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3 Things You Can Do About Popcorn Ceiling Removal

January 24, 2019

Popcorn ceilings exploded in popularity during the 1950s since they were easy to install and could hide imperfections. Unfortunately, these ceilings also catch a lot of dust and can be difficult to clean.

That means if you’re living in a house that had its popcorn ceiling installed many years ago, it may have black dust and dirt stuck to it by now. It’s time to make a change and take back your health and the air quality in your home.

You’ve probably considered popcorn ceiling removal before but thought the process was too difficult or time consuming to complete. We’ve put together three practical ways to combat your popcorn and give your ceiling a new lease on life.

1. Scrape It Off

The only way to truly get rid of your popcorn ceiling is to scrape it off. In order to do this, you’ll use a four-inch knife to chip away at the texture.

Spray the ceiling with a water spray bottle as you go to limit the dust and debris. It will be a messy and slow process, but you can do it in a day and just listen to music.

That is unless your home was built before 1979. In that case, it’s likely that the popcorn ceiling in your home contains contaminants like asbestos and lead. You will need to hire a professional to handle your popcorn ceiling removal.

If the popcorn ceiling has been previously painted, then it may be impossible to scrape it off. In that case, you will have to use one of the alternative methods on this list.

2. Cover It Using Drywall

In order to cover your ceiling, you would need to buy ceiling-grade gypsum board, a product that weighs much less than standard wallboard. That is what you would install right on top of your existing ceiling.

Securely screw the boards into your framing and take your time to ensure you don’t have any gaps or seams in your work.

This option is particularly good for homes with asbestos since left undisturbed, the substance is harmless.

3. Cover It with a Skim Coat

A skim coat is a kind of texture that is easy to apply. Covering the ceiling with a new texture is your best option if you want to finish with interior painting.

Be cautious if you choose this option, the texture and paint is heavy and can weigh your ceiling down causing damage. Consider consulting a professional to make sure your ceiling can bear the weight.

Help with Popcorn Ceiling Removal

After reading the options on this list, you should have a pretty good idea of what popcorn ceiling removal involves. It is strenuous work, but the results are fantastic.

Consider hiring Fitzpatrick Painting to handle the task for you. We can provide you with a no-obligation quote today.

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