Popcorn Ceilings Solution

[olliedog1950]

We just purchased a Corpus Christie about 1,240 square feet. I researched and watched all the videos on how to remove the popcorn and replace with a modern knock down ceiling. Wet (or dry) removal, spray texture, paint, a lot of work. Got a bid of $2,500, ouch! I love solving problems and innovation and decided to do it yourself.
I took a 10 inch stiff broom and used the fiberglass bottom to scrape away the larger parts of the popcorn, usually 3 to four sweeps back and forth, did a 12 by 11 room in 15 minutes. Then same technique using a drywall 80 grit sanding block on a pole, another 10 minutes. Then paint!
Ceiling looks brand new. Total time for the entire home will be about 5 hours removal of popcorn plus 3 hours painting, 8 hours. Cost of paint, roller, drop cloth plastic, roller covers, pole sander, about $110.
We were lucky as the home is not furnished, lots of fine plaster dust. Ceilings had not been painted previously and that may have made the job easier. But saved $2,380 for my 8 hours of work. This might work for you.

[Craig Vernon]

Good Post. I love do it yourself solutions especially that save a couple grand. Thanks

[jacksonbrown]

But saved $2,380 for my 8 hours of work. This might work for you.

Having done the same job, I commend you on your efforts. It's not rocket science, just messy. Might I suggest to others, wear one of these

[bluedivergirl]

Good job.

Change your furnace filter when you think the dust is under control. Plaster dust does a number on filters. Vacuum, too, if it has a bag.

Been there, done that!

[Stu from NYC]

Brilliant solution

[John41]

save money and have a feeling of accomplishment too

[John_W]

That topic has been mentioned before, I seem to remember a $1 a square foot for removal was the going rate. Here's some older threads that might be helpful.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/popcorn-ceiling-removal-126462/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/popcorn-ceiling-removal-recommendation-262841/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/popcorn-ceiling-removal-recommendations-please-233683/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/popcorn-ceiling-removal-58366/

[coffeebean]

To the OP......you didn't mention that you had the textured "knock down" finish put on the ceilings. Did you decide not to do that?

[stadry]

probably had NOT been painted,,, paint makes that job a tremendous pita,,, we like doing this work dry using scrapers fitting our hepa vac's hose,,, much cleaner & faster,,, drywall stilts make it even faster work

[crash]

That topic has been mentioned before, I seem to remember a $1 a square foot for removal was the going rate. Here's some older threads that might be helpful.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/popcorn-ceiling-removal-126462/



https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/popcorn-ceiling-removal-recommendation-262841/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/popcorn-ceiling-removal-recommendations-please-233683/

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/popcorn-ceiling-removal-58366/

The going rate is now $2 a sq ft her quote was not bad. Would love to see a picture.

[Byte1]

I had an old home with popcorn ceiling and decided to remove it. All I did was spray/spritz warm water on it and then used a large drywall plaster blade (forgot what it's called) to simply scrape the wet coating off. It came off REAL EASY, leaving the drywall smooth and ready to be refinished. I had a lot less dust and it was much easier to clean up.

[elevatorman]

If your home was built before 1982 have the ceiling tested for asbestos before removing. Prior to '79 use of asbestos was a common practice for durability & fire protection. It was banned in '79 but contractors were allowed to use their existing stockpile asbestos. If left in place it is not a problem but when removed it can become airborne. Disposal of asbestos requires a licensed contractor and can be expensive

[DecaturFargo]

Great job!

[John_W]

On several of those older posts, Rick Bassil was highly recommended, but he has since retired. Much of his business has been taken over by Chris at Performance Drywall who is an advertiser on this site.


https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/appliance-home-repairs-402/performance-drywall-central-florida-125493/

[Scorpyo]

We just purchased a Corpus Christie about 1,240 square feet. I researched and watched all the videos on how to remove the popcorn and replace with a modern knock down ceiling. Wet (or dry) removal, spray texture, paint, a lot of work. Got a bid of $2,500, ouch! I love solving problems and innovation and decided to do it yourself.
I took a 10 inch stiff broom and used the fiberglass bottom to scrape away the larger parts of the popcorn, usually 3 to four sweeps back and forth, did a 12 by 11 room in 15 minutes. Then same technique using a drywall 80 grit sanding block on a pole, another 10 minutes. Then paint!
Ceiling looks brand new. Total time for the entire home will be about 5 hours removal of popcorn plus 3 hours painting, 8 hours. Cost of paint, roller, drop cloth plastic, roller covers, pole sander, about $110.
We were lucky as the home is not furnished, lots of fine plaster dust. Ceilings had not been painted previously and that may have made the job easier. But saved $2,380 for my 8 hours of work. This might work for you.
Excellent DIY. I applaud your tenacity. I did something similar to a house I bought in California. They wanted a ton of money because the popcorn ceiling may have contained asbestos. They would have used hazmat suits, etc. I put on a mask (they were readily available at the time) and goggles and took it down in about 2 hours. I had the debris looked at - no asbestos. But they were going to charge thousands of dollars (in 1998) just in case.

[twinklesweep]

What is the issue with popcorn ceilings? Is it strictly a matter of personal taste, or is there a problem associated with popcorn ceilings? I don't spend much time looking at the ceilings. It makes no difference to me one way or the other, so I wonder if I'm missing something. Thanks!

[LG999]

This is GREAT info! I am very interested because my whole house has popcorn and my father's CYV is entirely popcorn and I want to get rid of it. I'd like to do it myself. It sounds like you found a solution. Did you just do one room? Trying to get an idea of how much labour and time for a whole house.

[karostay]

Don't forget the #1 reason ceilings are pop corn when they tape the joints and screws they use only 2 coats of mud a good tape job has min of 3
Pop corn covers a lot of short cuts .You may need to apply a finish coat if your plans are to have smooth ceiling

[olliedog1950]

The going rate is now $2 a sq ft her quote was not bad. Would love to see a picture.

I did the entire home, process was very messy but well worth it.

[eweissenbach]

What is the issue with popcorn ceilings? Is it strictly a matter of personal taste, or is there a problem associated with popcorn ceilings? I don't spend much time looking at the ceilings. It makes no difference to me one way or the other, so I wonder if I'm missing something. Thanks!

I am no expert, though I play one on TV. I think it is simply a matter of taste and changing norms. In the sixties popcorn ceilings were very hip, but like paneling, linoleum, avocado appliances, pink bathroom fixtures, Formica, etc. it is not considered “in style” today. Thanks to DIY and HGTV, everyone wants the open concept, with granite or quartz, stainless appliances, and room for a pool. The popcorn ceiling will not make your life better or worse unless the eye rolls of your guests bother you.

[Topspinmo]

I am no expert, though I play one on TV. I think it is simply a matter of taste and changing norms. In the sixties popcorn ceilings were very hip, but like paneling, linoleum, avocado appliances, pink bathroom fixtures, Formica, etc. it is not considered “in style” today. Thanks to DIY and HGTV, everyone wants the open concept, with granite or quartz, stainless appliances, and room for a pool. The popcorn ceiling will not make your life better or worse unless the eye rolls of your guests bother you.

I sure wants been around will come back around.

[Topspinmo]

What is the issue with popcorn ceilings? Is it strictly a matter of personal taste, or is there a problem associated with popcorn ceilings? I don't spend much time looking at the ceilings. It makes no difference to me one way or the other, so I wonder if I'm missing something. Thanks!

I agree, who steers at the ceilings, other than in the bed room. I had water spots for gigantic hail storm. After I put on metal roof ( in Okieland you want metal roof ) I just repainted it. Done.