What is the simplest solution to repair cracked and discolored popcorn ceilings?
Asked by Stephanie Nelson 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 31, 2024
Do you have any tips on how to deal with the ceiling problems I’m having? The popcorn texture is cracking and peeling off, and there are some discolorations. Thanks in advance! 🙏
Repair the leak, dampen the popcorn ceiling with water, scrape it off, re-tape the joint, apply a thin layer on the ceiling, sand it, prime it, and then paint.
I think you don’t really need to spray the popcorn, it’s falling apart by itself. Definitely repair the leak. Scrape out the damaged area until it’s not easily detachable, apply mud to even it out, use Kilz or a similar product for painting, then spray with popcorn spray (available at any hardware store). Try practicing on a spare drywall piece to perfect the texture first.
Or maybe just eliminate the unpleasant things. And by the way, it’s seen as not very classy
In order to fix the leak, they will need to cut out the damaged sections and replace them with new sheetrock. It’s definitely going to be a challenging task.
Before you do anything else, make sure to tear it out and put in a new one.
I have to deal with it every single day. The first step is to stop the leak and then get rid of all the mold.
I really hope you reconsider, because it seems like you’re not doing it correctly.
Clarify
What’s your plan? Just cover it with paint?
Didn’t intend to come across as harsh. But you can’t simply “kill mold.” That’s not the issue.
Why is it that you can’t? Can you explain it to me once more?
Go ahead and laugh if you want. But killing mold is not the focus when it comes to mold remediation. No professional remediator or restoration institution is concerned with dead vs alive mold. The main goal is SOURCE REMOVAL. If you spray something to kill mold and then dry it out, you only create a more dangerous situation where mold spores become smaller and more easily inhaled. You need to contain the area, remove contaminated materials, dry, sand, HEPA vacuum, and clean thoroughly. If you deal with mold often, consider getting WRT and AMRT certifications from the IICRC. It’s a worthwhile investment. Whether mold is alive or dead, as long as it’s safely removed from the building, that’s what matters.
If the building was constructed prior to 1978, it’s important to test for asbestos as it is mandated by law.
The testing requirement varies by state. In my state, homeowners can dispose of suspected materials for free, even though they don’t care much about it.
Is mistaken. Asbestos regulations fall under federal EPA laws, which are then delegated to states. In cases where states fail to regulate, federal rules take precedence. I have been certified in lead and asbestos for 15 years now, and I am well-versed in the existing regulations. However, a significant number of contractors, property owners, and handymen remain unaware of these rules. Nevertheless, the regulations are applicable to all.
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-laws-and-regulations
I appreciate your concern but after working as a professional painter for more than 40 years, I can confidently say that most individuals find the cost and time investment to be unmanageable!
I have always made sure to use proper PPE, but unfortunately, many others do not!
Perused the regulations. Fine of 10k per day.
Just a thought – do you believe most people who do small home renovations actually get permits or inform the government beforehand?
Hey , you got the date mixed up. It’s actually before 1985, for any building with over 3 units or any commercial building, regardless of age. All of them require a survey. It’s an EPA regulation. OSHA mandates an asbestos survey for all buildings, no exceptions.
Hey, could you also fix the wall while you’re at it?
Personally, I would take advantage of that opportunity to remove the popcorn ceiling.
First thing to do is locate and fix any leaks.
My situation was so chaotic that I ended up strapping and installing a new ceiling…
That’s the reason I mix popcorn with primer instead of water… it leads to better adhesion! It seems like you might be dealing with a moisture issue.
Yeah, I’d recommend hiring a restoration company. It’s not just a cosmetic issue. There could also be asbestos present, and a professional company can test for that.
Let’s start by fixing the leak.