How can I repaint my ceiling to avoid peeling after removing all the paint?
Asked by Inés Carbajal 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 14, 2024
I decided to tackle my popcorn ceiling and got most of it off, but there are still some bits left behind. I thought painting over it would do the trick, but the paint ended up peeling once it dried. Now I’m stuck trying to fix the messed-up surface by removing the paint. Any ideas on how to repaint it without running into the same issue? Check out this pic of the current situation.
Make sure to start by using a good primer, okay?
My initial thought as well, Kevin rubb
Oh no, you forgot to use primer first?
Before you start painting, sand the ceiling and then apply 2-3 coats of primer. Ceilings are typically painted with flat paint, but using semi-gloss will help hide imperfections even more.
Did you remember to use primer?
How did you manage to get rid of the popcorn ceiling?
Ina Brown: I noticed a sander-like tool that sucks the residue into an attached tank. On the other hand, my husband and his dad opted for a spray bottle of water and a scraper to remove theirs. They mentioned that it comes off easily once wet.
Spray a section with water, wait 5 minutes, then scrape it off. You’ll see all the paint come off easily with minimal dust.
Hey , be careful with that sander unless you’re a pro. Cheap ones are not reliable.
Just use a mixture of water, dawn soap, vinegar, and a scraper. And always follow local guidelines if you find asbestos in the popcorn ceiling.
Did you apply primer? This shouldn’t have happened if you did
Looks like it needs some mud.
The paper will absorb the paint and requires a protective layer.
Wow, your ceiling looks so sharp! 👀👀
I did the same thing in my garage once. Make sure to use a quality primer designed for bare Sheetrock. Apply several coats before painting.
Applying PVA primer.
For sure, use PVA primer and maybe consider adding some “peel stop” as well.
Have you considered Zinnser ardz for this project?
Before painting, make sure to use oil-based Kilz to cover and conceal any water stains.
I’m on board with everyone else. Drywall tends to absorb paint, so you need a sealer. When dealing with popcorn ceilings, opt for a primer labeled as a “drywall sealer.” I typically apply two coats of the sealer followed by two coats of ceiling paint.
So, here’s the plan:
1. Remove as much paint as possible
2. Skim coat
3. Apply drywall sealer (primer)
4. Paint
If you’ve removed the paper from the drywall, you should start by sealing the bare drywall with an oil-based primer. This will prevent moisture from the joint compound from seeping into the drywall and causing blistering. Then, proceed with skim coating the damaged area. After sanding, apply a latex primer over the joint compound before adding the finish coat.
Hmm, it really depends on how much paint you can peel off. Skim coating might not be needed after all. Make sure to sand it down properly after skimming to check for any ridges. You can skip this step in other rooms if the seams are already taped and mudded. Luckily, that was the case in my house, so I only had to touch up a few areas before proceeding with priming and painting. The goal of a skim coat is to create a smooth surface, so you’ll have to decide if it’s smooth enough. Remember, it’s still as porous as drywall, so sealing is necessary.
Just a quick note, sanding between each coat is crucial, regardless of whether you’re skim coating, priming, or painting. This is what helps each coat stick to the previous one. Skim coating, especially on a ceiling, can be tricky to master. If you manage to remove most of the paint and sand it thoroughly, you might want to skip skimming. However, you also want to avoid having to redo everything a third time, so you’ll have to make judgment calls as you work on it to determine what’s needed.
When working on plain drywall, don’t forget to apply a primer. Just using primer paint won’t do the job.
I recommend using Sun-Set-NOT-Kills odorless primer! It dries quickly and gets the job done fast.
If you’re dealing with old popcorn ceilings from before the 1980s, it’s crucial to have them tested for asbestos before beginning removal.
You really should have used an alkyd primer to seal it. The water in the latex paint caused the remaining substances to deteriorate.
Apply two coats of a high-quality multipurpose primer with a 1/2 inch nap. Lastly, go for the flattest white ceiling paint you can find.