
How to Fix a Popcorn Ceiling (6 Steps)
- 1. Prepare the Work Area. If you’ve ever watched someone patch a popcorn ceiling on those home renovation shows, you will notice one of two things.
- 2. Remove Texture from Damaged Ceiling.
- 3. Replace Damaged Drywall.
- 4. Apply Tape and Joint Compound if Drywall was Replaced.
- 5. Spray or Sponge on New Texture.
What is the best way to clean a popcorn ceiling?
- Mix the powdered TSP and hot water in a large bucket. ...
- Dip a sponge into the TSP solution, wring out the excess water and lightly dab the smoke stain until it lifts.
- If you have an entire ceiling to clean, use a long napped roller dipped in the TSP solution and gently roll it on. ...
- Let the ceiling sit overnight and keep the room well ventilated. ...
What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?
To effectively hide your textured ceiling with wood planks, follow the procedure detailed below:
- Locate the rafters – using a stud finder, situate the ceiling joists and mark them out using tape or a marker pen. ...
- Cut out light fixture holes – using a jigsaw, create holes for the lighting fixtures and vents on the wood planks.
- Install the wood planks- install the wood planks by nailing them down to the popcorn ceiling. ...
How to remove popcorn ceilings in less than 10 minutes?
- Note that this product is NOT recommended for popcorn ceilings that have been painted over. ...
- New Product: The patent pending POPeeze tool will make the job of popcorn ceiling removal much safer, cleaner and more efficient than conventional methods. ...
- CLEANER: No more scraping the ceiling texture and allowing the debris to fall to the floor. ...
How do you patch a popcorn ceiling?
Prep Work
- Painted popcorn ceiling removal is challenging. ...
- Spray water in the area and scrape. ...
- Use a paint stripper to remove painted texture or call a professional.
- Cover outlets and fixtures with plastic sheeting and tape.
- Cover the floors and bottom third of the walls with plastic.
- Turn off power to the room.

How do you fix water damaged popcorn ceiling?
Scrape off all the water damaged popcorn material until it is all removed and the stained ceiling is visible. Vacuum or dust the ceiling to remove any left over dust. Use a paint brush and prime the water damaged ceiling with a product called KILZ ceiling paint.
How do you fix a peeling popcorn ceiling?
Position a putty knife blade at an angle to the ceiling. Scrape over the peeling section to remove it. Continue scraping until no more ceiling texture comes off.
How do you blend popcorn ceilings?
1:034:35DIY - How to blend popcorn texture with a sponge on a ceiling repairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnife. Just kind of skim it over doesn't have to be perfect just get enough up there you're going toMoreKnife. Just kind of skim it over doesn't have to be perfect just get enough up there you're going to blend it don't get too much on the existing we're going to feather that out.
What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?
Some of the cheapest options include covering it up with tongue-and-groove wood panels, drywall panels, prepared fiberboard ceiling planks/tiles, fabric, and paint patterns.
How do you make popcorn ceilings look good?
When looking for a way to dress up a ceiling with texture while also hiding that popcorn texture, consider adding wood or wood paneling. Covering the ceiling with tongue and groove wood planks, bead board, or another rustic wood plank or panel is a creative way to add interest to the ceiling and update the space.
When did they stop using asbestos in popcorn ceilings?
In 1977, the U.S. Government banned the use of asbestos in ceiling finishes, and most ceilings installed after this date will not contain asbestos. It is still possible, however, that materials manufactured before 1977 were installed in homes after the ban.
What is the best popcorn ceiling repair?
1:252:40How To Repair Popcorn Ceiling Texture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a sweeping back-and-forth motion feathering the texture into the surrounding. Area shake theMoreUsing a sweeping back-and-forth motion feathering the texture into the surrounding. Area shake the can periodically during use for large repair.
Can you skim coat over popcorn ceiling?
1:3211:26When To Skim Coat Over A Popcorn Ceiling? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver don't even try to skim coat over it because it's just gonna bubble and blister.MoreOver don't even try to skim coat over it because it's just gonna bubble and blister.
Should you remove popcorn ceiling?
The EPA states that if the ceiling is still intact, then you're not in danger of inhaling the substance and so the ceiling should be left as it is. You are going to want to do popcorn ceiling removal throughout your house: If the ceiling has been damaged at all. If the interior of the ceiling exposed.
How can I update my popcorn ceiling without removing it?
Consider These Options to Cover the PopcornSimply texture and paint the ceiling. To hide your popcorn ceiling with a simple texture and paint job, you can use a spray texture to spray onto the ceiling in small blotches, and then flatten them out with a drywall knife. ... Ceiling tiles. ... Wooden ceiling planks.
Is it better to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?
Due to removing a popcorn ceiling is time-consuming, messy, requires many skills, and has dangerous asbestos, covering it is the best option.
Does removing popcorn ceiling increase home value?
Removing popcorn ceilings will almost always increase a home's value. Not only is the design trend no longer desirable, but it also poses safety concerns for home buyers. To understand further, it helps to learn more about why popcorn ceilings were once a popular design choice—as well as why they no longer are.
Before You Begin
It’s not difficult to patch a popcorn ceiling, but it does require a little bit of prep work ahead of time. With a step-by-step like this one, most DIYers are qualified to tackle this task. Like any home renovation project, make sure you have all the tools and supplies you will need before you begin so you don’t have to stop partway through.
How to Fix a Popcorn Ceiling (6 Steps)
If you’ve ever watched someone patch a popcorn ceiling on those home renovation shows, you will notice one of two things. Either the room they are working in will be empty, or plastic will cover any furniture. This is due to the sheer amount of dust that will result from this project. It also protects from any damage from paint splatter at the end.
Fixing a Small Hole in the Ceiling
If you find only a small hole in the ceiling once you scrape the old texture off, then it’s not necessary to cut a huge chunk out. Filling the hole with joint compound and embedding a piece of tape across the hole will be sufficient. After embedding the tape, make sure you still give it a final coat of compound to smooth it out.
Conclusion
As you can see in this straightforward step-by-step, it doesn’t take any special training to patch a popcorn ceiling. However, if this is your first time doing any drywall work, prepare for a little bit of frustration. Mudding and taping is an art, but the beauty of popcorn texture is that it hides many of the imperfections.
Can you touch up a popcorn ceiling?
Yes. A popcorn ceiling texture repair although a little time-consuming is doable. Keep in mind that a cracked popcorn ceiling can take away from the look of your living area, and is best repaired as soon as possible. You can fix a cracked popcorn ceiling with a few simple tools and supplies.
Required tools for a DIY popcorn ceiling repair
Keeping all the necessary tools handy before you begin the home improvement project will help you save time and reduce your frustration. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Required materials for popcorn ceiling repair
It’s always a good idea to have all your materials ready ahead of time. It’ll help you avoid last-minute trips to the local hardware store. Here’s everything you’ll need:
DIY popcorn ceiling repair process
Identify and fix the underlying cause of the damage or else the problem may reoccur. For example, if the issue is a leaky roof or structural damage, you’ll have to fix it before repairing your popcorn ceiling.
Is it worth it to replace a popcorn ceiling?
If you’re bothered enough by your popcorn ceiling, it’s better to have it removed. And often, removing a popcorn ceiling may even increase your home value. However, keep in mind that removing the ceiling will cause a lot of dirt and dust around your home so it’s better to let licensed professionals deal with it.
Last thoughts
A cracking or water-damaged popcorn ceiling is difficult to repair and hard to clean. Moreover, it can easily catch dust. It’s best to repair it at the earliest.
What to do if popcorn ceiling is leaking?
For instance, if the problem is a leaky roof, you need to fix it before repairing your popcorn ceiling.
Can popcorn ceilings be repaired?
Unfortunately, when popcorn ceiling becomes damaged, it can be difficult to repair.
