All About Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings, also known as stucco ceilings, were once a popular design feature in homes. As with most trends, there was an ebb and flow in popularity. Nevertheless, they provided a unique home experience. We’re going to cover everything you need to know about this popular ceiling style and answer all your questions including what a popcorn ceiling is and how you can repair and replace them.

The Asbestos Issue in Popcorn Ceilings

One of the main issues with popcorn fiber ceilings is that they may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials before the 1980s. It is now known to be a carcinogen, and its use is heavily regulated because high exposure can be detrimental to one’s health.

If your home was built before the 1980s, there is a chance that your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos. If you are unsure, the best course of action is to have your ceiling tested by a professional. If asbestos is found, you’ll need to take special care when removing or repairing your stucco ceiling.

Fixing Popcorn Ceilings

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As with any aspect of your home, popcorn ceilings will age and wither over time, often needing some repair work to keep things looking good. If you’re a homeowner with a popcorn ceiling, there are a few methods you can implement to fix it. One way is to scrape off the popcorn texture and re-texture the ceiling with a roller or brush. This is a fairly easy practice, but it can be messy. Another option is to cover your popcorn ceiling with drywall. This is a more labour intensive process, but it will give you a smooth, flat ceiling that is free of the popcorn style currently in place.

Painting Popcorn Ceilings

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If you’re not looking to remove or repair your popcorn ceiling, painting it is always an option. This can be a great way to change the look of your room without having to do any major renovations.. You’ll want to use a special paint designed for popcorn ceilings because regular paint will not adhere well and may even cause the popcorn texture to become more pronounced.

When popcorn ceilings were first introduced, they were often painted white or a lighter shade of color to help reflect light and make the room feel larger. Today however, you can find special paints in a variety of colors that can help you create any look you want for your room.

Hiding Popcorn Ceilings

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If you dislike popcorn ceilings but are not interested in going the removal or repair route, hiding them is another option. This can be done by installing crown molding or a different trim around the edges of your ceiling. This will help to conceal the textured surface and give your room a more polished look.

Removing Popcorn Ceilings

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If you’ve decided that you want to remove your popcorn ceiling, it’s important to take the necessary precautions. 

If you’re going to remove your popcorn ceiling, you’ll need to:

  • Wear a respirator
  • Cover all furniture and floors with plastic sheeting
  • Seal all doors and windows
  • Vacuum the entire room before starting

Once you’ve taken these preventative measures, you can begin the removal process. Be sure to follow the same steps we outlined for repairing a popcorn ceiling – scrape off the texture and re-texture or cover with drywall.

Hire A Professional

To make your home look more like a modern, sleek space, you may want to consider removing the popcorn ceilings for them to be replaced with paint. As we mentioned throughout this article, some of the ways you can accomplish this task is by scraping and re-texturing, covering with drywall, or painting entirely over it. If you’re going to choose to remove your popcorn ceiling, ensure you take all the necessary precautions. If asbestos is present, you would not want this to lead to a major mess in your home. In most instances, it’s best to hire a professional service like Prestige Painting to take care of the entire popcorn ceiling removal process for you, guaranteeing the job is done safely and correctly. We offer comprehensive home services, including popcorn ceiling repair and removal, drywall installation, interior and exterior painting, and more. To learn more about our team, services, or to request a project quote, contact us today.