What is the best way to cover a popcorn ceiling?

if its the stain that bothers you, it can be painted with Kilz primer and /or paint and it will be gone. You can get rid of a popcorn ceiling fairly easily too but first would need to test for asbestos using a kit from any hardware store (about $10). Step by step instructions to get rid of the popcorn ceiling with illustrations can be found here: http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Popcorn-Ceiling

I love the styro tiles, but be careful with your homeowners insurance, some will void the policy if you use them. Tin tiles are easy to install. If you are willing to make the mess, it would be worth it to scrape the ceilings, (test first), paint with a blocker like kilz and then whatever you wish. Personally an 1840 house, I love the tin tile option. You can also paint over the tin tiles too. Looks great in period homes, or at least I love the look.

See "This Old House" for ceiling clean up, popcorn removal then check for leaks. If there is damage repair it, if not you might think about using one of the new textured papers or just paint. If you treat it with a prepaper finish before putting up the paper you can pretty much peel it off later if you ever want to change it.

We have decided to cover it with bead board. Search "ceilings" on Pintrest for ideas and how to's. We have all the leaks fixed, but just not up to dealing with possible asbestos and the taking it down.

We had a popcorn ceiling in a 1960's era home. Our painter just joint compounded over the popcorn and made the ceiling smooth. It came out perfectly with no mess or dust. Easiest and least expensive solution.

Dear Janet,

Many thanks for your input.

Best,

Linda

Many thanks, Ret. I will investigate, 'This Old House".

If you are going for a period look, you might consider bead board painted or varnished in 8 x 4' sheets. or Tin ceilings look great and they sure have lots of options including plastic ones you can paint and distress to look old. These are usually glued on with construction glue.

Many thanks, Sharon.

I am thinking now of putting a tin ceiling from American Tin Ceilings in the foyer.

They have a special tin tile that is designed to cover a popcorn ceiling. Their tiles are lovely. The foyer is a small area; fewer tiles are required. I can go for broke with some fancier finishes.

I might put the bead board in the bathroom, as that suits my budget. I have seen both products in homes from the 1800s. Although I am not sure they would have been found in an 1840s Colonial style home. I am fine with an eclectic look. I like to mix a few modern pieces in furnishings, too.

As long as I keep it simple, not too cluttered. For me, the fewer items, the better.

Nice and clean, even makes period pieces look modern.

We had our popcorn ceiling covered with dry wall, textured and painted. Looks great and you can't tell it was ever there. Good luck!

Well, first to need to get your ceiling clean and safe back. Remove everything wich is to go off the ceiling. Really everything. Then you'll need to coat your old ceiling to have it regular and plane. Then, you can cover it with what you like.

Use anti-saltpeter paint if it's humidity stains, but remember that important thing : your ceiling must be dry before any treatment or operation. So you'll have to discover the cause of humidity first if it's wet.

you're welcome Linda, "bon courage"...