How to Get Rid Of a Popcorn Ceiling

Even though popcorn ceilings have been outdated for quite some time now, there are numerous homes in different parts of the world that still have them. If you prefer a smooth-textured ceiling, you would definitely want to know the right way of removing the popcorn ceiling.

Things Required:

– Plastic sheets
– Childproof outlet protectors
– Contractor’s paper
– Masking tape
– Pump sprayer
– Safety goggles
– Sanding mask
– Trowel
– Ladder
– Pole sander
– Drywall sanding screen
– Joint compound
– Putty knife

Instructions

  • 1

    While removing an asbestos ceiling, it would be best to cover light windows, mantel, fireplace opening, ceiling lights etc. with a plastic sheet. To prevent heavy accumulation of dust particles on the floor, cover it with a large enough piece of contractor's paper and hold the paper in place with masking tape. Attend to the electrical outlets in the room by covering them with childproof outlet protectors.

  • 2

    Loosen up about 5-foot-square section of ceiling by watering it with pressurised water from a pump sprayer. Wet the entire ceiling in a similar fashion and let it soak for a few minutes. Before wetting the popcorn ceiling, be sure to wear protective equipment such as a pair of safety goggles and a sanding mask.

  • 3

    Climb a ladder and position yourself properly on it. Start scraping off sections of popcorn ceiling with a trowel. Use a pole sander and drywall sanding screen to get rid of rough, leftover pieces of popcorn that you could not remove with the trowel. Allow about an hour for the popcorn ceiling dust particles to settle properly.

  • 4

    Fill joint compound with a putty knife in any ceiling holes that are revealed after the popcorn ceiling has been removed. Allow about 30 minutes for the compound to dry and then sand it flush with the rest of the ceiling using the pole sander. Allow about an hour for resulting dust particles to settle down properly.

  • 5

    Carefully roll the contractor’s paper up and discard in the trash. If you laid the paper in sections, be sure to roll up and discard each section individually.

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