How to Repair a Popcorn Ceiling That Has Peeled
- Lay a plastic drop cloth on the floor under the peeling ceiling to make cleanup easier later. ...
- Position a putty knife blade at an angle to the ceiling. Scrape over the peeling section to remove it.
- Cut a long strip off of another plastic drop cloth that is at least 6 feet long and 3 to 4 feet wide.
- Put on disposable gloves and shake up the can of acoustical texture for one to two minutes. Place your hand inside the plastic square you hung earlier.
- Allow the ceiling to dry for 24 hours and remove the pushpins and the tarp.
What to do after removing a popcorn ceiling?
What to Do After Removing Popcorn Ceiling?
- Wait for a Day. It is important to wait for a day to allow the ceiling to dry properly. ...
- Fix the Damages. When you remove the popcorn ceiling, damages, faults, flaws, imperfections are often revealed underneath.
- Sanding the Surface. As soon as you have repaired the damages and done some work on the faults, you need to give it time to dry.
- Paint. ...
How to easily remove popcorn ceiling?
Steps to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling
- Test for asbestos. The most important thing to do before taking on this DIY project is to find out if you are dealing with an asbestos popcorn ceiling or ...
- Gather supplies. You’re going to need a few tools to get this job done properly.
- Tarp the area. ...
- Test a small area. ...
- Work in small sections. ...
- Scrape the ceiling. ...
- Sand and prime the ceiling. ...
- Cleanup. ...
What is peeling in popcorn ceilings caused by?
What are the common causes of ceiling paint peeling?
- Moisture: In places where there is high humidity and high levels of moisture (washrooms), your ceiling paint peeling should come from that.
- Water leak: When the moisture gets into the ceiling, it will make itself known in many ways. ...
- Build up of scum or soap: Typically in washrooms, this will also cause ceiling paint peeling. ...
How do you repair a popcorn ceiling?
Small Hairline Cracks
- Remove the ceiling texture 2 inches beyond both sides of the crack, using a scraper.
- Cut the tip off a tube of flexible caulk, using the cutting tool on a caulking gun. ...
- Place the tip of the caulking gun at the beginning of the crack and squeeze the trigger of the gun to start the flow of caulk.
Can you patch up popcorn ceiling?
Unfortunately, when popcorn ceiling becomes damaged, it can be difficult to repair. The main challenge consists in matching the original texture to get a seamless patch, indistinguishable from the surrounding ceiling.
Why is my popcorn ceiling peeling?
Because the texture is applied over the existing dry wall on the ceiling, it can peel off over time due to moisture, impact damage or simply old age. Repairing a peeling popcorn ceiling involves removal of the damaged portions and reapplying a new coat of texture.
How do I fix peeling textured ceiling?
How To Fix Peeling Paint On A Ceiling In 4 StepsScrape off peeling paint on the ceiling with a putty knife. Use 150-grit or higher sandpaper. ... Patch the peeling area with a thin layer of patching compound and putty knife. Let dry. ... Prime the area with an oil-based primer. Let dry.Paint with a flat acrylic paint.
What glue works on popcorn ceiling?
0:312:22How to repair separated popcorn ceiling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn there and when it gets tacky I'm gonna glue it together. So I'm spraying this adhesive up inMoreIn there and when it gets tacky I'm gonna glue it together. So I'm spraying this adhesive up in there get a nice little layer of it going both sides careful because it's a little fragile.
Does all popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
Popcorn ceilings generally contain between 1 and 10 percent asbestos. While 1 percent may seem insignificant, it's important to note that any percentage of asbestos in a popcorn ceiling is cause for concern and should be addressed.
Should you paint a popcorn ceiling?
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.
How do you repair popcorn ceiling texture?
0:472:40How 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.
Why is my ceiling peeling?
Exposure to water. Water is the main cause of peeling or flaking paint in bathrooms, ceilings, and on exterior walls. When water hits the coats of paint, the layers separate and detach from the surface. This results in bulging, cracking, and eventually peeling.
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.
Can you use peel and stick on a ceiling?
0:043:12How to Install Peel and Stick Wood Planks to a Ceiling - using WallplanksYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then it should be really easy to apply stops laid out super awesome it has a tongue and grooveMoreAnd then it should be really easy to apply stops laid out super awesome it has a tongue and groove in there to stick in and then you peel. Off like so stick it on the ceilings.
Can you glue ceiling tiles over popcorn ceiling?
1:507:57How to cover popcorn ceilings with glue-up ceiling tiles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUntil the adhesive begins to flow from the end. Apply the adhesive to the back of the tile. InMoreUntil the adhesive begins to flow from the end. Apply the adhesive to the back of the tile. In quarter-sized dollops spaced about six inches apart popcorn ceilings typically have a rough texture.
What sticks popcorn walls?
Adhesive Putty If you're looking for an all-around good option for hanging items on just about any surface, look no further than adhesive putty. It forms to the surface of the wall, whether it's smooth or textured, and sticks to the back of your pictures and other home decor items with ease.
Do popcorn ceilings shed?
As long as the texture isn't sagging, flaking, or shedding, a popcorn ceiling can simply be painted to update the look. Begin by brushing off all dust with a super-soft-bristle brush attached to an extension pole. Then apply stain blocking ceiling primer to prevent stains and water spots from bleeding through.
How long does popcorn ceiling last?
From its inception well through the 80s, popcorn ceilings were ubiquitous, the remnants of which can still be seen in many homes across the country. While popcorn ceilings can remain intact for decades with the proper care, many of them do show the wear and tear that comes with their life cycles.
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.
How do you fix water damaged popcorn ceiling?
4:0220:49Water Damaged Popcorn Texture Ceiling Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that's good so then the next step will be scraping your puff one off around this joint. And IMoreAnd that's good so then the next step will be scraping your puff one off around this joint. And I just use a six inch knife you shouldn't need water.
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.
What Causes a Popcorn Ceiling To Fall Off?
When a popcorn ceiling starts to fall off, the problem is most likely moisture.
What Causes a Popcorn Ceiling To Crack?
When you see a crack in your ceiling, it can be very concerning. Although it can seem like an indication of serious structural damage, cracks are usually caused by either natural settling or moisture.
What Causes a Popcorn Ceiling To Bubble?
If a bubble starts forming in your ceiling, it’s caused by a buildup of moisture.
How To Repair Your Ceiling
There are a few ways to repair your popcorn ceiling without professional help. However, it is important to note that popcorn ceilings that have been installed before 1979 may contain asbestos. If you have an older home, make sure to have your ceiling checked for asbestos before you make any DIY repairs.
Final Thoughts
When problems with your popcorn ceiling occur, it can be a frustrating experience. You may notice that your ceiling starts to crack, peel, bubble, or fall off over time. This usually happens because of water damage, but there are a few simple ways to perform repairs yourself.
Featured In
Greg is a self taught home renovator and writer for RenoViso. His shares his experiences with Southern Living, Traditional Home and other publications.
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.
