Repairing Guides

how to repair popcorn ceiling cracks

by Abigale Goodwin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair a Crack in Popcorn Ceiling.

  • 1. Remove the ceiling fixtures. First, you need to remove ceiling fixtures near the crack. This includes things such as air vents, chandeliers, and ...
  • 2. Apply caulk.
  • 3. Allow the caulk to dry.
  • 4. Spray popcorn treatment.
  • 5. Apply a primer.

Part of a video titled How To Fix A Cracked Popcorn Ceiling-Tutorial - YouTube
1:19
3:53
And what you want to do is you want to just apply a little bit of the caulking. And squeeze it outMoreAnd what you want to do is you want to just apply a little bit of the caulking. And squeeze it out just a little bit on the crack. Now you really want to just like as little as possible.

Full Answer

How to fix a crack in a popcorn ceiling?

Step 5: Apply primer

  1. Remove the fixtures. Remove ceiling fixtures near the crack, at least 2 inches around the crack. ...
  2. Install backer rod. Use your fingers to insert foam backer rods into the big gaps left by cracks. ...
  3. Fill and smooth the joint. ...
  4. Repeat the step 3 to 5 of caulking small cracks on the ceiling. ...

How do you repair a popcorn ceiling?

Things You Will Need

  • Drop cloth
  • Broom
  • Spray bottle
  • Beveled-edge putty knife
  • Drywall joint compound
  • Mesh drywall tape
  • Scissors
  • Fine-grit sanding pad
  • Clean cloth
  • Spray can of popcorn ceiling texture

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How to spot repair a popcorn ceiling?

Popcorn Ceiling Repair

  • Remove Dust and Cobwebs
  • Lay a drop cloth on the floor and sweep the ceiling to remove dust and cobwebs.
  • Spray Hot Water Over the Damaged Area
  • Fill a spray bottle with hot water. ...
  • Remove the Damaged Texture
  • Remove the softened texture from the ceiling, using a putty knife. ...
  • Fix the Damage Using Drywall Joint Compound

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How to repair popcorn ceiling. easy! home Mender.?

Easy!

  • Hello, this is Dustin with Home Mender, and today we are going to be repairing a ceiling that has popcorn on it. ...
  • Just take a wide knife and We're going to scrape all the popcorn off. ...
  • You can also use the Green top joint compound that's already premixed but it wolnt dry as fast. ...

More items...

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Why is my popcorn ceiling cracking?

Insufficient surface prep is usually the reason for the cracking. Over-thickening the paint or applying it too thinly can lead to cracks. Making your paint too thick causes tiny cracks that run in all over the popcorn ceiling because the paint shrinks as it dries – especially if you try to cure it faster.

What is the best way to repair popcorn ceiling?

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.

How do you fix popcorn ceiling without scraping?

How to Cover Ugly Popcorn Ceilings Without Scraping It OffAsbestos in popcorn ceiling material.Cover popcorn ceiling with drywall.Add wood panels or beadboard.Use a drop ceiling.Install metal ceiling tiles.Refresh the ceiling.

How do you repair hairline cracks in ceiling?

If the crack is a very thin hairline—and it's been there for a while—odds are you can simply put a little spackling on a finger and smear it carefully into the crack, taking care to wipe away residue from the surface. More often, however, the crack will be larger, or the ceiling will have multiple cracks.

How do you fix ceiling cracks that keep coming back?

0:008:03How To Fix a CEILING CRACK So It Will Not Come Back! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first thing i do is cut the furring strip gonna mark it at 15 inches. Doesn't have to be perfectMoreSo first thing i do is cut the furring strip gonna mark it at 15 inches. Doesn't have to be perfect and just cut it you don't need a perfectly straight line because it's going up in the ceiling.

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.

Can you touch up popcorn ceiling?

Because restoring textured surfaces is far more challenging than patching and repainting a smooth surface, touching up a popcorn ceiling is something that not every DIYer can tackle himself. However, with the right guidance you can do an excellent job that won't look like a repair.

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.

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.

What is the best filler for ceiling cracks?

Toupret Fibacryl is a specialist flexible filler, which is suitable for filling and repairing movement cracks, problem cracks, and moving cracks on internal and external projects.

Can you use caulk to fill hairline cracks?

0:493:03Caulking Tips: How to Caulk a Crack in Your Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to push the caulk down and that gets it right in the crack. I'm gonna show you here we'llMoreYou want to push the caulk down and that gets it right in the crack. I'm gonna show you here we'll start off with the crack.

Can I just paint over hairline cracks?

For deeper hairline cracks, you may want to use a filler to fill up the cracks before applying a new layer of paint in the affected area. However, if an extensive area has been affected, you will need to scrape off the paint and then sand the entire area to even out the edges before applying a fresh coat of paint.

Are hairline cracks in ceilings normal?

Small cracks in ceiling plaster are normal and as we've just pointed out, can happen when there's even a slight amount of natural building movement. Sometimes they're caused by cracks in ceiling paint after years of build up. You'll also find them on walls and floors. They usually aren't a problem.

Why do ceiling cracks keep coming back?

They develop due to a faulty drywall construction and often a natural sign of aging and settling. Cracks also often form when seasons shift due to changing temperatures and humidity levels.

What Causes Cracks In Popcorn Ceiling?

A fine straight crack on the popcorn ceiling could be due to a poorly taped joint. Usually, when painting a popcorn ceiling, masking tape is applied to the joints to protect the walls. If you use a small amount of drywall mud during taping, the tape won’t embed perfectly on the joints.

Is Cracked Popcorn Ceiling Dangerous?

It depends on whether the cracks are cosmetic or were caused by a serious structural problem. As we just pointed out above, cracks on the popcorn ceiling are caused by a number of problems.

How to Repair a Crack in Popcorn Ceiling

The steps involved during repair vary depending on the extent of the crack. In this section, we have highlighted the steps of repairing a small hairline crack and cracks larger than 1/8 inch.

Crack Size and Safety

These cracks are usually very thin or fine, approximately smaller than 1.59 mm (1/16- inch). You don’t have to worry about hairline cracks because they are purely cosmetic in nature.

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.

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.

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Greg is a self taught home renovator and writer for RenoViso. His shares his experiences with Southern Living, Traditional Home and other publications.

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