Covering Popcorn Ceilings Made Easy: Pro Techniques for a Modern, Clean Look

How To Cover A Popcorn Ceiling Without The Mess: Expert Tips from Paint Heroes

Popcorn Ceiling Makeover: The Paint Heroes Guide to Smooth, Updated Ceilings

Paint Heroes Guide: How To Cover Up That Textured, Bumpy Ceiling. Are you looking at a popcorn-textured ceiling and asking if you can do something to stop it? Are you trying to find an easy, cost-effective method to be able to mediate the popcorn ceiling away? At Paint Heroes we have been helping people turn old, textured ceilings into new beautiful ceilings for years. While back in the day popcorn ceilings were made popular because they did a good job of absorbing noise, today they remain popular more for being ugly and dusty. They can also cover up problems like asbestos for homes built before 1980.

There are a lot of different reasons to consider covering a popcorn ceiling rather than scraping it. Scraping of the popcorn ceiling can be messy and may even activate known harmful materials like asbestos. Covering the popcorn ceiling can save you money since it will reduce the labor and repair costs. A covered popcorn ceiling may give you a smooth modern ceiling that would be a way to be able to provide a new look to the home without the expense of having to tear out and remove the old ceiling.

At Paint Heroes, we heartily recommend covering a popcorn ceiling for its quick, safe, and professional finish. With our special innovative techniques we will be able to provide you with a great ceiling transformation and beautiful home upgrade. For more tips and advice from the experts regarding house painting, check into our professional house painters designed to make every ceiling's transformation easy and swift.

First Step: Assessing Your Ceiling

When assessing your ceiling, it is important to know what is above you:

Date of construction: If a house was built before 1980, there may be asbestos present in the ceiling. Testing should be done before disturbing the ceiling.
Ceiling height and layout: Some methods used for covering a ceiling will work better than others, depending upon the height and layout of the room.
Condition of the ceiling: Has the popcorn ceiling been painted before? This may have a bearing on the type of finishing you choose and/or the method of application.

If you do not know what the condition of the ceiling is, or you find damage, you should contact a local expert to avoid costly mistakes. At Paint Heroes, we will have our paint professionals thoroughly assess the ceiling to ascertain which methods and products will be best to work on your ceiling.

Methods of Covering Popcorn Ceilings

We will now address the four most effective (and beautiful) ways to cover a popcorn ceiling. Each method has its advantages, disadvantages and design flair.

Method #1: Drywall Overlay—The Utterly Smooth Finish

For those who desire the highest quality finish available, there is nothing that compares to a drywall overlay. This procedure involves:

Installing a thin layer of drywall (usually 1/4” or 3/8”) directly on the popcorn ceiling.
Taping, mudding and sanding the seams to get a perfectly smooth surface.
Priming and painting it to get a totally new look.

Pro tip: Only a professional will be able to make a perfectly "tight" seam with no sagging of the ceiling. This process works wonderfully when your popcorn ceiling is damaged, discolored or filled with so many imperfections that it is worth getting the job done right.

Method #2: Decorative Ceiling Panels - Where Function Meets Fashion

Decorative ceiling panels are both functional and fashionable. The installation of these types of ceiling panels involves:

Installing furring strips or tracks around the perimeter of the ceiling.
Installing lightweight decorative tiles (coffered tiles, shiplap, etc.).

Using decorative ceiling panels you can make a more expressive statement in your ceiling design (farmhouse, modern chic, vintage cottage). Decorative ceiling panels also conceal the "outdated" look of the popcorn ceiling. View decorative ceiling tile ideas and inspirational designs in our Decorative Ceiling Tiles gallery of creative and modern ideas.

Method #3: Skim Coating - Pro Level Smoothing for the Perfect Finish

Skim coating is a specialized skill and another Paint Heroes favorite. This is a method whereby an experienced house painter applies numerous layers of joint compound to gradually smooth and flatten the popcorn finish. The procedure involves:

Adhesive primer applied to effect the bonding of the popcorn.
Numerous layers of joint compound applied and sanded in between each coat.

This method yields a super smooth and paint-ready finish.

Method #4: Fabric Stretch Ceiling Treatments - Add Fun to Your Home While Keeping Costs Low

Fabric stretch ceilings are a bit of a wild card, but they can add a bit of fun and pizazz to your space or cover up hard-to-reach areas easily. Lightly place fire resistant fabric panels on a hung grid in an instant and stylish ceiling treatment. This is a non-permanent solution for rental properties or common living spaces.

The Paint Heroes Way - Why Hiring Professionals Makes the Difference

Ceiling projects can be quite overwhelming. Paint Heroes is a trusted leader in painting and home renovations.

Comprehensive experience: We handle every detail from surface preparation to the last stroke of paint.
Tools to prevent dust and damage: This equipment keeps the mess down and increases your personal safety.
Smooth, even finishes every time: Paint Heroes make sure the edges are razor sharp, seams easy to miss and color is always consistent.
Guaranteed results: We stand behind our work with warranties so there is no worry about your finished ceiling being unsightly.

Many homeowners have attempted ceiling projects as a DIY project and discovered that ceiling area is the hardest area to deal with in the home. By hiring a professional, you will save time, headache and worry and possibly thousands of dollars in the long run—and your newly finished ceiling will be gorgeous from every angle!

Extra Tips for a Great Ceiling Makeover

Covering a popcorn ceiling will take a little prep work, the right materials and a little art. Here’s the Paint Heroes Cheat Sheet:

Protect Everything: Clear the room of furniture, protect all fixtures and put down drop cloths to protect against unwelcome mess.
Clean Surfaces: Make sure dust, cobwebs or grease are removed from the ceiling so as to have the best bond possible.
Always Prime First: Use a good quality primer to make sure that the product adheres well to the surface and covers any obstinate stains.
Use the Correct Paint: Use a flat/matte coating on an overlaid/skimmed ceiling as that reduces glare from the ceiling and hides any small imperfections.
Get Help from the Pros: Corner difficulty, patchwork, crooked panels are all best left to the pros unless you want to produce a smooth finish.

Even if you are moving or selling the home, an update to the ceiling can raise the value of your home. For trusted insights on ceiling preparation and paint finish techniques, explore this Homes & Gardens guide on painting ceilings for expert inspiration and practical advice.

Is DIY or Pro Job Right for Your Ceiling?

Some homeowners that are handy enough are going to try to cover their ceiling themselves, others will of course decide whether to DIY or to call in a professional depending upon what they are faced with.

The DIY route is best if:

You have a small area of popcorn ceiling that will be covered.
You have a competent knowledge of drywall/plaster.
You are not concerned about asbestos or structural problems.

It is best to hire a professional if:

Your ceiling is large or has an awkward shape.
Your ceiling has holes/repair/work done to it or other hidden problems.
You want a perfect marketable finish.

Paint Heroes will help with all phases of your ceiling project, from materials selection to installation to painting, to make the project as painless as possible. For a perfect finished product and reputable expertise, visit our house painting services so that your upgrade to the house is performed correctly.

Popcorn Ceiling Questions: Questions Asked of Paint Heroes Experts

Q: Should I cover or remove my popcorn ceiling?

A: Generally speaking, covering is faster, cleaner and safer. Removing popcorn can create problems of asbestos and much preparation.

Q: Will covering my popcorn ceiling hurt the value of my house?

A: No, an update to a popcorn ceiling can increase the value of your house. An updated ceiling makes your home more inviting to buyers and gives it a clean modern appearance.

Q: Can I just paint my popcorn ceiling without covering?

A: Yes, the popcorn can be painted but the results will probably be uneven. Painting will help brighten the look but will not take away the texture. To get a smooth ceiling with lasting results, covering is recommended.

Q: How long does it take for professionals to cover a popcorn ceiling?

A: Most professional applications will take one to two days depending upon the application method used and the size of the room.

Q: Do I have to remove all the furniture from the room?

A: Yes, for maximum protection it is best to remove all the furniture. If this is impossible, then Paint Heroes will carefully protect and cover your goods and they will be safe and dust free.

For accurate safety information about asbestos and old ceiling materials, check the official asbestos guide for homeowners, published by the EPA, to help ensure compliance and peace of mind.

Is it Time for a Smooth Ceiling and Total Peace of Mind?

Let our painting contractors take care of your home improvement's needs. We take care of all occasions through our elite painting services, which guarantees a smooth, stress-free finish for each homeowner.