can catch falling debris and minimize mess. Be gentle to avoid gouging the ceiling underneath.
Sanding and Smoothing
- After scraping, the ceiling might not be perfectly smooth. Use sandpaper or a sanding pole to even out rough spots. This step is essential for ensuring a smooth finish once the ceiling is painted or re-textured.
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After scraping off the popcorn texture, you'll likely notice imperfections on the ceiling, such as small gouges, cracks, or dents caused during removal.
Prime the Ceiling:
- Once repaired and sanded, apply a primer. Priming seals the drywall and provides a better surface for paint or texture to adhere to. It also helps cover any discoloration or stains from the previous popcorn texture.
Decide on a New Finish:
- Flat, Smooth Finish: Some people prefer a clean, flat ceiling with no texture. If you opt for this, you can proceed to painting after priming.
- Re-Texture: If you want a textured ceiling but dislike the old popcorn style, you can apply a new texture. Common modern textures include knockdown, orange peel, or a subtle skip trowel.
Paint:
- After priming (and texturing, if desired), it’s time to paint. Use a ceiling-specific paint, often flat or matte to reduce glare from lights. White is common for a bright, spacious look, but soft pastel colors can also be effective.
