How to EASILY Remove Popcorn Ceilings and Paint Them White! DIY Start-to-Finish

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Easily Remove Popcorn Ceilings and Paint Them White

Materials Needed:

1. Plastic drop cloths
2. Pump sprayer or airless sprayer
3. 10-inch putty knife
4. Painting pole
5. Strong tape (duct tape or gaff tape)
6. Sanding paper (150 grit)
7. Pole sander
8. Primer (Kilz primer recommended)
9. Flat white paint (Promar 400 or any other preferred brand)
10. Paintbrushes
11. Painting tray

Step 1: Preparing the Room

1. Turn off the circuit to the light fixtures and remove any light fixtures, ceiling fans, and air conditioning vents from the ceiling.
2. Cover walls and floors with plastic drop cloths to protect them from the popcorn material.

Step 2: Removing Popcorn Ceilings

1. Use a pump sprayer to wet the popcorn ceiling thoroughly without soaking through the drywall.
2. Tape a 10-inch putty knife to a painting pole securely.
3. Scrape the wet popcorn off the ceiling using the putty knife attached to the pole.
4. Clean up the removed popcorn using drop cloths and dispose of it properly.

Step 3: Sanding the Ceiling

1. Attach sanding paper (150 grit) to a pole sander.
2. Extend the pole to make sanding easier and smoother.
3. Sand the ceiling by moving the sander back and forth until the ceiling is smooth.
4. Vacuum the area to remove dust and debris.

Step 4: Priming the Ceiling

1. Apply primer (Kilz primer recommended) on the exposed drywall using a paintbrush and a paint pole.
2. Ensure good coverage by going back and forth multiple times over the area.
3. Pay special attention to corners and edges for a clean finish.

Step 5: Painting the Ceiling

1. Apply the first coat of flat white paint (Promar 400 or preferred brand) on the primed ceiling.
2. Roll back and forth over the same area multiple times to ensure good coverage.
3. Paint corners and edges with a brush for a neat finish.
4. Check for imperfections and shiny spots using a work light.

Step 6: Applying Final Coats

1. Apply the final coats of flat white paint on the ceiling, ensuring good coverage and a smooth finish.
2. Allow the paint to dry completely before checking for any touch-ups.
3. Wrap paintbrushes in cling wrap for later use.

Step 7: Final Inspection

1. Check the painted ceiling for any imperfections or areas that may need touch-ups.
2. Enjoy your modern flat white ceiling transformation from the old popcorn ceiling.

By following these steps, you can easily remove popcorn ceilings and paint them white to give your room a fresh and modern look. Remember to prioritize safety by wearing protective gear and properly disposing of materials. Enjoy your newly renovated space!