Popcorn ceilings are a popular ceiling type that can be dangerous to remove or repair due to asbestos use in older builds. The popcorn ceiling’s bumpy texture can also make it more complicated to match after a repair. In this article, we’ll discuss a simple do-it-yourself method to match the texture of your popcorn ceiling.
Why Do Builders Use Popcorn Ceiling Texture?
Popcorn ceilings rose to popularity in the latter half of the 20th century as a quick, easy-to-install, and cost-effective way to finish flat, boring ceilings. The added texture hides minor imperfections and helps absorb and deaden sounds so they can’t be heard from above. It also accepts primer, paint, and additives such as glitter well.
Why Is Removing Popcorn Ceiling Texture Dangerous?
In the past, ceiling texture manufacturers used asbestos as an additive to make their products more durable. These products were taken off the shelf in 1978 along with lead-based paints. Most manufacturers replaced the asbestos component with styrofoam or other lightweight materials such as paper fibers, but the shapes of the texture remained largely the same.
The asbestos in old popcorn ceiling texture is safe after it’s sealed with paint, so long as it’s not scraped or sanded. Even if the texture’s been painted over, trying to remove it yourself will send the asbestos fibers airborne and uncontained.
If you want to replace your popcorn ceiling, you should first find out when the material was installed. Do not disturb the ceiling if installed before or shortly after 1978, as asbestos exposure can cause health problems, including cancer. Instead, hire a professional with the proper training and equipment to remove the texture safely.
How Do We Match a Popcorn Ceiling Texture?
The easiest way to match a popcorn ceiling texture is to purchase a repair kit suitable for your popcorn ceiling style. Two popular styles are cottage cheese and acoustic, which refer to the texture’s size and shape.
For these steps, we’ll assume the popcorn texture was installed after 1978 or that a remediation specialist has already safely removed the asbestos. We’ll approach the repair as a roof leak fix, which is the most common reason you’d need to match the texture.
Materials and Tools
Before beginning the repair, gather these items:
- Safety gear, including a respirator, goggles, and gloves
- Utility knife
- Straightedge
- Putty knife
- Paintbrush or sprayer
- Paper towels
- Color-matched paint
- Popcorn ceiling repair kit that matches your texture style
Steps to Match a Popcorn Ceiling Texture
Use the dropdown tabs below to learn more about each step of the process:
Cutting a sample may not be necessary if you have experience working with popcorn ceilings. Generally speaking, though, it’s the safest method to ensure a match.
Cut a small sample from the popcorn texture using a straightedge and utility knife. The sample should be at least the size of a quarter and represent the color of the ceiling. It should also have as little popcorn as possible so the team at your paint store can get an exact color match.
Before applying the patch material, ensure the area is dry and stable, with no flaking or peeling of the remaining popcorn. This will help the new material bond with the drywall.
Most popcorn repair kits come with the texture already mixed, but some need to be mixed with water. After the material is ready, apply it with a disposable paint brush or crumpled paper towel. Use a stippling technique and layer the texture until you have matched the pattern.
The new popcorn texture will dry within a day or two depending on the relative humidity. We don’t recommend trying to speed up the drying time with a dehumidifier. This may cause the popcorn to dry too quickly and crack, especially if the texture is thick.
Instead, let the material dry at the room’s ambient temperature and humidity. Once it’s completely dry, you can repaint it with your color-matched paint.
When to Call a Professional
While matching popcorn ceiling texture can be a DIY project, these are a few situations where professional help might be useful:
- You have a large repair area that’s difficult to blend seamlessly.
- The ceiling has potential asbestos content.
- There’s structural damage underlying the texture.
- You’re unsure you can find a satisfactory match.
Hiring a professional can be more costly than doing it yourself. According to Angi, removing a popcorn ceiling costs about $6 per square foot on average. You may pay more or less depending on the complexity of the project and your location. However, the investment may be worth it for the peace of mind and quality of work.
