Simple Tips for Removing Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Popcorn ceilings were a very popular trend in the 1980s. Now, however, the look is very outdated, and homeowner’s prefer smoother, sleeker, easier to clean surfaces. Because of that, popcorn ceilings are one of the first things that people want to change when they move into a new house.
Removing popcorn ceilings is not an easy project. They are made up mainly of chalk, clay, and an aggregate, which turns into a soft gooey mess when you wet it during the removal process. With a little preparation, however, you can control the mess and make the process a little easier.
Before you begin to remove the popcorn, buy all of the proper supplies you will need and have them nearby for easy access. The closer you keep them next to you, the less you will have to walk around and spread a mess. Move your furniture out of the room if at all possible. If you have certain pieces that are just too heavy to remove, protect them with several layers of heavy duty plastic covers. Also cover your walls with plastic to avoid damaging them as well.
Wear old clothes and a hat to keep the gooey mess out of your hair. Also use protective eyewear to keep the material from getting in your eyes during the removal process. It is also a good idea to wear a mask to keep the dust particles out of your lungs.
When it’s time to begin, use a spray bottle to completely saturate your ceiling with water. Let it soak in for a few minutes and then use a scrapper tool to scrape the gooey mess off your ceiling. Hold a bucket under the tool to catch the popcorn material as it falls. Work in small sections and continue repeating the procedure until everything is removed. Wipe off any remaining residue on the ceiling by using a wet sponge.
It is very important to note that if your popcorn ceiling was installed before the ’80s, especially in the earlier part of the 70’s, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a substance that has been proven to cause cancer if it is ingested, so If you suspect that your ceiling is from that era, remove a small piece of the popcorn ceiling and send it in for testing. If you discover that your popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, they will have to be removed by professionals who can remove and dispose of them properly to eliminate any health risks to you and your family. There are certain procedures that must be followed, and it is not something that you should attempt to do you on your own.
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