Ceiling Texture Tricks

Acoustical Sound Barrier

• If your home has large walls, and no carpet installed, a ceiling texture may be beneficial. Rooms with hard wood floors, tile or other hard surfaces do not absorb or stop sound from vibrating through the room. Popcorn ceiling texture is often known as an acoustical sound barrier. Still, this ceiling texture has decreased in popularity. However, other textures such as hand applied textures and even faux finish plasters will absorb sound and reduce the echoes in the room.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal

• Popcorn ceilings became popular in the late 1950s through the 1980s. The texture was sprayed onto homes' ceilings to disguise poor drywall work. Contractors often did not paint the ceilings after the texture was sprayed on, saving additional money. Many homeowners want to remove the dated texture and replace it with other texture or leave ceilings smooth. Always have popcorn ceilings checked for asbestos if your home was built before 1980. If the results are negative, saturate the popcorn texture with water. Allow the moisture to sit for about 20 minutes. The texture will become moist and easily pull off the ceiling. Scrape off the texture using a plastic putty knife or blade. Do not gouge the ceiling.

Knockdown Texture

• Knockdown texture may be applied by hand, if you do not have experience using a plaster hopper to spray paint on your ceiling. Additionally, the project is not as messy and you don't have to worry about over spray. Roll on joint compound in random sections of your ceiling. Small crests and points will form from the joint compound. Use a drywall trowel to knock down these bumps. A smooth, textured surface will form. Allow the compound to dry for about 24 hours before painting.

Cleaning

• Cleaning texture may be difficult. In some instances, you may create a larger patch of dirt than the one you started with. Vacuum your ceilings on a regular basis with a soft brush attachment. Regular vacuuming decreases dirt buildup. Clean dirt and stains with a damp rag or sponge. Many times, giving your textured ceiling a fresh coat of paint will give your ceiling the cleanest look possible. After repainting your ceiling, always keep extra paint around for future touch ups.