Popcorn Celings

Question

I have popcorn ceilings in my most of my rooms, except the kitchen, den and utility room. My living room ceiling has a crack where the tape covering the seam,  and one wall  has a a loose seam where the tape is loosening, that is a result of the room 'settling'. The room was fixed, but now, I've got a visible problem in the wall and ceiling. Any suggestions as to how to best fix the seam tapes and remove the popcorn ceiling without spending an arm and a leg on the process?...I've heard it's easy to take the popcorn off the ceiling by just using water, and a scraper....please tell me there is an easier way and less mess way to get the popcorn off :)......

Midlantic Contracting LLC / Midlantic Electric Inc · Answer

We've found that is about the easiest way to remove popcorn. A spray bottle and a scraper. Move the furniture to one side of the room, lay down a roll of plastic, 10 x 25 rolls available at any hardware or big box store, wear old clothing and go at it. Invite a few friends over for a 'Popcorn Party' and have a blast.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Check out this article I wrote...The water method is pretty easy if the ceiling has not been painted...if it is painted it takes the project up a few notches. http://www.networx.com/article/the-mostly-painless-guide-to-removing I'v have been working on a project recently where a fine popcorn texture was present. In this case it contains asbestos. To kill two bird with one stone we did a Venetian plaster type texture over the fine popcorn...this is an approved 'encapsulation' mitigation method.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Jean, depending upon the age of the ceiling you may want to have it checked to determine its makeup. Older popcorn ceilings were asbestos and need to be done professionally for safety. Testing it is easy, Simply remove a small area, place it in a plastic bag and send it to a local lab such as Pro-lab. They sell test kits at the big box stores, but if you go online you can mail it to them without paying extra for a kit you do not need. Pro-lab is one of many out there but they tend to work with homeowners more than many others.

Jean M · Answer

Thanks, 'guys'...I appreciate your assistance....shame neither of you live in GA LOL

Marilyn Walsh · Answer

Hold a house warming and invite the Fire Department...jk

Jean M · Answer

LOL, I have a fire dept on the corner of my road, Marilyn...LOL

Cdbellflower · Answer

I, too, have a fire dept right down from my house and wanting to get rid of the popcorn ceilings in several rooms. Do you think we should be worried about asbestos?

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Cdbellflower, Yes you should be concerned about asbestos and lead paint. Most likely no lead in the finish of the ceiling, but any paint removal on older homes prior to 1968 there is a concern. AS far as asbestos, it is inexpensive to have the ceiling material tested. I highly suggest that you do. If you decide not to, assume it is asbestos and wear masks, seal off the entire room, install a air scrubber and a clean room area to change out of the clothes your wearing into personal protection coveralls. All of this is not something a home owner has, can rent, or even borrow. Air scrubbers to remove asbestos in the air start around a thousand dollars and go up from there. 
In any case testing is really inexpensive and should be considered prior to any work being done.

Jean M · Answer

I hope to may be get started in the summer.... I think the ceiling, popcorn, was put up after 1968 since the ceiling was done over when an addition was added to the existing living/dining room...does the ceiling need to be checked then?

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Jean, yes I would still test. Primary reason is that you do not know where the contractor obtained the material. Although It is more doubtful that it does contain asbestos, the cost is really not that much considering the risk if it is. Most of the newer popcorn materials contained foam beads with a binding agent. There still was some of the bad stuff still around. I provided a link to a lab in Florida, although not my first choice to use, but for the average home owner they can provide exactly what information you will need to be safe. http://www.prolabinc.com/asbestos-test-kits.asp

Jean M · Answer

Thank you ;)....I'll get over to Lowes and see if they can help me, and if not, well you've been great about posting an internet address :)...thanks so much ;)

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Lowes and HD both sell their kits. If not try ACE hardware they may have them as well.

Jean M · Answer

thank u, thank u, thank u ;)

Betty S · Answer

check out www.decorativeceilingtiles.net, they sell self stick tiles that stick to popcorn ceilings, and they look great

Jean M · Answer

thanks alot, Betty ......What a great idea !!!!...;)

Bonnye Manning · Answer

I'm a professional paperhanger and we do this so often. Wet or Dry? Up to you. We scrape it dry to control the mess, but then there is the dust. More often than not, we use a cardboard box that 24 cans of soda/beer come in and hold close to the ceiling, relaying off the the person on the ground with the second empty box. Controls the mess. Pressed-tin, paintable wallpaper is what we install the most. brownbagwalls@aol.com for free pics and help/advice. Hand-done texture is also something you can do. Wallpaper on the ceiling is a great answer...if you can't do it yourself, do the prep and hire a professional. Just email for other ideas...free advice. :)

Dee Maxwell · Answer

We've got those awful popcorn ceilings too. I don't want to scrape it off, Very messy!, and you may have the problem of asbestos! I am going to plank over it. Love the look, and I won't have to worry about scraping.

Jean M · Answer

How hard is it to put up ceiling tiles?

Jerre Miller · Answer

Is planking a cathedral ceiling over popcorn expensive? The room is 15' X 22'.

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