Popcorn ceiling

Tricia
by Tricia
Our ceiling looks like popcorn but it's actually joint compound that was put up with a paper bag to get popcorn effect. Is there any way to remove this? Thanks
  8 answers
  • ...I think the only way to remove this is by sanding it down. You probably dont want to scrape it , as that will make it worse and damage your ceiling. ...And dont get it wet, that will also make it worse.. ; I am not an expert , but have seen this before, believe it or not.
  • Winnie Nichols Winnie Nichols on Mar 07, 2015
    There is a web site that tells you how to remove a popcorn ceiling. I haven't tried it yet but a contractor told us to tape plastic to the top boarder and lay it down to the floor covering counters and appliances. take a spray bottle and spray a section to the ceiling, (wear a mask of some sort) and with a paint scraper, doing it lightlly scrape the popcorn off. Using light sandpaper sand the area when dry. Wipe with a damp cloth and let dry. clean up roll up and fold the plastic and throw away. You will have minor clean up and less of a mess. I am going to do mine come spring. The contractor done a small section of our ceilling at that time and it worked. Hope this helps....PS do not saturate the area. Lightly spray as you go just enough to remove the popcorn
  • Linda Alessi Linda Alessi on Mar 07, 2015
    It can be scrapped off. But it is very messy. I would use a water bottle and spray it so it won't be to dusty. Homax makes a scrapper with a bag. Home Depot has them I included a link. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-Ceiling-Texture-Scraper-for-Popcorn-Ceiling-Removal-6104/202061374
  • Amy Amy on Mar 07, 2015
    If the ceiling was put up before 1978 it may have asbestos, they can be easily removed, time consuming, and very very messy. Also once scraped off you may see tape and mudding lines, you may want to consider beadboard to cover it instead
  • Whomping Willow Whomping Willow on Mar 08, 2015
    If it is joint compound, the easiest way would to be hire a drywaller to put a smooth coat of compound over it. You can do it youself, however it's not that easy.
  • Karyl Karyl on Mar 08, 2015
    I was a house painter for 39 years and I agree with whomping willow....hire someone to do it, because if it isn't done correctly it can get very expensive....just my 2 cents LOL...Good Luck
  • Monica Monica on Mar 08, 2015
    You can also get a drywall sander that hooks up to a shop-vac to cut down on dust or a wall scraper. I agree with Karyl or put up 3/8" drywall over it and re-texture.
  • Tricia Tricia on Mar 08, 2015
    Thanks for all the input.