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How to Get Popcorn Walls Smooth Without Scraping

Textured surfaces can add interest and drama to a wall or ceiling and can hide slight imperfections. Many builders use a spray-on popcorn-like material as a quick and inexpensive finish. However, some people prefer a smooth surface to paint or on which to apply wallpaper. The common approach for removing the popcorn finish is to wet and scrape it, which is a time consuming, messy solution made more difficult if the popcorn finish has been painted. There are other options. However, be cautioned. Before working with this material, have it checked for asbestos. If it contains asbestos, check with professionals who can remove it without danger to the health of you or your family. If your surface does not contain asbestos, there are alternative ways to achieve a smooth surface.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4-inch-thick plasterboard or drywall sheets
  • Drywall screws or nails
  • Screwdriver or hammer
  • Joint tape
  • Painter's or masking tape
  • All-purpose joint compound
  • 8- or 10-inch broad putty knife or trowel
  • Long mud pan
  • 100-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper
  • Coarse-grit pole sander
  • Soap and water
  • Cleaning rag
  • Fine-grit sander
  • Drywall primer/sealer
  • Paintbrush
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Instructions

  1. Cover the Surface With Plasterboard

    • 1
      Add sheets of drywall to give a fresh, new surface to your wall.

      This idea may be a bit more expensive, but will ensure a good end result. Purchase enough 1/4-inch-thick plasterboard/drywall sheets to cover the existing wall.

    • 2

      Screw or nail the panels into place. Be sure the screws are long enough to fit through the new wall board as well as the existing one.

    • 3

      Place joint tape along the seams, filling in the joints and nail holes with spackling compound. Feather the compound out from the center to eliminate grooves or mounds in the finished product. Allow the compound to dry completely.

    • 4

      Gently rub the dried joint compound to a smooth finish with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe all loose dust from the wall when finished to provide a clean surface.

    • 5
      Wallpaper looks best applied to a smooth wall.

      Prime the bare wall with drywall primer and paint, or paper the wall.

    Plaster Over the Popcorn Ceiling

    • 6

      If the popcorn surface has been painted and does not flake off when you run your hand over it, you might be able to plaster over it. Applying a layer or two of skim coat can give you the smooth surface that you desire. This option is not suggested if the popcorn is loose since it would pull loose, eliminating the possibility of strong adhesion to the walls. Test a small area first.

    • 7
      Cleaning dirt, dust and grease from the wall helps the plaster to adhere properly.

      Lightly clean the surface with soap and water to remove any loose dirt or dust. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

    • 8

      Protect any trim work from the mud or joint compound by applying painter's tape or masking tape along its edges. Remove wall plates and cover any receptacle boxes, and be sure to turn off the electricity.

    • 9
      A wide putty knife will enable you to work faster and give you more even results.

      Fill any cracks or holes with joint putty.

    • 10

      If you did not buy premixed buckets of joint compound, mix the dry joint compound according to the directions on the product.

    • 11
      Several light layers of joint compound adhere better than one thick one.

      Start at the top of the wall. Using the putty knife or trowel, apply hot mud or all-purpose joint compound evenly on the wall, smoothing as you go. As it dries, you can knock off small imperfections with the edge of the putty knife.

    • 12

      Allow the compound to dry, and then apply a second coat to fill in any remaining rough spots on the first coat. Let the compound dry.

    • 13

      If the surface is still not smooth, a third layer of compound may be needed.

    • 14
      For the best results, do not skip sanding the completed wall to a smooth surface.

      After the wall is dry, use the fine-grit sandpaper to remove any tool marks and smooth the wall.

    • 15

      Brush off loose dust, and then coat the newly surfaced wall with drywall primer/sealer before adding paint or wallpaper.

    Sanding

    • 16
      A pole sander works well on large or high surfaces.

      If you do not want to scrape the ceiling or wall, you can try sanding. Use a coarse-grit pole sander across the whole surface. The popcorn finish should loosen and fall off easily. Be sure to sand evenly, starting in one corner and moving across the wall.

    • 17

      Go over the surface with a fine-grit sander to eliminate any rough or raised spots. If you have any gouges in the surface, fill them with joint compound, let it dry and then sand.

    • 18
      Use a clean, soft paintbrush to brush the dust and residue from the walls before applying a new finish.

      Wipe the dust from the walls, and prime them with drywall primer. Apply the paint or wallpaper.

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Next:

Wall Repairs
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  2. How to Get Paint Runs Out of Walls
  3. How to Get Border Off a Wall
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  5. How to Get Bougainvillea on Walls
  6. How to Get Rid of Sponge-Painted Walls Without Painting
  7. How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling, Walls
  8. How to Make Rough Walls Smooth Again
  9. How to Fill in Picture Holes in Walls
  10. How to Even Out Uneven Walls
  11. How to Get Mayonnaise Off Walls
  12. How to Get Dye Off Walls Without Peeling the Paint

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