article

Removing Your Popcorn Ceiling

By Bluehammer Admin

More and more homeowners are changing out their popcorn ceilings for a more modern look. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to remove your popcorn ceiling.

Before You Begin You Need to Make Sure There is No Asbestos in Your Popcorn Ceiling

Prior to 1979, Asbestos was commonly used in construction. If your popcorn ceiling is that old, carefully scrape a sample, put it in a plastic baggie and get it tested. If Asbestos is present you should consult an expert on how to proceed.

Cost Factors of Removing Your Popcorn Ceiling

Labor is the major cost in this project. Other costs include a scraper, sanding material, drop cloths and any refinishing material.

Steps to Remove Your Popcorn Ceiling

Removing your popcorn ceiling is easy, but can be a bit messy. Below are the steps to follow.

  • Clear the roomRemove all furniture in the room and anything else that might impede your ability to reach the ceiling.
  • Mask and cover the walls and floor.Use plastic to mask the walls to prevent any water or material from ruining anything hanging. Use a waterproof drop cloth on the floor. As you scrape the popcorn it will fall to the floor and anything not covered will be covered in the wet clumpy popcorn residue.
  • Make sure there is proper ventilationAdd a floor fan to make sure there is good airflow and you aren't breathing in any unnecessary particles. Wearing a dust mask and safety glasses is always a good precaution.
  • Wet the popcornTo make it easier to scrape off, wet approximately a 4 foot by 4 foot area of the ceiling using a garden sprayer. Saturate by using a couple passes so as not to damage the drywall.
  • Scrape the popcornScrape the wet popcorn using a popcorn scraper or large putty knife. Some popcorn scrapers have bags that catch the popcorn making clean up easier. If your popcorn does not easily come off, wet the area some more and try again. Repeat the wet and scrape steps in 4 foot by 4 foot squares until your ceiling is finished.
  • Sand and refinishSand the ceiling to remove any small imperfections left. If your ceiling is in good condition you might be able to go straight into painting at this point. If not, you will need to fix any seams and add a coat of topping compound to even out your ceiling finish. After applying the topping compound, give it a sanding to give it a good finish. From here you can either paint or re-texture your new ceiling.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


10 Key Problems to Look Out For and Fix in Your Home

Ignore some of these signs and you may end up with major issues. We tell you which are normal and which are cause for concern

Tips For Selecting An Interior Door

Take a minute to count the number of doors in your house. Surprising, right? Consider then, the impact that a little attention to the doors can have on the overall style and design of your home. Whether you're just moving in or staging for a sale, new doors are a simple way to dramatically update the space. The good news is that there are as many styles of doors as there are doors in your home. Making the decision is the toughest part.

Expert Advice for Styling Beautiful Home Photography

Annette Joseph shares her tips for styling beautiful home photography and finding the soul of a room.

5 Home Upgrades For Your Vacation Rental Space

Vacation rentals are experiencing a surge of popularity as websites like VRBO and Airbnb make them more accessible. Guests can find a place that fits their budget, location and accommodation needs. Hosts can easily list their property.

New Tech All Homes Will Have By 2020

New technologies are constantly emerging, rendering others obsolete every day. Many of these technologies eventually enter into our homes after being used in businesses or other capacities throughout the world first. Once they show themselves to be useful, people incorporate them into their everyday lives. Here are some technologies that every home will have by 2020.

Early Planning For Retirement And Inheritance

Question: We are nearing retirement, and are becoming concerned about our future, and the future of our children.

Getting your home ready for that big party

Preparing for a party can be a hectic time - you have a full slate on your to do list, including choosing the menu, preparing food, planning activities, and coordinating decor. It can be easy to overlook one of the most important elements of planning an event, making sure your home is presentable for your guests. Our guide will help you to quickly get your house party-ready so you can focus on all the other things involved in preparing for your event.

A Homeowner's Guide To Water Filtration

Is a home water treatment system a luxury or a necessity? Based on surveys commissioned by the Water Quality Association (an industry trade group), people who viewed water treatment as a luxury rose from 50 to 54 percent between 2013 and 2015.

New Designs In Cabinet Refacing

You may be one of the fortunate homeowners whose kitchen just needs an update instead of a full remodel. Cabinet refacing is an economical option that can give your kitchen a quick makeover in no time. Rather than gutting your cabinets and replacing them with new ones, cabinet refacing allows you to update the exterior of the cabinets you already have. It's also a fabulous way to add contemporary design elements to your space, both with cabinet doors, colors and hardware. Let's take a look at the latest designs in cabinet refacing.

You Really Should Inventory Your Personal Property

A home inventory is a smart way to safeguard your valuables, saving money and time.

See More Articles