Popcorn ceilings present a challenge if something punches through the material. Since you can't repair this type of acoustical ceiling like a regular ceiling, you're going to have to do this project in two phases. First, the hole must be addressed, and then the patch must be textured to match the rest of the ceiling. Please note you will need what is called an air hopper for this project -- you can rent one from a local hardware store or tool rental company.
Instructions
1. Determine if your acoustical ceiling has asbestos. If the ceiling was installed before 1970, there is a high probability that it contains asbestos. Do not attempt to repair this yourself. Call an asbestos removal company to handle the issue.
2. Protect yourself and the work area. Put on safety glasses to keep bits of the textured ceiling from getting in your eyes. A mask is also important as well as a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin. Lay dropcloths underneath the area and secure them into place with masking tape.
3. Cut away a section around the hole. Use a utility knife to cut through the drywall underneath the popcorn texture. Cut out a perfect square, preferably about a foot long and wide. Scrape off an additional two inches of texture around all the sides of your hole to give you a spot to tape. Use a drywall knife to scrape the away.
4. Create a drywall patch. Cut a panel of drywall to fit your hole. Screw this into the ceiling joist above it with drywall screws. Apply at least two screws. If the ceiling joints are not located directly above the patch, you will need to use more to create a secure bond.
5. Apply drywall tape. Tape off the joints around your patch with self adhesive drywall tape. Press it on firmly.
6. Apply joint compound. Cover over the taped areas with joint compound. Use a putty knife and scrape off any excess as you work. Since the ceiling will be textured, you don't have to worry too much about sanding this down.
7. Apply the ceiling texture. Use an air hopper and popcorn mix. Spray this over the patched area until it matches the rest of the ceiling.
Tags: drywall tape, acoustical ceiling, ceiling texture, joint compound, knife scrape, popcorn texture, repair this