Painted Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Westlake Village, CA … Without Making a Mess!
Popcorn ceilings were fairly common in homes over 15 years old. This trend didn’t last long, but many people have only begun realizing that they are not stuck with it. Luckily, you can remove the popcorn ceilings but it does take hard work and can be hazardous. We at McKay’s Painting would like to share hot to remove popcorn ceilings. You will need the following:
– Sanding pad (with handle)
– Rosin paper
– Rags
– Putty knife
– Pump up sprayer
– Protective equipment
– Plastic sheeting
– Painter’s tape
– Liquid dish washing soap
– Drywall joint compound and tape
– 6” or wider floor scraper
What to Do Before Removing Popcorn Ceilings
Due to the messy tactics involved, preparation and organization are important to avoid damaging your walls or floor. Start by covering up all the furniture in the room or remove it from the area you are working in. Use plastic and painting tape to cover the vents. Use painter’s tape and plastic to cover the floor, outlets, and switches. Line the edges of the ceiling with the painter’s tape as well.
How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling
Wear protective clothing, goggles, and even a face mask or bandana to avoid breathing in the debris. If the ceiling is not painted use a pump sprayer filled with warm water and add 2-3 tbsp of liquid dish soap for every gallon of water. Generously spray 4-6 foot sectioning of the ceiling with the solution, but do not overly soak. You just need it wet enough to loosen the popcorn texture but not enough that the moisture seeps into the drywall under the texturing. Let it soak for about 15 minutes. Using a floor scraper, or something similar with a wide blade, gently scrape the popcorn texture away, carefully so you do not gouge the drywall. If it becomes too difficult, apply more of the solution and let it sit for 15 more minutes and scrape. Any lingering residues can be scraped clean with a putty knife. Repeat this procedure until ceiling is completely popcorn free.
Drywall Repair and Cleanup
Any minor damage can be filled in with a joint compound or if you find the drywall needs replacing cut out the size of the damage and fit it with fresh drywall. Secure with drywall tape and the joint compound. Once it is dry, gently sand it down to make sure its level and smooth with a sanding pad. Prime the ceiling and paint it to your choice of color.
Safety tips; Does Your Popcorn Ceiling Have Asbestos?
It is important that you are aware that homes built before 1980 could have asbestos in the ceilings and walls; get them tested before you start the project. Where it is not a health risk if left untouched, removing the texture will create dust from the materials which if asbestos is present, will become airborne and the fibers will stick in your lungs. Removing the popcorn from ceilings that have been painted can pose a potential issue. The popcorn cannot soak up the water solution that enables for removal. To remove the texture a harsh chemical is required to breakdown the paint.
Exterior Home Painting & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
If you are tired of your outdated popcorn ceilings, let the professionals of McKay’s Painting help you. Not only can we paint it afterwards, but we can install variations of molding or other textures to create a decorative display. Call us today to learn more.
