Popcorn ceilings are textured canopies that became popular in the late 1930s. It is made of popcorn-like material and is usually white. It is made from vermiculite, the heated natural material to expand it. It was and is still used for insulation because it is fire-resistant and lightweight.
These ceilings were popular in the past because they were cheap and could cover up any imperfections. However, they are not very popular now because they are difficult to clean and can be dangerous if they start to peel, especially since they could contain asbestos.
Those who want to DIY their popcorn walls for a more modern choice like gyprock ceilings should exercise caution. Since your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos, it is important not to disturb it. Scraping or otherwise damaging the ceiling could release asbestos fibres into the air, which can be harmful if inhaled. Asbestos exposure has been connected to serious and potentially deadly diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
If you are going to modernise with gyprock ceilings, here’s how you should do it:
Determine Its Asbestos Free
This first step cannot be undertaken by yourself. You must get your ceiling professionally tested by a health or roofing expert who will scrape a sample and bring it to a lab for testing.
Scrape It Like This
Start by covering the floor and walls with a roll of painter’s plastic. This will protect your surfaces from any debris. Use a putty knife or a similar tool to scrape the popcorn ceiling. Gently scrape the surface in a back and forth motion until all the popcorn is removed. You may need a step ladder to accomplish this.
You can use either dry or wet sanding to accomplish this:
- Dry sanding is a process of sanding that uses no water or other lubricant. Dry sanding is typically done with very fine sandpaper and is used to create a smooth, even finish on various surfaces.
Use a utility knife to remove the textured surface of the ceiling. Be careful not to damage the ceiling by keeping the blade as flat as possible, or repairs will be required if the ceiling is gouged.
To make the surface of your wall smoother, you can spread a thin layer of joint compound over it. Once the mixed compound is dry, you can sand it down so it’s smooth. Then, you can repaint the wall.
- Wet sanding is a process of sanding using water to lubricate the sandpaper and prevent clogging. Wet sanding is typically used to remove paint or finishes from surfaces and smooth and level rough surfaces.
To remove a popcorn ceiling, start by spraying the ceiling with water to dampen it. Then, use a utility knife to scrape off the texture. Be careful not to damage the drywall ceiling beneath. Once all the texture is removed, sand the surface smooth.
The main difference between a chemical stripper and dry scraping is that the chemical stripper will make the job easier. You must not damage the ceiling by keeping the blade flat and waiting for the surface to dry before repainting it.
Or, To Be Sure, Get Professional Help from the Very Start
If you’re going to test your popcorn ceiling for asbestos, you might as well get expert help for the entire process. That’s where We Plaster & Recruit comes in.
We’re a registered plastering firm that handles hiring the proper contractors for renovation projects, like replacing a popcorn canopy into a gyprock ceiling in Brisbane, so you and your family remain safe from hazards. Contact us now at [email protected] or visit our website!