How do you get rid of popcorn ceilings without scraping?

Skim coating is likely the cheapest option for covering popcorn ceilings. A skim coat acts like a primer to give the ceiling a fresh, smooth surface for a new coat of paint. This is an easy, inexpensive DIY solution that doesn't require a professional or any scraping.

Is there a way to remove popcorn ceiling without making a mess?

For easier scraping and practically no dust during popcorn ceiling removal, use a garden pump sprayer to mist the ceiling. Let it soak for about 15 minutes before scraping. Give it only a light misting – too much water could damage the drywall or cause the joint tape to loosen.

How do you change a popcorn ceiling to smooth?

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 do professionals remove popcorn ceilings?

What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?

Skim coating is likely the cheapest option for covering popcorn ceilings. A skim coat acts like a primer to give the ceiling a fresh, smooth surface for a new coat of paint. This is an easy, inexpensive DIY solution that doesn't require a professional or any scraping.

Tips for Scraping Your Popcorn Ceiling without Making a Mess

Why is everyone removing popcorn ceilings?

Today, though, a popcorn ceiling makes a house look dated. If the coating is popping loose, it's also a health hazard. And even if it's in good shape, it can complicate home repairs and make a house harder to sell, because potential buyers know popcorn ceilings often contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Can you cover a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?

Removing a popcorn ceiling is a messy, time-consuming job. Fortunately, in most cases, it's not necessary because you can easily cover up that unsightly texture with ceiling panels or planks. Most options easily install directly over your existing popcorn ceiling using the Easy Up track and clip installation system.

Is removing popcorn ceiling worth it?

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.

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

Skim coating a room yourself costs you about $50 in materials and $430 in tools if you don't have the tools already. Hiring a local drywall contractor is usually $50 to $100 per hour, and the average room takes four to six hours to complete—totaling a labor cost of about $200 to $600.

Is it better to scrape or cover popcorn ceiling?

If you have popcorn ceiling and want to get rid of it, covering is often the best option. If you cover popcorn ceiling, the job is typically cheaper and faster than removing and replacing popcorn ceiling.

Is there a power tool to remove popcorn ceiling?

One of the more updated tools to use in removing popcorn ceiling is a product called Popeeze Popcorn Ceiling Scraper that has a vacuum attachment tool. It is basically a tool that removes ceiling texture without any bag or any mess at all. The product makes popcorn removal safer, cleaner and more efficient.

Does Fabric Softener help remove popcorn ceiling?

Spray it down

The fabric softener will help it adhere to the popcorn ceiling. Start by wetting down a 6-square-foot area of the ceiling. “Spray more than you think you need,” advises Lipford. Let it sit for a minute or two to get fully wet.

Does vinegar and water remove popcorn ceiling?

Follow these steps for removing a painted popcorn ceiling: To help breakdown the paint, spray a mixture of one part vinegar to ten parts water on the surface of the ceiling. Use a 4-inch utility knife/type scraper to remove the material. This method is messy and slow, but it works.

How much does popcorn ceiling devalue a house?

Schutte estimates that removing a popcorn ceiling would add $25,000 to $35,000 in value for a large estate executive home. For a home of about 1,400 square feet costing about $200,000, he estimates an added value of about $2,500—essentially, close to what a homeowner might put into the project.

How long does it take a professional to remove popcorn ceiling?

For experienced DIYers or professionals, estimates say it can take about 20 hours to remove 500 square feet of popcorn from the ceiling. For the less experienced, it will likely be longer, and it can also be quite difficult on your body, with all that time on a ladder.

What is the point of popcorn ceilings?

Many homes built in the late 1930s through the 1990s have popcorn ceilings or some type of texture applied overhead. It was used to cover up a lot of flaws in the ceiling. It was time-effective and cost-efficient. Often called an acoustic ceiling, it also served the purpose to absorb sound and reduce noise.

What are options to cover a popcorn ceiling?

There are three popular options for covering over the ceiling: covering them with ordinary drywall; using a prefinished grid-plank system such as Armstrong's Easy-Up grid system, or attaching furring strips then installing traditional tongue-and-groove planks or beadboard paneling on the ceiling.

What is the next step after removing popcorn ceiling?

You must properly sand the ceiling once the popcorn is removed, dings and bad seams topped off well. A wise step would be to prime the ceiling after sanding and topping off before you start rolling texture.

Can you just skim coat over a popcorn ceiling?

Skim Coat. Your ceiling will still have some texture, but a skim coat won't look dated like a popcorn texture does. Use a quick-set mud drywall to give your skim coat a good base and avoid having your popcorn ceiling ruin your skim coat.

Are smooth ceilings worth it?

Did you know that smooth ceilings increase the value of your home? Ceiling stipple makes your home look dated. Smooth ceilings add visual height and spaciousness to rooms and hallways. In contrast, stippled or textured ceilings draw your focus to the texture, making the room seem smaller.

Are popcorn ceilings unhealthy?

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.

Should you paint popcorn ceilings?

After enough time, popcorn ceilings begin to look dull, weary, and dated. Removing the popcorn texture coating is messy, but painting the popcorn ceiling is one way to bring back the ceiling's sparkle and freshness for little cost and with minimal mess.