Repairing Guides

how to repair popcorn ceilings

by Emelie Dibbert PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

Part of a video titled How To Repair Popcorn Ceiling Texture - YouTube
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Begin by spraying water around the repair. Area wait a few minutes for the material to soften. AndMoreBegin by spraying water around the repair. Area wait a few minutes for the material to soften. And then use a spackling knife to scrape around the damaged.

Full Answer

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 remove popcorn ceiling?

What Is The Cheapest Way To Remove Popcorn Ceilings? You can easily hide your popcorn ceiling by using a spray texture and painting it. To do this, spray a spray texture onto the ceiling in small blotches, and then flatten them out with a drywall knife. Tile ceiling tiles. Ceiling tiles. Planks made of wood are used to construct wooden ceiling.

How to quickly remove popcorn ceiling?

‘Using a pump garden sprayer, lightly spray a roughly 5 by 5 feet section with water, and wait 10 to 15 minutes to allow the water to penetrate the popcorn,’ says Jeremy Hume. ‘Don’t soak the ceiling as this can damage the drywall.

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.

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How do you revive a popcorn ceiling?

How to Spot Repair a Popcorn CeilingRemove Dust and Cobwebs. ... Spray Hot Water Over the Damaged Area. ... Remove the Damaged Texture. ... Fix the Damage Using Drywall Joint Compound. ... Sand the Patched Area. ... Apply New Popcorn Ceiling Texture. ... Prime and Paint to Match.

What do you replace popcorn ceilings with?

9 Options to Remove, Hide or Play Down a Popcorn CeilingCeiling Scraping.Ceiling Replacement.Covering Stucco.Beadboard. Classic beadboard makes a charming ceiling treatment, and not just in a rustic cottage. ... Warm wood. ... Pressed tin. ... Other Options.

Can you make popcorn ceiling look better?

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.

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.

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.

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 do you change a popcorn ceiling to flat?

1:2816:27From Popcorn ceiling to smooth ceilings fast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean the area as much as possible and applies from primer. Then you were able to you know have yourMoreClean the area as much as possible and applies from primer. Then you were able to you know have your new drywall compound your compounds on the ceiling.

Can you Retexture popcorn ceiling?

You can also spray a heavier texture on the ceiling to cover and disguise the existing popcorn. As an alternative to spraying, you can trowel with ceiling with a heavy coat of drywall mud. This method covers the popcorn completely and allows you to create a new texture design on your ceiling.

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 year did they stop putting 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.

Is it better to skim coat or remove popcorn ceiling?

1:3211:26When To Skim Coat Over A Popcorn Ceiling? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd all my other videos so check that out after the video if your popcorn ceiling has been paintedMoreAnd all my other videos so check that out after the video if your popcorn ceiling has been painted over there's a good chance that you can just go ahead and skim coat over it because it's difficult to

Is it OK to drywall over popcorn ceiling?

The perfect solution for an ugly ceiling First, remember that removing a popcorn ceiling is a really dirty job. Second, patching a hole is just, well, patching a hole. You should consider simply covering the whole ugly mess with a new layer of drywall instead. It's probably the easiest way to get the best results.

How to get popcorn flakes out of popcorn?

Scrape the stained or damaged popcorn material with a putty knife, going about one inch around the damaged area. Hold a scrap of cardboard underneath to catch the falling flakes.

Is it a good idea to have all your materials ready ahead of time?

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:

Can popcorn ceilings be repaired?

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.

Can you use spray texture on popcorn ceiling?

You could also use a premixed spray texture ideal for the patch and repair of stained popcorn ceilings. Keep in mind that such products are only suitable for small popcorn ceiling repairs.

Is popcorn ceiling removal dangerous?

Also, popcorn ceiling removal can be a dangerous project if your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s. There’s a good chance that it may contain carcinogenic asbestos, according to the Mesothelioma Center .

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.

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.

How to get rid of flaking texture on ceiling?

Hold your cardboard directly under the damaged area and use the putty knife to scrape loose, stained, or flaking texture from your ceiling (be aware that this may increase the size of your work area)

What to do if sheetrock is sagging?

Note: If the sheetrock is sagging, broken, or deteriorated, a proper repair job may require you to cut out and replace the sheetrock in the affected area.

Can you repair a white ceiling texture?

Such texture repair is designed to match white ceiling texture color. However, for an exact match, you may need to purchase the proper color to cover the repaired area or simply repaint the ceiling to hide the patchwork

Is ceiling texture asbestos?

Asbestos Advisory – If your ceiling texture was installed/applied before 1980, Asbestos may be present in its composition. This mineral can become a health hazard if it becomes airborne. Call your local health department to find safe handling procedures for removal and disposal.

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.

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