Popcorn ceilings were all the rage years ago. But they fell out of favor in the 1980s, just like Harvest Gold and Avocado Green appliances. If your home features a popcorn ceiling and you want to get rid of it, the good news is that although it’s a messy task, it’s not a difficult job. This article gives you an idea of how to remove popcorn ceilings.
Before you get started, you’ll need to check and see if the popcorn contains asbestos. If the popcorn was added before 1979, it likely does. To find out, wet a small area and scrape into a plastic bag and take it to get tested. Or have a pro come to your home and test it.
If it’s asbestos free, you can do the job yourself.
Here’s how to remove a popcorn ceiling:
Use a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to completely cover the floor. Put a fan in the window for ventilation. If you don’t have a window, place the fan on the floor but don’t aim it toward the ceiling.
Use a portable hand sprayer to spray down small portions of the ceiling, about a 3’x3’ area. Let the liquid soak in and reapply if it gets dry but don’t get it too wet or it will damage the drywall.
Scrape using a ceiling texture scraper which contains a handy bag to catch falling debris to remove the popcorn. If you don’t have that, a putty scraper will do the trick, but you’ll have to clean up the floor when you’re finished.
When all the texture has been removed, sand the ceiling to ensure smoothness. If it appears to be in good shape, simply prime and paint for that finished look. If that’s not the case, you may need to apply joint compound and a skim coat.
Of course, if you want to avoid the task altogether, you can cover the ceiling with a ceiling product. Choose a decorative option like Fasade faux tin panels or a real tin ceiling like Great Lakes Tin Ceiling panels. Or install a grid system with lay-in panels. You don’t have to live with an ugly popcorn ceiling and fixing the eyesore is easier than you think.
What do you think of popcorn ceilings? Have a unique removal method of your own? Let us know in the comments!
Unless you’re a trained professional, kitchen design on a small budget can seem daunting. Even if you know what you like (and have a defined style), going from concept to completion while keeping stress to a minimum can be a huge challenge.
Before you get started with your remodeling project, do your homework. Get a big picture view of your options and limitations, preferences and “need to haves” vs. “nice to haves.” Once you have some of those ideas figured out, you can narrow down the scope of the project and your plan of attack.
Lifestyle, Budget and Space Considerations
Lifestyle
Do you eat out a lot? Do you like to prepare meals and entertain family and friends? Do you prefer an eat-in kitchen or is a more formal dining room appealing? Your lifestyle will help you determine the features you want in your kitchen design.
Budget
The average cost for an upscale remodel is about $80,000 so be honest about what you can afford and what you want to spend. For example, do you intend to replace your kitchen cabinets or could you get by with refacing or painting them? How long do you plan to stay in your home? Think about the items you want to change or add that can give you the most return on your investment once you go to sell. Consider splurging on things that significantly add resale value and be budget-minded on cosmetic items. Don’t forget unexpected costs. It’s a good idea to set aside 20 percent of your budget for items that pop up along the way.
Shape and amount of space
Are you OK with the general size of your kitchen? If so then you won’t need to move walls, which adds significantly to your costs, especially if it affects mechanical and plumping systems. If you have the room, consider adding an island. It will give you an extra surface for meal prep and serving, as well as valuable storage space and seating.
Inexpensive Updates in Kitchen Design
Open shelving
You don’t have to spend a fortune for some easy upgrades. Removing the upper cabinets and switching to open shelving saves money and the room will look bigger.
Backsplash
A new backsplash goes a long way in transforming the room as well. Consider Fasade decorative vinyl or Aspect peel and stick metal, stone or glass backsplash. With peel and stick application, or a few swipes of construction adhesive, you can easily install either product over a weekend without having to spend money on a contractor.
Replace light fixtures
If your lights are outdated or you simply need more to really see the tasks at hand, new light fixtures will do the trick without breaking the bank. Consider adding pendants over an island.
Paint and accessories
A fresh coat of paint does wonders to enliven the space and really makes a big impact for very little. Another small touch is switching out your cabinet hardware and drawer pulls. Finally, switch out your accessories to put the finishing touch on your project.
For more ideas on how to complete a budget-minded makeover, visit a kitchen design center for tips and see the right countertops, cabinets, flooring and more for your lifestyle and budget.
What are your thoughts on kitchen design on small budget? Let me know in the comments!
When we think of wall panels, often a vision of an outdated 1970s rec room comes to mind. But wall paneling is much different today than it was when it first came onto the scene. Fasade panels are a great alternative to wood paneling.
Wall paneling comes in a variety of materials ranging from the plywood veneer and laminate styles of yesteryear with which we’ve become familiar, to real wood in various species, to reclaimed wood. It is also available in materials that mimic other natural elements such as stone. Depending on the material and size, wall paneling can range in price from $2 per square foot on up.
Fasade wall panels are made of decorative vinyl and measure 4 feet x 8 feet each, allowing you to cover 32 square feet at once. The panels are water- and corrosion-resistant and easily clean with warm, soapy water. Simply apply to the wall with construction adhesive.
Fasade wall panels are available in 24 designs including traditional, modern and contemporary looks. The color offerings come from seven color families, including paintable white for a custom look. Matching trims and outlet covers are also available to complete the look.
For more information, or to purchase Fasade wall panels, visit DIY Decor Store.
