taking off popcorn ceiling

Terry S
by Terry S
if i scrape off popcorn ceiling ,what then will i need to do something else and what?any ideas?. lots of ceiling, hate the popcorn but not really wanting to create a huge mess.
  10 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Feb 24, 2013
    Most popcorn removal will require some patching and skim work. You can go the more labor intensive route and skim and smooth the entire ceiling or the easier route of patch and re-texture with a knock down or other spray type application (orange peel etc.)
  • Terry S Terry S on Feb 24, 2013
    thanks kevin , dowes the knock down require a professional
  • Kevin is correct on this job requiring some sort of repair once the old textured ceiling is removed. If the ceiling is in really poor shape or the stuff is so hard to remove, it may be more practical to have a contractor install a 1/4" layer of drywall on the ceiling and then tape and mud it in. New ceiling without all the mess. If the texture comes off easy, then its a matter of patching and painting. For ceilings that are really rough a spray coat or hand applied coating of plaster then sanded does the trick. I prefer the first route, cover over and be done with it.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Feb 25, 2013
    Most pros can get the job done quicker and with a higher degree of success that your basic DIY enthusiast. Rates are not that bad, If your a bit uneasy I would look into it.
  • Terry S Terry S on Feb 25, 2013
    thanks you guys, appreciate the input
  • Judith F Judith F on Feb 26, 2013
    I have removed popcorn ceiling and it is a huge mess, but if you cover you floor and spray sections at a time with water,it comes off in clumps.This is safer , because, not particles in the air, which is not good to breathe in.Granted you may need to patch, but normally not.Reapply ceiling with a textured roller and it covers many sins. Good luck! I had some of the worse and best experiences doing thisI am a DIY person, because I don't have much extra money!!
  • Terry S Terry S on Mar 02, 2013
    thanks you guys
  • Georgia Skeeter Georgia Skeeter on Mar 03, 2013
    I had a grease fire in my double wide with high ceilings in the middle. parts over the stove and sink really black, rest need painting. Is there a way to just paint the ceiling without removing the popcorn or having to move out of my home and everything in it for 2 weeks for a contractor to do the job? Help!
  • Georgia, I sent you a message regarding this post. You need to ask this in a new thread where is says post/ask. You will get a better response to the question as this one has been answered and satisfied by the original poster. As far as doing something else, no as far as I know you will need to remove the original texture and start fresh again. Your insurance should however provide you with temporary housing until this issue is resolved.
  • Margery Hibbard Margery Hibbard on Mar 25, 2013
    I removed the popcorn using a long handled scraper. (Looks like a hoe that's been flattened.) It knocked off the popcorn 3d stuff & left a nice texture that I just painted with ceiling paint. It turned out great. You have to wear goggles as the falling texture stuff really burned my around my eyes. The goggles helped that problem. It is a large room & it didn't take very long. Plus a ladder wasn't necessary.