Popcorn ceilings add an acoustical noise barrier and dimension to a room's ceilings. Still, the textured look is slightly outdated for today's modern home. Cover and disguise popcorn ceilings for an innovative look by using either plaster or a faux finish technique. The project is time-consuming, and will take several days to complete. Ask a friend or family member to assist.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Cover all flooring surfaces with 6 mil drop cloths or disposable plastic. Remove all light fixtures or ceiling fans if they block access to the popcorn ceiling. Wrap light fixtures or fans in disposable painter's plastic for added protection if are leaving them in place. Put a piece of painter's tape over a light or ceiling fan's "on" switch so it cannot accidentally be turned on while working.
2. Measure the height of the ceiling with a measuring tape. Determine if a ladder or scaffolding works best for the project. Most people can reach 2 feet above their head when painting. Keeping your balance is critical when working overhead. Though a ladder may be more accessible, scaffolding in which both feet are firmly placed on a board is more secure. Inquire about renting scaffolding at local hardware and home improvement centers.
3. Vacuum all ceiling corners to remove cobwebs and dirt. Use a damp rag to wipe off loose grime from crown molding.
Plaster Technique
4. Open a 5-gallon bucket of lightweight joint compound. Inspect the compound. It should appear slightly moist. Add a small amount of distilled water to the plaster, and mix using a hand drill and squirrel mixer to increase moisture.
5. Place a small amount of plaster onto a drywall trowel using a putty knife. Hold one edge of the trowel firmly against the ceiling at approximately a 45-degree angle. Slide the plaster onto the ceiling's surface. Do not apply more than 1/4 inch of plaster to avoid cracking. Move the trowel in natural directions both vertically and horizontally to create a unique texture. Create the look of large shapes similar to continents on a globe--no straight edges are visible. The plaster will have peeks and valleys. Know that each person's troweling method will be one-of-a-kind. Cover the entire ceiling and allow plaster to dry for 24 hours.
6. Repeat the plastering step until you cover all areas of popcorn and can see no more. Several thin layers may be necessary.
7. Paint the ceiling with flat latex paint. Pour paint into a paint tray. Dip a rough nap roller into the tray. Roll on the paint using even horizontal strokes. Do not apply a great amount of pressure. Dab a chip brush into any plaster crevices that are hard to reach with a roller.
Hand-Painted Paper Technique
8. Unroll several feet of brown craft paper. Pour different coordinating latex paint colors into separate paint trays. Using a variety of paint tools, such as brushes, sea sponges and plastic bags, manipulate the paint to create an abstract design onto the craft paper. Similar to the plaster process, will create unique look when adding paint to the paper. Do not create any horizontal or straight edges when painting---instead aim for the look of large islands or continents--with irregular shapes. Dab, pounce and stipple the paint with the tools. Work in layers or use all colors at once. Remember to keep the color and pattern consistent. Create enough paper to cover 1 1/2 times the ceiling area. Allow the paper to dry.
9. Tear the paper into large sections with uneven edges. Each section should be no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet. Keep some straight edges for the area at which the ceiling and wall meet.
10. Apply the paper with wallpaper glue. Brush on a thick amount of wallpaper glue to the back of each paper section. Smooth over the popcorn ceiling with wallpaper smoother. Overlap each section by approximately 1 inch. The greater area you overlap, the more paper you will use.
11. Glue paper to all ceiling areas, much like to putting together a puzzle. Add the large pieces first and then fill in with small pieces where the popcorn ceiling peeks through. Save the straight edges for the end. Use a razor blade and straight edge to cut right corners.
Tags: , ceiling with, popcorn ceiling, craft paper, create unique, each person, latex paint