Removing Popcorn Texture on Ceilings and Walls

Once upon a time, it was ‘fashionable’ to apply texture to plaster and drywall ceilings, as well as walls. It didn’t take homeowners long to realize that this meant that spiders and dust ALSO found the texture to be quite appealing. Along with that realization came the issue of repairing and patching holes and cracks that appeared over time. The current trend is a smooth finish for both surfaces. Yet…the process to turn a stippled surface into the smoothest surface possible can be quite daunting – AND MESSY!

Hiring a company to manage the process will obviously be the easiest way to achieve your goal. Should you choose to tackle the project yourself, there are some helpful YouTube videos that might be worth your time to watch. After doing a bit of research, this article also provides some tips and suggestions to help along the way.

Lowes recommends you have the following tools and materials on hand to begin the project:

·       Ladder                              

·       Putty Knife

·       Trowel

·       Garden Sprayer

·       Drywall Sanding Pad

·       Water

·       Paint Stripper (Optional)

·       Painters Tape

·       Plastic Tarp

·       Joint Compound

While the process is not necessarily complicated, there are several steps to ensure a successful end result. Here are a few that were suggested by Family Handyman:

1)      Scrape Test

Try first scraping a small area dry, and again when damp. Some textures are easily removed without using water, while most textures will require wetting the area for removal. Paint may have been added to the texture mix, and wetting may not be effective.

2)      Test for Asbestos

If the area was completed before 1980, you will want to test the area for asbestos. Contact your local health department for details about having a sample tested.

3)      Prep the Area

*Remove ceiling fixtures and fans.

*Cover electrical boxes and outlets and shut off the power to those areas. Cover the boxes and outlets with painter’s tape.

*Cover walls and floors with drop cloths. Plastic drop cloths are preferred as the water cannot soak through the plastic.

4)      Protect Can Lights From Water

Stuff recessed lights with newspaper.

5)      Dampen The Area With Garden Sprayer

Lightly mist the ceiling and let it soak for approximately 15 minutes before scraping. Repeat spraying as needed.

6)      Tips For Less Mess

*Use a Mud pan to catch the mess before it falls to the floor.

*Minimize gouging by rounding the corners of your scraper or knife.

*Work in one small section at a time.

7)      Smooth After Scraping

There will likely be gouges and scrapes that will need to be sanded before painting.

What about unwanted textured walls? Joan Barton, owner of Los Angeles’s Dirty Girl Construction offers some tips to ensure you have a smooth wall surface.

1)      Apply A Skim Coat

Apply a thin mud coat over the wall surface area, allow it to dry, and then sand it smoothly. After smoothing the wall, it can be sealed with a primer, painted, or wallpapered.

2)      Replace The Textured Drywall With New Drywall

If your walls are heavily textured – such as stucco – installing new drywall may prove to be a better and easier option than skim-coating.

3)      Cover The Walls With Another Material, Such As Wood or Corrugated Metal

Of course, there is another option….live with AND embrace the textured walls and ceilings. Whether you choose to hire out the project, tackle it yourself, or let the texture remain as is, what do you think – Is popcorn better when eaten or when on ceilings and walls??

The team at Sandi Downing Real Estate/KW is here to answer your questions and assist you with
your real estate needs and expectations. Reach out to us today!