I'm about to have my contractor work on my first floor ceilings, where the plan was to scrape all the popcorn and then plaster over it. Thankfully, asbestos isn't a concern for my popcorn ceilings. However, just as the job was about to start, I got a call from the contractor saying the ceiling crew is worried that if they scrape the popcorn, the plaster won't stick well to the existing drywall. They suggest putting 3/8 drywall over the popcorn instead, but I'm worried about losing ceiling height since my ceilings are already low. Are they being honest about the adhesion issue, or are they just trying to avoid extra work? What's the best way to go for a good finish? What would you recommend?
3 Answers
Honestly, drywalling over the popcorn is usually the smarter option. It helps you get a flat ceiling and avoids potential mess from scraping. If the popcorn gets damaged while scraping, it can lead to a lot of extra work lining things up again. You might lose about half an inch in ceiling height, but it shouldn't be a huge deal unless you're already super tight on space. Just make sure you trust your contractor’s judgment on this one!
If it’s standard drywall beneath the popcorn, I think they're feeding you a line. I've just scraped off popcorn myself, and once you do that, drywall mud goes on just fine. It’s really straightforward. Just make sure they use the right adhesive or primer—shouldn't be an issue!
Right? Just use the right materials, and you should be good to go!
I've never heard of plaster not sticking to drywall after scraping off popcorn. It sounds like they're trying to avoid all the mess that comes with scraping, which can be a pain if they're not sealing everything off properly. Just remember, even if they drywall over, they'll still have a lot of work to do with taping and sanding, so it's not like it’s any easier for them either.
My ceilings are only 7.5 feet, and with thick flooring going in, I'm really tight on height. I can't afford to lose another half inch!