When Popcorn Isn’t Delicious: Popcorn Ceiling Removal, Rosenburg, TX

All the rage of decades past, many homeowners are dealing with the aftereffects of popcorn ceilings. More so, they are calling for popcorn ceiling removal.

Between the 1930s and 1990s, popcorn ceilings were used to give ceilings a textured and easy to maintain look. At the time, this style ceiling was utilized because it was decidedly cheaper than a traditional painted ceiling. The maintenance was simple too. Because of the bumpy nature of it, there was no reason to fix imperfections like cracks or bumps.

While smooth ceilings are currently en vogue, popcorn ceilings will have fans due to their ease of maintenance. They conceal all matter of issues including cracks, seams and shadows.

We will talk about the options for popcorn ceiling removal from the experts in Rosenburg, TX.

Popcorn ceiling removal: Scrape

It seems like the most satisfying, albeit messy method to remove a popcorn ceiling. Grab a utility knife or drywall scraper and chip away at the bulbs of popcorn until the ceiling is smooth. Sanding and smoothing out imperfections will be necessary, but the popcorn will be gone.

Pro: Most common, one person job.
Con: Messy, time consuming.
Tip: Some users mentioned to spray the popcorn with water before scraping as a method to loosen the bulbs up. Turns out this just makes more of a sticky mess.

Popcorn ceiling removal: Cover with drywall

Use ceiling grade gypsum board and place it directly against the popcorn, covering the mess. Then screw the pieces up and mud and tape to complete the seams. This method offers the best possible finish, but will require quite a bit more work.

Pro: Best finish, covers any prior ceiling damage.
Con: More than one worker needed, potentially have to reroute HVAC vents.
Tip: If you have crown molding, remove it and replace against the boards to create a seamless finish against the ceiling.

Popcorn ceiling removal: Skim coat on a new design

Sure, it’s replacing popcorn with another texture, but it’s an easy way to update your ceilings yourself. By creating a new layer of texture of joint compound, drywall mud and finishing compound, you can use a trowel or knife to create an entirely new texture. It will cover the popcorn completely and still offer the benefits of a textured ceiling.

Pro: New texture based look, providing coverage for imperfections.
Con: Materials used can cause shrinkage.
Tip: Use a quick-set drywall mud, followed by a ready-mixed joint compound. Ready mixed bases can cause shrinkage when they dry due to silica in the mix, causing an issue with final look.

Call the professionals

Our popcorn ceiling removal experts in Rosenburg, TX are here to help you with your projects. Schedule a free, in-home estimate with our pros.