Love them or hate them, popcorn ceilings have been a part of interior design since the 1970’s. Made from sprayed on polystyrene or vermiculite, this bumpy ceiling trend was popularized for its acoustic properties and to hide any imperfections in the ceiling. However, it has since gone somewhat out of fashion and, as a result, many people want to remove this feature but aren’t sure how. And even for those who love this retro look, popcorn ceilings are great at trapping dirt and dust but are difficult to clean.
So if you love the look, here are the best ways to clean and maintain your popcorn ceiling, and if you want it gone, you can check out the steps and equipment needed to get the job done.
Cleaning and Whitening
Because of all the tiny crevices and indents in a popcorn ceiling, it is very easy for dust to accumulate. Not only do these small indents trap dust, they also make these types of ceilings notoriously difficult to clean. Sadly, there is no magic solution to this, and the best approach is simply with soap and warm water.
To get the cleaning job done right, you’ll want to soak a sponge in the solution and gently pat the ceiling, making sure that the sponge is not too wet. Popcorn ceilings are quite fragile, so wring out the sponge before using it, as any excess liquid could damage the ceiling. You’ll also want to avoid any harsh scrubbing motions with the sponge for the same reason.
Once you have applied the soapy solution, leave the ceiling to air dry. You can also use a paint roller instead of a sponge and follow the same procedure. If you do this, because you won’t be patting the ceiling to clean it, be sure to not apply too much pressure to the roller during the cleaning process in order to not damage the ceiling.
Once your popcorn ceiling is dry, you may notice that it is still not as clean as you would like. This may be especially noticeable if your ceiling is white or offwhite. Over time, white ceilings will stain to a point that soap and water won’t do the trick. If this happens to your ceiling after attempting to clean it, you can mix one part bleach with four parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the discoloured area lightly dab with a sponge. Let the area completely dry.
Safety Precautions
Whether you are cleaning or whitening your ceiling, it is important to take the proper safety precautions. Always use a sturdy ladder and wear eye protection to avoid any liquid falling into your eyes. We also encourage that you wear a face mask so that you’re not directly inhaling any chemicals from the cleaning products.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
If you are planning on removing your popcorn ceiling, before starting, it is essential that you check if your ceiling contains any asbestos. Before the 1980’s, asbestos was a common part of popcorn ceilings, so either hire a testing company or get a home testing kit.
If your ceiling tests positive, hire a professional company to remove the ceiling for you. If it has been determined that there is no asbestos, it is safe for you to begin the process yourself.
If you decide to remove the popcorn ceiling yourself, you’ll need to understand that the process will be quite messy. As dust and bits of the ceiling are going to fall from the ceiling, the first thing you need to do is prepare the room. This involves removing all furniture and covering any areas the residue can fall into, such as vents or radiators. Laying down drop sheets is recommended to catch the falling residue, but be prepared to thoroughly clean the walls and floors after the process as some residue will likely be left behind.
After you have prepared the room, prepare (and protect) yourself. Use protective eyewear and facial covering to avoid ingesting any dust or residue, and wear clothes that you are prepared to get dirty. It’s even recommended to cover your hair, as falling flecks of dust and drywall can be difficult to get out. Once you and the room are both prepped, it’s time to begin the removal process.
The Process
Though removing a popcorn ceiling can be tiring and time consuming, the process itself is quite simple and requires very little equipment: a ladder, a paint scraper, a hose or spray bottle, sand paper, and some elbow grease.
In order to eliminate as much dust and debris as possible, lightly mist the ceiling with water. Do not over saturate the ceiling as this could damage it. Using a spray bottle or, if possible, a garden hose with a spray attachment, lightly mist the ceiling and let the water absorb into it for 15 minutes.
Once this is done, set up your ladder, take your paint scraper, and begin carefully scraping away the popcorn ceiling, taking care to not gauge the ceiling beneath. Work your way around the room until you have removed all of the popcorn ceiling.
Next, with your sander, sand the ceiling smooth so that it’s even across the entire surface. If you plan on painting your new ceiling (which is highly recommended after popcorn removal), it’s a good idea to do it shortly after, as the room will be empty and there will already be drop cloths on the floor. Just be sure to give your arms a break before you do!
Toronto Popcorn Ceiling Removal Services
Now that you know how to clean and remove your popcorn ceiling, you’re ready to take the project on. But if you want the result without any headache, Encore Painting can get the job done for you.
In addition to painting ceilings, Encore offers popcorn ceiling removal services. Using specialized equipment, our professionals will make quick work of your popcorn ceiling with little mess or hassle, leaving you with a ceiling that looks brand new, not from the last century.
We start all our projects with a free evaluation of the space, so there’s no risk in meeting with a member of our team and hearing how we can remove your popcorn ceiling and give a fresh look with a new coat of paint. Contact Encore Painting Ltd. today to book your free painting quote. Together, we can upgrade your space and give it that modern look you’ve been wanting.