Best Method for Removing Popcorn Ceilings: Scraping vs. Drywall?
Asked by CuriousSquirrel92
Hey everyone! I came across a discussion about removing popcorn ceilings, especially when there's a chance of asbestos in the paint. In the thread, most people suggested scraping as the top choice, followed by adding another layer of drywall to cover it up. Scraping sounds super tedious and messy, while the drywall option could lower the height of the room. I was thinking – why not wet the ceiling with a sprayer first, like in the scraping method, and then cut through the tape at the corners? I could locate all the screws with a magnet and take down the drywall in sheets. Of course, I'd wear PPE while doing it. What do you all think?
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That’s an interesting approach! Honestly, I think testing for asbestos first is always a good move. If you find it, wearing PPE is crucial. I usually just pre-wet and get into it, but if it turns out there’s asbestos, I'd take more precautions before scraping. It makes sense to get a solid grip on your options first.
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Losing height by adding drywall isn't great, especially if you're already short on space! An inch may not sound like much, but every bit counts when you're in a cramped room. I get your idea about spraying first, though – that could definitely help with removal!
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Instead of adding another layer, have you thought about covering the popcorn with drywall compound? It sounds a lot simpler than tearing everything down. Just remember, you'd have to build it up quite a bit to ensure you don't end up sanding through the old paint when you start prepping for a new finish.
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