How to Fix a Crack in a Popcorn Ceiling

The textured surface of a popcorn ceiling can be very forgiving, hiding various imperfections from plain view. However, more noticeable damage, such as a crack, could appear with time. In some cases, you can fix the crack yourself in one day. In other cases, you have to get professionals to fix it for you. If it turns out your ceiling's popcorn texture has asbestos in it, as did the popcorn texture installed in many homes prior to the 1990s, you'll potentially have to replace the entire ceiling.

Putty knife
Paintable caulk
Latex primer
Paintbrush
Popcorn texture spray

Instructions

- 1
  Submit a sample of your popcorn ceiling to an asbestos testing facility. You are more likely to have asbestos in your ceiling if your ceiling was installed before 1979. If you do have asbestos, you need to consult a licensed asbestos specialist for advice.
- 2
  Scrape off the part of the ceiling surrounding the crack to widen it so the space around the crack extends about 3 inches on all sides of the crack. Use a stiff putty knife until you reach the paper surface of the ceiling's drywall.
- 3
  Spread paintable caulk with a putty knife over the enlarged crack to fill it.
- 4
  Apply latex primer to the problem area with a paintbrush once the caulk is dry.
- 5
  Spray popcorn texture over the fixed area. You can buy popcorn texture spray in aerosol form at home improvement stores.

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