Popcorn Ceiling Prohibition

The fifties was an era that brought us rock ‘n’ roll, drive-in movies, poodle skirts, and popcorn ceilings. Though many of this decades’ trends are cherished as cultural remnants of the Elvis era, the dust-collecting popcorn ceilings made popular in this period are one remnant that many homeowners would like to put in the past. Many don’t know that they aren’t stuck with their stucco ceiling. Transforming these bothersome bumps into the flat smooth surfaces that dominate more modern design concepts is as simple as selecting one of the following options:  

If your popcorn ceiling hasn’t been painted, then the best method is likely the wet and scrape method. Use a spray bottle to soak and soften the texture of the ceiling, and then scrape away the softened texture using a three-inch utility knife or drywall knife. Wash, effect any repairs, sand and you’re ready for primer and paint! After this, sand, and you’re ready for paint! This is the most common and cost-efficient of the methods, but it is also time consuming and messy, so make sure you plan accordingly!  

• Caution: Homes built prior to 1979 can contain asbestos or lead, so ensure you have an expert test your home for these hazards before you begin chipping away at your ceiling! 

Cover: If your popcorn ceilings have been painted over (this poses a significant challenge to the scrape method as popcorn ceilings are extremely porous and absorb more paint than usual), or you’re uninterested in the often labor-intensive process of popcorn-ceiling scraping, your best bet is to cover your ceilings with a ceiling-grade gypsum board or sheet rock, which is lighter than your usual wall board and can be secured over your existing ceiling. You may want to have a professional complete this project if you aren’t proficient with mudding and taping. This method is pricier than your DIY scrape removal, but it will leave you with the smoothest possible surface finish.  

• Some homeowners still choose the scrape method if their popcorn ceiling has been painted. We don’t typically recommend this, as it can be extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive, but if you’re a go-getter and up for the task, make sure you consult with a professional to determine the best plan of attack.