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How To Refinish Popcorn Ceilings

When scraping popcorn ceilings, you’ll want to use a 4-inch utility knife or a drywall knife to chip away at the texture and create a smooth surface. You’ll probably need to skim it with a thin layer of joint compound to smooth out imperfections, then sand it smooth before repainting.

How much does it cost to have popcorn ceilings refinished?

*Once removed, you’ll need to refinish the ceiling. Expect to pay a total cost of $2–$2.50/sqft to remove the (non-asbestos) popcorn, texture the substrate, and paint = $3,600–$4,500 for an 1,800 sqft home.Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost. National Average Cost $1,710 Average Range $1,010 to $2,260.

How do you remove and refinish a popcorn ceiling?

If your ceiling is not painted, then you can easily remove the popcorn ceiling by spraying water onto it and then scraping it off with a putty knife or ceiling scraper. Just put a drop cloth on the floor, spray some water on the ceiling and let it sit for about 20 minutes, and get scrapping.

How can I cover my popcorn ceiling without removing it?

Popcorn ceilings should be covered with lighter materials such as paint, paneling, or planks. One option to consider is gypsum board paneling, a material that is very similar to drywall, but much lighter and easier for the ceiling to support.

Can popcorn ceilings be repainted?

One coat can refresh nearly anything—including popcorn ceilings. Popcorn ceilings—also called textured ceilings, stucco ceilings, or cottage cheese ceilings (yes, really)—were a popular alternative to troweled plaster in the mid-20th century.

Is removing popcorn ceiling worth it?

It’s time consuming and annoying, so if you’re bothered enough by it you can have it removed. It’s worth remembering that removing the ceiling in itself will cause a lot more dirt and dust around your home, at least while the work is being carried out. If you’re ok with that, then removing the ceiling is a good idea.

Is it cheaper to remove popcorn ceiling or replace drywall?

The cost to scrape, remove and refinish a popcorn ceiling is around $. 85 cents per square foot when few repairs are needed and you do the work yourself. To hire a painter or drywall contractor, expect an estimated cost of around $2.25 / square foot to remove the popcorn and finish the ceiling.

How much does it cost to skim coat a popcorn ceiling?

The national average materials cost to skim coat is $0.34 per square foot, with a range between $0.32 to $0.37.Skim Coat: national average cost. cost to skim coat National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 500 square foot $450.91 – $533.77.

Why are popcorn ceilings bad?

However, popcorn ceilings are constructed from highly friable (crumbly) materials, and even the slightest disturbance can release toxic asbestos dust into the air. If inhaled, asbestos dust can lead to serious health issues, such as chronic coughing, shortness of breath, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and even lung cancer.

Can you put shiplap over popcorn ceiling?

If you have popcorn ceilings and you are looking for a modern look, shiplap ceilings will upgrade your home with class and it’s easy to install.

Are popcorn ceilings making a comeback?

Popcorn ceilings, also called textured or acoustic ceilings, grew popular in the late 1950s. However, acoustic ceilings have become somewhat obsolete in new homes and modern homeowners and buyers do not find them aesthetically appealing as they also give the home an outdated and old appearance.

Can I cover popcorn ceiling with joint compound?

You can always swap the prickly texture of your popcorn ceiling with a more contemporary and attractive coat of material. This tactic involves adding drywall mud over the surface of the ceiling, applying joint compound, and lathering on a finish compound with a utility knife.

How do you know if popcorn ceiling is painted?

Spray an area of the ceiling until you see the popcorn turn a dull gray color. If the popcorn texture does not change colors, your ceiling has been painted.

Can you paint over asbestos popcorn ceiling?

Encapsulation means covering an asbestos material so it cannot release asbestos dust. Asbestos popcorn ceiling can be covered with new ceiling panels or vinyl paint. Spray-on vinyl paint can work, but keep in mind the old popcorn ceiling texture will still be visible.

Will removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?

While this may not seem worth it mathematically, just having popcorn ceilings can decrease the value of the home by simply making it less appealing. By removing popcorn ceilings, you are increasing your home value and ridding your home of the “outdated” look.

Does replacing popcorn ceiling increase home value?

In short, removing a popcorn ceiling can increase your home value. However, particular circumstances can affect its impact. Removing popcorn ceilings from a smaller home may not be a good use of renovation money. As long as it’s in good condition, a fresh coat of paint may be the better option due to cost.

When was asbestos used in popcorn ceilings?

Asbestos was used in spray applied textured ceilings from 1945 to at least 1980. Exposure to asbestos and the probability of developing lung disease is high in individuals who lived with these types of ceilings in their home.

Is there a tool to remove popcorn ceiling?

A scraper: Any 6- to 10-inch drywall knife will work as a scraper, but to make life easier, Lipford suggests a special popcorn scraper tool from Homax ($21.99, Homax), which has a loop to attach a garbage bag, so you can scrape right into the bag instead of onto the floor.

Can you smooth out popcorn ceiling?

When scraping popcorn ceilings, you’ll want to use a 4-inch utility knife or a drywall knife to chip away at the texture and create a smooth surface. You’ll probably need to skim it with a thin layer of joint compound to smooth out imperfections, then sand it smooth before repainting.

What is best way to paint a popcorn ceiling?

use segmented foam roller on textured ceiling. Prep and Dust the Ceiling. Cover everything in the room that will be exposed to possible paint spattering. Wear a dust mask, safety goggles and hair covering. roll or spray paint stained spot. Paint Over the Popcorn Ceiling. Paint in one direction and stop.

Should I skim coat my ceiling?

Skim coating is a great way to make ugly walls and ceilings new again! It’s an easy way to create flat and uniform surfaces on walls and ceilings so they can be painted or re-textured. As a rule of thumb, you should apply at least two skim coats to achieve a smooth and consistent surface.