Popular during the 1950s through the early 1980s, popcorn ceiling or acoustic ceiling is a term used to describe a spray-on technique for painting ceilings that would give ceilings a somewhat "cottage cheese" looking texture. This technique was once highly favored because it could be done cheaper than regular painting and could hide imperfections in older ceiling. Over time this type of ceiling attracts dirt and is difficult to repair if it becomes damaged. While it is somewhat simple (although messy) to remove a popcorn ceiling that has not been painted, you will find it requires an extra step to remove a popcorn ceiling that has.
Instructions
Testing For Asbestos
1. Test the popcorn ceiling for asbestos before you attempt to remove it. Prior to the 1980s this type of ceiling was often manufactured using asbestos. Federal law does not allow individuals to remove asbestos that has more than a 1-percent asbestos in the sample that is analyzed.
2. Use a putty knife to scrape a sample of the ceiling into a sandwich bag.
3. Send the sample into a testing service in your area. If there is less than 1-percent asbestos in the sample, you can then safely remove the popcorn ceiling without the aide of a professional.
Preparing The Workspace
4. Take all furniture out of the room.
5. Turn off the heating and air, as well as the electrical power to the room. Remove all light fixtures and vent covers. Use scissors to cut plastic sheeting to cover vent and fixture openings. Tape into place with painter's tape.
6. Spread a painter's tarp across the floor of the room. Secure the painter's tarp in place by taping it against baseboards or the bottom of the wall with the painter's tape.
7. Use the painter's tape around the ceiling to attach and secure plastic sheeting onto the walls. Tape the plastic sheeting to the plastic tarp at the bottom to prevent dust, water and debris from covering walls.
Removing The Popcorn Ceiling
8. Don protective clothing, safety goggles and a dust mask. You may also wish to wear a painter's cap to keep falling debris out of your hair and off your head.
9. Apply a chemical paint stripper to the section of the ceiling you will start on. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the label and allow to set as specified in the directions.
10. Place a few drops of dish detergent in a pump up sprayer. Fill the sprayer with warm water. Spray the mixture on the surface area of the ceiling. Wet a 4-to-6-foot section of the ceiling and allow 15 to 20 minutes for the water to absorb into the ceiling.
11. Set a large trash can under the section you are working on. Use a plastic scraper to remove the popcorn texture from the ceiling. Allow it to drop into the trash can for easy cleanup and removal.
12. Continue the removal process working in 4-to-6 foot sections until the job is complete.
Tags: remove popcorn, painter tape, plastic sheeting, , remove popcorn ceiling