Can You Cover Popcorn Ceiling With Plaster?

You might be considering redoing your popcorn ceiling. Popcorn ceilings are decreasing in popularity. Many homeowners believe that they look outdated. This is one of the main reasons people want to redo their ceiling. The first step is figuring out how to redo your ceiling. You might be wondering if you can cover a popcorn ceiling with plaster.

You can cover your popcorn ceiling with plaster, but it is not a simple process. You will need to remove any texture from the existing surface by sanding or scrapping off the old layer of finish and add new textured material. The easiest way to do this is to use drywall joint compound as an adhesive for adding texture material on top of the plaster.

Keep reading to learn more about how to cover a popcorn ceiling with plaster and what you need.

Can You Cover Popcorn Ceiling With Plaster?

If you want to get rid of your popcorn ceilings, plaster is an option. This is one of several ways you can redo your ceilings. It is a good option to keep in mind.

Keep in mind that the texture could contain asbestos. According to Family Handyman, this can damage your lungs. You can test this before getting started on the project. This is very important if you are removing the popcorn.

How Much Does It Cost to Cover Ceilings With Plaster?

The cost of a project is important. Keep in mind that the cost can vary greatly. For this project, the size of each room is important. The larger the room, the more plaster you will need. On average, an 8x10 room needs less than $50 of plaster.

Pros and Cons of Using Plaster Instead of Removing Popcorn Ceilings

You might be considering completely removing your popcorn ceilings. It can be a hard decision. Here are the pros and cons of using plaster:

Pros:

• It is easier and less messy than removing the existing plaster.
• You can work on one room at a time.
• It is an inexpensive project.
• You can choose a design with the amount of plaster used and the angle of the knife.
• You can easily cover furniture and flooring.
• You can do this on your own.

Cons:

• It can take a while if you do it on your own.
• You will need to take breaks due to repeating the same motion.

It’s worth noting that you will be left with a hand-plastered look. This can look modern, but it might not fit in some homes. Consider this when making a decision.

Should You Hire a Professional to Help Plaster Popcorn Ceilings?

This is an easy enough task. Most homeowners can do it themselves. You can hire a professional to help. This is a good idea if you do not have a lot of time. If you do not have experience with do-it-yourself tasks, help is a good idea.

A professional might suggest another method. There are several ways to cover up or remove popcorn ceilings. Based on their experience, they may be able to help you decide.

What Do You Need to Plaster Popcorn Ceilings?

Before you begin, you need to find your supplies. Most home improvement stores will have what you need. Here is a list of the needed supplies:

• Joint compound
• Drywall joint knife
• Bucket or paint tray
• Ladder, chair, or step stool
• Plastic to cover flooring and furniture
• Masking tape
• Supplies for clean-up, such as paper towels

What Joint Compound Should You Use?

The type of joint compound is not important. You can use any of the following, according to Den Garden.

• Pre-Mixed
• Lightweight
• All Purpose

Compare the types of plaster at a home improvement store.

How to Plaster Popcorn Ceilings

First, you will need to get the room ready. You can use plastic to cover your floors and furniture. No matter how neat you may be, it’s a good idea to play it safe. You don’t want to ruin your floors or furniture. You should remove vent covers too. According to BidVine, you should sand out uneven areas. This will help the project go smoothly.

Next, you need to get your materials ready. Make sure you have everything you need. Put your plaster in a tray or bucket. Dip your drywall knife into the plaster. You should start with 1/4-1/2 of a cup. You can do a test on a board before covering your ceilings.

Finally, you can start plastering. Position the knife at a 45-degree angle. Then, pull it along the ceiling. Make sure there is enough plaster to cover the popcorn. Continue until you cover the entire ceiling. The plaster should be ¼ inch thick.

You can start in a less obvious space. You might plaster your garage ceilings. You could try plastering the ceilings in a storage space or extra bedroom. Once you get the hang of it, you can move onto the bigger spaces.

Conclusion

Plaster is one way to cover popcorn ceilings. There are other ways to remove or cover popcorn ceilings too. Any of the methods can work well. If you are tired of your outdated popcorn ceilings, give plaster a try. This is a fairly simple task that nearly anyone can do. Be sure to follow the instructions and take safety precautions.