Photo by Rene Asmussen

The process of popcorn ceiling removal can be problematic, not to mention costly. Fortunately, this isn’t the only route homeowners must go through. They can opt for a simple cover-up to arrive at a blank canvas ready for design exploration.

Popcorn ceilings may have been at the headlines of most 80s home interiors, but it’s already a scrapped concept and had fallen outside people’s preferences recently. This ceiling was popularized because of the acoustic benefits and finishing efficiency brought about by its irregular texture.

While this texture is the primary reason homeowners positively weighed on popcorn ceilings, what came with its benefits were also drawbacks.

Due to its uneven and crooked surface, this type of ceiling is highly susceptible to dust and cobweb formation, and it isn’t easy to clean or paint over. They also absorb and diffuse light in a manner that darkens the room. These are commonly the reasons why some homeowners opt out of this variety. However, popcorn ceiling removal can be problematic and costly since its materials may contain asbestos, a chemical that can be dangerous when ingested.

So, what should you do if your house has popcorn ceilings and you’re tired of looking at it?

The Better Approach to Fixing Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings don’t age well. The longer they stay unattended, the more unpleasant they start looking. With dust covering its surface and light deflecting it inappropriately, it’s become a disliked fixture. However, removing it can be challenging and quite costly, so how should homeowners approach it if they can no longer stand how it looks?

Most professionals’ first instinct is to remove the texture and create the perfect blank canvas to start from scratch. To achieve this, they may spray moisture on its surface and let it absorb before scraping the texture. However, doing so produces a great deal of mess, and not to mention, it may also release asbestos into the house. Besides, scraping off the texture initially added to hide flaws will reverse its function and reveal damage that will require repairs.

These complications lead homeowners to the second option: covering the ceiling. Doing so can remove the problematic sight while saving money and time.

The Patch Boys Ready to Patch Ceilings Up

There are various methods homeowners can choose when opting for the cover-up, each with different demands. While covering popcorn ceilings is the better and more accessible alternative, the process may still need professional assistance. Fortunately, various companies are offering to do so.

A trusted name in ceiling removals and repairs is The Patch Boys. As their name implies, they offer services for any patching up demands. Whether it’s drywall, textured ceilings, or plaster repairs, they can provide any help necessary. Among the services they offer are popcorn ceiling removal and textured ceiling cover-ups.

How Do They Do It?

Homeowners have different routes to pick from when covering popcorn ceilings. The Patch Boys examines the damage to the site and weighs out every option available, picking which choice matches the client’s demands and needs. Here are different options to choose from:

Painting and Skim Coating

This option is the cheapest and fastest option. Without needing to remove the initial ceiling, the skim coating offers a smoother surface to paint over. A skim coat is a layer of diluted joint compound applied by hand, paint roller, or spray. Skim coating requires this compound to be reapplied over the previous coat, with a trowel and drywall knife smoothening it. After a few applications, a more uniform ceiling is produced and ready to be painted.

This option is the fastest and cheapest available. Since it doesn’t need the removal and replacement of the popcorn ceiling, the only necessary materials are the joint compound, essential tools, and a professional’s expertise. The process can be pretty messy, and demands experienced hands to handle it.

Tongue and Groove Ceiling Planks

Installing tongue and groove ceiling planks requires fewer tools and less labor than drywall and ceiling tiles. Additionally, these planks are also highly customizable to meet homeowners’ demands. A tongue and groove ceiling planks add texture and visual appeal to the covered ceiling. They also ensure a cleaner and more secure design. However, these benefits come at a cost, as they’re relatively more expensive than the previous option.

Drop Ceilings

There’s a growing variety of drop ceilings homeowners can choose from. In between designs and textures, numerous options are available on the market. Among the available materials to choose from, drop ceilings may be the best in terms of visual enhancement. However, they’re on the more expensive side of covering popcorn ceilings.

To Conclude…

The process of covering or updating popcorn ceilings is an endeavor that needs thorough planning and decision-making involving various considerations. It’s best to work closely with a professional or contractor available to provide guidance and explanations when necessary. The decision may be complex, but the outcome is definitely worth everything.

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