Popcorn ceilings contain a mixture of drywall joint compound and pieces of Styrofoam. The mixture is sprayed onto sheetrock to create a crumbling, bumpy surface that resembles popcorn. Contractors often apply this type of ceiling to control sound within a space, so neighbors aren't disturbed by loud music or conversations. Homeowners who prefer a smooth-textured ceiling may remove the popcorn by wetting, scraping and sanding.
Instructions
1. Prepare the room by removing the furniture, drapes and wall hangings. Cover the windows, mantel, fireplace opening, ceiling lights and ceiling fans with plastic sheets. Turn off electrical breakers before covering lights and fans. Use electrical outlets with childproof outlet protectors to prevent dust from infiltrating. Cover the floor with contractor's paper fastened to the baseboard with masking tape.
2. Wet a 5-foot-square section of ceiling with water using a pump sprayer to help loosen the popcorn from the drywall. Continue the process until the entire ceiling is wet. Avoid over saturating the . Let the water soak for two to three minutes. Make sure to wear safety goggles and a sanding mask before spraying.
3. Use a trowel to scrape off the popcorn ceiling while standing on a ladder. Eliminate rough, leftover pieces of popcorn with a pole sander and a drywall sanding screen. Move the sander back and forth until the ceiling texture is removed, and the wallboard is smoothed. Let the dust settle for one hour before fixing the ceiling.
4. Fill in ceiling holes with joint compound using a putty knife. Let the putty dry for 30 minutes. Use the pole sander to lightly sand the holes to make them flush with the ceiling. Allow the dust to settle for an hour.
5. Roll up each section of the contractor's paper and discard it in the trash.
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