What to Do with a Popcorn Ceiling

During the latter half of the 20th century, popcorn ceilings were all the rage. Today? Not so much. Many homeowners are now stuck with a popcorn ceiling that they neither like nor want. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can get rid of a popcorn ceiling, even if it means just hiding it from view.

Removing a popcorn ceiling

If you’re truly sick of your popcorn ceiling, then you can always remove it. Keep in mind though that this process is messy, time consuming, and potentially dangerous. Homes built before 1980 created popcorn ceilings using asbestos—a toxic material known to cause lung cancer. When left in place, asbestos is harmless, but when you disturb it, it can disperse into air. Before you begin to remove your popcorn ceiling, then, you should test it for asbestos. If the test comes back clear, and you’re still determined to remove your popcorn ceiling, then follow this how-to video here.

Covering up a popcorn ceiling

Removing a popcorn ceiling may not appeal to everyone. As we said, it’s messy and time consuming, and if it contains asbestos, it’s better left untouched. However, that doesn’t mean you have to deal with your popcorn ceiling till the end of time. You can cover it up using the following techniques:

  • Texture and paint: Use a spray texture onto your ceiling and flatten it out with a drywall knife. Then, paint it with a few coats of ceiling paint.
  • Ceiling tiles: Simple and affordable, you can install these right on top of your popcorn ceiling.
  • Wooden ceiling planks: Similar to ceiling tiles, these can be installed over top of your current ceiling.

Are you looking to get rid of or cover up your popcorn ceiling? Richard Stewart Painting can help. Contact us today to learn more!

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