Popcorn Ceiling Texture

Popcorn ceilings and walls were very popular a couple of decades ago, and signified chic and classy interiors. Though not as popular nowadays, a lot of people believe it to be a great way of adding an interesting element to flat ceilings. This form of textured ceiling is easy to apply yourself, though its maintenance may be slightly difficult. Given here are methods of applying a popcorn texture ceiling, repairing it, and removing it when necessary.

Application
Before you begin the application of popcorn ceiling texture, ensure that you are wearing the right protective gear to prevent yourself from getting smothered in dust and paint. Overalls, gloves, shoes, headgear and safety glasses, all contribute to the right attire when it comes to starting up a painting job. Also, place large plastic sheets on your floor, so that the dripping paint leaves them unaffected. If you are not painting your walls, put up plastic sheets on the walls too. Then, follow these steps.

1. If your ceiling has freshly applied drywall plaster, applying a coat of drywall primer before you begin painting is essential. Also, if your ceiling is of another color, apply a thin coat of white ceiling paint on it. Once it is completely dry, you are ready to go ahead and apply the popcorn texture.
2. A popcorn texture mix is easily available in the market, the preparation procedure for which has been mentioned on it. Add half the amount of water you have been asked to use to prepare the mix in the bucket, and add half of the mix in it. Stir it well. You may need a machine-powered paddle mixer for this purpose. Once this combination is ready, add the remaining amount of the mix and water, and finish the preparation. The consistency of the mixture should be according to the directions provided by the manufacturer.
3. Use a texture hopper to create the desired texture. Pour the amount of the mix as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. After connecting the electric texture sprayer also known as a popcorn ceiling sprayer, first spray a small amount of the paint on a piece of cardboard, to check for the consistency and whether it is the kind of texture you want.
5. Start the process of popcorn texture application, in a thin, even coat. Once you complete the process for the entire ceiling, allow it to dry. Once dry, apply another coat to ensure that the entire ceiling looks even.

Repair
Repairing a popcorn texture ceiling is slightly difficult, as the differences in texture are easily noticeable when you try to repair one particular patch. Moreover, you must attack the root cause of the damage done to your ceiling (for instance, popcorn ceiling asbestos in which case a professional must handle the repair and removal), else the repair will only be temporary.

1. If there is a hole or a crack in your ceiling that needs to be repaired, then you will have to first fill up the hole with a joint compound before you proceed with the repair process. If it is a water leak, you will have to first take care of that before you repair the ceiling. Else, apply a primer before you repair the ceiling, so as to dry up the leaky area.
2. Use sandpaper to scrape around the damaged area, and remove the surrounding texture. Use a primer on the area to prepare it for a touch up.
3. For a small area, it is easier to use a roller brush than a popcorn ceiling spray. Get the right paint match for the ceiling. Prepare the mix as per the texture that already prevails on it. As is the case with applying fresh popcorn texture, first try out the mix on a small piece of cardboard.
4. Finally apply the texture to the damaged area. If it is close to a wall, ensure that the wall is covered to prevent the paint from affecting it.
5. Ensure that the texture is similar to the surrounding texture. Don't keep painting over it, stop after about two minutes. After it dries check if it matches the area around. Repaint the portion if it doesn't.

Removal
If you are sick of your popcorn ceiling, revamp your interiors, then it is time to get down to work and remove the texture on the ceiling. Popcorn ceiling removal is a simple task that you can undertake yourself. For this, you will have to remove the furniture from your room, cover the walls and electrical switches, and wear protective gear just like you had been asked to while applying the popcorn texture.

A popcorn texture ceiling will last as long as you take good care of it. Of course, if you simply want to do away with it, then removing it and opting for a more modern style is your best bet.