I've been trying to tackle my popcorn ceiling and used a drywall sander to get rid of the bumps, which worked for the most part. Now, the ceiling feels flat but still shows the underlying texture, making it look pimpled and uneven. Scraping off the texture didn't go well either since it's painted and took ages to cover even a small area. I'm looking for advice on how to achieve a smooth, modern finish moving forward. Specifically, can I apply a skim coat directly over this uneven surface? Should I prime first, or just use joint compound? Is it worth trying to remove more texture with a different method, or is skim coating the best option? Any tips for a first-timer doing ceiling work would also be super helpful!
3 Answers
Popcorn ceilings are kinda making a comeback, believe it or not! Some people like that textured look, so don't feel too pressured to get rid of it if you end up liking the classic vibe.
If you're new to this, it might be best to skip the scraping altogether. Instead of trying to fix the texture, consider installing 1/4 inch furring strips and then putting up new 1/4 inch drywall over the old ceiling. That way, you'll definitely achieve a smooth finish!
I suggest going for a skim coat. Start with a "green lid" joint compound, mix it with some water, and it should stick really well. After that, you can do a couple of top coats with a topping mix. If you're looking for a tutorial, check out Vancouver Carpenter on YouTube; he has some great videos on skim coating!
I think that's not the best route. Skim coating over a textured ceiling can be way messier than just putting up new drywall. Think about how much extra work that is!