Popcorn ceilings...new drywall or scrape em'?

[bustednutz]

House was built in the heyday of the early 80's. Ugly popcorn ceilings that I can't stand anymore. I've read and read and read some more about scraping them. Its a big process to prep the room for that. Luckily they have never been painted over, so the soaking and scraping method would work just fine.

I've also read about just going over it with new drywall. And to me it seems like a cleaner job. Either route taken will require sanding (which produces dust). Filling and sanding any imperfections that are found under the popcorn once removed. Or filling and sanding joint compound on new drywall. So all things considered, which way would you go if it was your ceilings?
I know the cost factor will be higher with getting new drywall, but I've set some money aside if I do go that route.
I just want flat white ceilings again.

 

[cmorr]

If its 1980 or earlier you need to test for asbestos before removing it. It's also good to know the reason it was applied.

 

[tenderloin]

The soak and scrape method is the way to go. An experienced drywaller will be in and out in less than a day. Floor and furniture covered up, popcorn ceiling scraped,new hand texture applied (repairing any damage) and repainted. Remove plastic and they are gone.

 

[andyd]

Being old school, I had the plasterers give me as smooth a surface as they could. More reflective and, easier to clean.

 

[GatorJoe]

I went the soak and scrape method with wipe down, light sanding, 2 coats of primer, then 2 coats of flat white ceiling paint. About a day's job for the family room. Still looks great after 8 years.

 

[DBMaster]

And we thought that stuff was "neat" in the 70's.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Removing the existing popcorn texture is much easier than putting up drywall over the top. As others have mentioned, it's a good solid one day job (plan for two just in case). But it's not hard, and covering everything is pretty easy with the large clear plastic tarps.

 

[mechtech2]

Soak , scrape, repair, let mud dry, sand, prime or paint 2 coats in one 8 hr work day?
There isn't time to dry properly - it can't be done right.

Test a small area to see how easily it comes off. If you are happy, go for the removal method.
Ceiling drywall should be glued as well as screwed [to the studs], and the popcorn will not allow this, as well as irregularities which cause problems later for cracking joints.

 

[bustednutz]

I've decided to do the soak and scrape method. Figure to do it right, it will take a weekend. Soak and scrape, let fully dry and remove all the waste.
Next day, fill in any imperfections, sand and paint. If It takes 3 days...so be it. If I sacrafice 3 days or so in order to never have to see that garbage again, its all worth it.

 

[bigmike]

What's wrong with popcorn? Is it just out of style?

Sometimes I wish I had popcorn. I have those "knockdown" ceilings. I personally think it looks OK but it is junk. If you dare touch the ceiling, it falls apart. They even put it out in the garage, so large sections have fallen off the ceiling and makes a mess.

 

[mechtech2]

It is good to have a mindset of many days.
If you counted on one, you would feel irritated and rushed.

It's not like you are working 24/7 for those 3-4 days, but dry time can't be rushed.

 

[dwcopple]

sorry, I HAD to

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Soak , scrape, repair, let mud dry, sand, prime or paint 2 coats in one 8 hr work day?
There isn't time to dry properly - it can't be done right.



8 hour workday? I've never been so lazy as to limit my workdays to just 8 hours, especially when I'm working on a project for myself.

I have done it in a 16 hour workday. But then, I know what I'm doing.

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Soak , scrape, repair, let mud dry, sand, prime or paint 2 coats in one 8 hr work day?
There isn't time to dry properly - it can't be done right.



8 hour workday? I've never been so lazy as to limit my workdays to just 8 hours, especially when I'm working on a project for myself.

I have done it in a 16 hour workday. But then, I know what I'm doing.
I think he was assuming hiring a contractor to do it. I wouldn't want a guy in my living room for 16 hrs when I have a family and home life that is important in the evening either.

 

[bustednutz]

So I dove into it tonight in the dining room. Removed furniture, masked walls and covered floor. Filled my pump sprayer and soaked the ceiling.
After 10 minutes I soaked it again really good. Waited another 10 and started scraping with a 10 inch taping knife.
Stuff came off easy! Didn't take much elbow work. The water did it all for me.
Ceiling is nice and smooth now. Gonna prime and paint tomorrow.
Took me approx 2.5 hours from beginning to completely put back together.

 

[mechtech2]

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Soak , scrape, repair, let mud dry, sand, prime or paint 2 coats in one 8 hr work day?
There isn't time to dry properly - it can't be done right.



8 hour workday? I've never been so lazy as to limit my workdays to just 8 hours, especially when I'm working on a project for myself.

I have done it in a 16 hour workday. But then, I know what I'm doing.


No need for your weak insults.
Like I said, it's the dry time that can not be rushed , and the labor can vary wildly, depending on the job [how many repairs, trouble with removal, furniture, etc., etc..].
People very rarely let contractors have free reign in their homes concerning hours - working late into the night.
I do this for a living now, BTW.
As long as you "know what you are doing", try reading the instructions about cure and dry times on the products.

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: bustednutz
So I dove into it tonight in the dining room. Removed furniture, masked walls and covered floor. Filled my pump sprayer and soaked the ceiling.
After 10 minutes I soaked it again really good. Waited another 10 and started scraping with a 10 inch taping knife.
Stuff came off easy! Didn't take much elbow work. The water did it all for me.
Ceiling is nice and smooth now. Gonna prime and paint tomorrow.
Took me approx 2.5 hours from beginning to completely put back together.
Awesome! Good job!