How and why to remove a “popcorn” ceiling: all about benefits and costs

In the 50s – 80s, a popular interior included a ceiling with a textured finish in the form of popcorn. The coating contained vermiculite, mica, or polymer additives. Masters achieved this result with the help of special plaster or sprayed coating. But this fashion has long since fallen into oblivion. And many owners of such ceilings are trying to level them and make them smooth. This article will look at all aspects of such a coating, the stages of popcorn ceiling removal, and the opportunities to improve its appearance with a smooth coating.

What is a “popcorn” ceiling, and why is it inconvenient for modern interiors

In addition to being out of fashion, popcorn ceilings are also a health hazard. If you want to add freshness and modernity to your space, we recommend entirely replacing and updating them. The main disadvantages of such a coating can be attributed to the following:

• Outdated look. In modern fashion, smooth ceilings are considered more aesthetic and universal.
  
  
• Complexity of care. Because of its relief, such a texture accumulates dirt, dust, and cobwebs. In addition, the ceilings are high; it is tough to clean them.
  
  
• The danger of the asbestos used. In those years, the composition of such coatings included asbestos. This is a hazardous material for health, which provokes respiratory diseases and cancer.
  
  
• Lighting problems. Because of its relief, the surface reflects light unevenly and creates chaotic shadows, thus impairing the perception of the integrity of the space.
  
  
• Entirely unsuitable for minimalism. In modern minimalism, smoother surfaces and laconic ceilings are popular.

All these shortcomings in the big picture create an unfavorable environment for the modern, stylish person.

Calculating the cost of removal: from do-it-yourself to contractor services.

If you decide to remove a popcorn-style ceiling, you can choose two options: do-it-yourself removal or the removal with the help of a contractor. With do-it-yourself work, the costs will mostly be related to the materials and tools needed. You will need to prepare for the treatment of the room, purchase tools for scraping the coating and finish, stock up on means for your protection, and materials for the subsequent putting of the ceiling. With this option, you save on labor costs and can fully control the entire process. But you risk damaging the ceiling and spending quite a lot of time on the work.

If you use a contractor’s services, popcorn ceiling removal cost will depend on the presence of asbestos in the coating, the complexity of texture removal, puttying, painting, or the disposal of materials. Unlike the first option, the work will be done more qualitatively, quickly, and with minimal risk to your health. However, the cost will be higher accordingly.

The main stages of safe removal: the choice of tools and methods of protection

You must follow all the rules and safety techniques when removing popcorn from the ceiling. This whole process will consist of such stages as:

1. Preparing the room. It is necessary to clear the space from unnecessary furniture, close the ventilation, and turn off the power supply.
   
   
2. Check for the presence of asbestos. In this case, you must order a laboratory analysis and send them a small sample of material. If asbestos is confirmed, it is better to seek professional help because independent removal can affect your health.
   
   
3. Choice of tools. For such processes, I choose a wide trowel, an ordinary garden sprayer, a ladder, respectively, the height of the ceiling, and a grinder for leveling the surface.
   
   
4. Providing protective equipment. Since this is dusty work, you must purchase a respirator, goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and closed-toe shoes.
   
   
5. Moisturizing the ceiling. A sprayer moistens a small portion of the ceiling to create less dust.
   
   
6. Removing texture: Carefully scrape off the moistened texture without damaging the drywall underneath the coating.
   
   
7. Cleaning and leveling. To prepare the surface for leveling the ceiling, you need to clean it from the remnants of the material.

Following these rules, you can safely remove the outdated material and not harm your health.

Benefits of a smooth ceiling: improving appearance and increasing home value

A smooth ceiling surface has so many advantages over an outdated embossed finish. Here are the main ones:

1. A more modern style that matches the minimalist and aesthetic look.
   
   
2. A smooth surface gives more light and makes the room look more spacious.
   
   
3. The versatility of a smooth ceiling allows it to match any room style.
   
   
4. A room with smooth ceilings is more attractive to buyers, increasing the home’s value.
   
   
5. They are easier to clean dust, dirt, or cobwebs.
   
   
6. If you want to change the style of the room, smooth ceilings are more straightforward to paint or brighten.
   
   

Besides their aesthetic appeal, smooth ceilings are also much more practical because of their popcorn-style surface. They are chosen by those who will use the room in the long term.