Feature Story

Easy Popcorn Ceiling Cover Up

Tackling an outdated popcorn ceiling? It doesn't have to be an intimidating project. With the right approach, it can be an easy weekend DIY task. Let's dive into an uncomplicated, step-by-step guide on how to cover a popcorn ceiling, enhancing your space's aesthetic and value.

8 Cheap & Easy Popcorn Ceiling Makeovers - Easy Popcorn Ceiling Cover Up - Home Improvement Projects
8 Cheap & Easy Popcorn Ceiling Makeovers - Easy Popcorn Ceiling Cover Up - Home Improvement Projects

The first step is preparation. Gather your materials - joint compound, joint tape, drywall screws, drywall panels, sandpaper, primer, and paint. Safety gear like goggles, gloves, and a dust mask are also crucial.

How To Cover a Popcorn Ceiling - Sprucing Up Mamahood
How To Cover a Popcorn Ceiling - Sprucing Up Mamahood

Safety First: Preparation and Protection

Popcorn ceilings often hide asbestos or other harmful materials. Before starting, ensure your ceiling is safe by hiring a professional for testing, if necessary.

Most-liked video | 5.8K views · 5.4K reactions | 5 MONTHS LATER…still ZERO REGRETS 👇 Are you OVER THE POPCORN CEILINGS???  Scrapping your Popcorn ceilings is always an option (with proper testing for asbestos)  BUT MAYBE YOU SHOULD CONSIDER… ***Beadboard Over Popcorn Ceiling!***   NO MESSY SCRAPING  It will HIDE INPERFECTIONS or damage in ceiling   ADDS architectural interest and charm   Can INCREASE HOME VALUE with an updated look ⸻ ***WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS PROJECT*** Beadboard panels 4x8 or planks (MDF or wood) Stud finder Measuring tape Ladder Construction adhesive (Liquid Nails) Finishing Nail gun 15-16g Finishing nails 3in length Trim or crown molding (to finish edges) Caulk and paint Also, this is very much a TWO PERSON OR MORE JOB! It is a definite arm workout! 🤣  I hope this helps inspire you🫶🏼 #popcornceilingremoval#beadboard#homereno#diyhomerenovation#diyhomeprojects | Sarah Troop•Southern Sand Interiors | Facebook
Most-liked video | 5.8K views · 5.4K reactions | 5 MONTHS LATER…still ZERO REGRETS 👇 Are you OVER THE POPCORN CEILINGS??? Scrapping your Popcorn ceilings is always an option (with proper testing for asbestos) BUT MAYBE YOU SHOULD CONSIDER… ***Beadboard Over Popcorn Ceiling!*** NO MESSY SCRAPING It will HIDE INPERFECTIONS or damage in ceiling ADDS architectural interest and charm Can INCREASE HOME VALUE with an updated look ⸻ ***WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS PROJECT*** Beadboard panels 4x8 or planks (MDF or wood) Stud finder Measuring tape Ladder Construction adhesive (Liquid Nails) Finishing Nail gun 15-16g Finishing nails 3in length Trim or crown molding (to finish edges) Caulk and paint Also, this is very much a TWO PERSON OR MORE JOB! It is a definite arm workout! 🤣 I hope this helps inspire you🫶🏼 #popcornceilingremoval#beadboard#homereno#diyhomerenovation#diyhomeprojects | Sarah Troop•Southern Sand Interiors | Facebook

Clear the room of furniture, cover floors with drop cloths, and seal off vents.

Removing the Popcorn

a man working on the ceiling in his kitchen with text overlay saying how to plank popcorn ceilings the easy way
a man working on the ceiling in his kitchen with text overlay saying how to plank popcorn ceilings the easy way

Some prefer to remove the popcorn texture entirely. Use a spray bottle with water to soften the texture, then scrape it off with a wide-bladed knife or a similar tool.

Alternatively, apply a thin layer of joint compound to the ceiling, let it dry, then sand smooth for a clean surface.

Screwing Up and Taping Seams

a collage of photos with the words don't remove your popcorn ceilings - cover it
a collage of photos with the words don't remove your popcorn ceilings - cover it

Next, attach drywall panels using drywall screws, staggering seams to ensure structural integrity. Let the compound dry, then apply joint tape over the seams, pressing firmly to remove wrinkles.

Apply a second layer of joint compound, reinforcing the tape and filling any voids.

Finishing Touches: Sanding, Priming, and Painting

an image of popcorn ceilings with the words 8 creative ways to cover popcorn ceilings
an image of popcorn ceilings with the words 8 creative ways to cover popcorn ceilings

Once the compound is dry, lightly sand the ceiling with fine-grit sandpaper, collecting dust regularly to maintain a smooth surface.

Vacuum and wipe the ceiling to remove any residual dust, then apply a coat of primer to seal the surface and promote paint adherence.

The Easy and Affordable Way to Cover a Popcorn Ceiling
The Easy and Affordable Way to Cover a Popcorn Ceiling
DIY Tutorial: Covering Popcorn Ceilings with Beadboard Panels
DIY Tutorial: Covering Popcorn Ceilings with Beadboard Panels
Update Old Popcorn Ceilings Without Removing Them With One Simple DIY Solution - House Digest
Update Old Popcorn Ceilings Without Removing Them With One Simple DIY Solution - House Digest
DIY Shiplap Ceiling Makeover (Beginner Friendly)
DIY Shiplap Ceiling Makeover (Beginner Friendly)
20+ Creative Ways to Cover Popcorn Ceilings
20+ Creative Ways to Cover Popcorn Ceilings
Cover your ugly popcorn ceiling with this!
Cover your ugly popcorn ceiling with this!
How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings; What to Know Before You Start
How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings; What to Know Before You Start
DIY Paneled Ceiling (How to Cover Popcorn Ceilings)
DIY Paneled Ceiling (How to Cover Popcorn Ceilings)
How to Cover a Popcorn Ceiling With a DIY Faux Coffered Ceiling - DIY and Home Improvement
How to Cover a Popcorn Ceiling With a DIY Faux Coffered Ceiling - DIY and Home Improvement
How To Cover A Popcorn Ceiling Without Removing It | Gb Hometalk Summer Inspiration
How To Cover A Popcorn Ceiling Without Removing It | Gb Hometalk Summer Inspiration
Cover Popcorn Ceilings | Kanopi by Armstrong
Cover Popcorn Ceilings | Kanopi by Armstrong
how to cover popcorn ceilings with beadboard
how to cover popcorn ceilings with beadboard
How To Cover Your Popcorn Ceiling With Minimal Mess (Interior Decorating Ideas)
How To Cover Your Popcorn Ceiling With Minimal Mess (Interior Decorating Ideas)
How To Cover Popcorn Ceilings With Easy Interior Decorating Tips For The Home
How To Cover Popcorn Ceilings With Easy Interior Decorating Tips For The Home
3 Cheap Ways To Cover Popcorn Ceiling
3 Cheap Ways To Cover Popcorn Ceiling
Removing Popcorn Ceilings - How We Did It
Removing Popcorn Ceilings - How We Did It
Light Grey Faux Wood Styrofoam Ceiling Planks for Popcorn Ceiling Cover Up, Glue up Shiplap Ceiling Panels, DIY Ceiling Makeover - Etsy
Light Grey Faux Wood Styrofoam Ceiling Planks for Popcorn Ceiling Cover Up, Glue up Shiplap Ceiling Panels, DIY Ceiling Makeover - Etsy
How to Cover Popcorn Ceilings with Beadboard: Step-by-Step Guide - Shoe Makes New
How to Cover Popcorn Ceilings with Beadboard: Step-by-Step Guide - Shoe Makes New

Coloring the Ceiling

Now, it's time to paint! Use a high-quality ceiling paint and a roller with a long handle for even coverage. Larger rooms may require a second coat for full opacity.

Choose a lighter color for a bright, airy feel, or opt for a darker hue for a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The choice is yours!

Finally, slowly reintegrate your furniture and decor as your newly covered ceiling dries. Step back, admire your handiwork, and revel in transforming your space with an easy, tried-and-true method.