Stucco Removal Toronto - Pros/Cons and Some Tips by Painting Contractor

Author: Mas Construction

Popcorn ceilings became popular in the 1970s. Back then, contractors installed roofs because they were cheap and easy, plus they hid imperfections and reduced ambient noise in them.

Now its old fashion, owners choosing stucco ceiling removal Toronto. So here are some tips and pros/cons.

Pros of Stucco Ceiling Removal:

Increase Home Value

Since popcorn caps are no longer popular, they can lower a home's value. However, many buyers immediately drop their bid price upon seeing a house's popcorn ceilings.

Removing the ceilings and leveling the roofs from the flat surface can increase the buyer's interest and, ultimately, the home's value.

Modern Search

Stucco Ceiling Removal will instantly modernize the look of a home. Whether homeowners want to improve the the appearance of potential buyers or just for their enjoyment, a smooth surface the ceiling is considered much more aesthetic.

Economic Renovation

Although the process requires a considerable time commitment, it is a reasonably inexpensive remodeling project. Only a few basic sanding, scraping, and painting tools are needed. The actual cost will depend on the size of the cap.

Cons of Stucco Ceiling Removal:

Paint Difficulty

Popcorn ceiling removal is a much more complex process if the ceiling has been painted. The removal process begins with moisturizing the popcorn material to facilitate removal.

Because you cannot correctly wet painted popcorn material, it needs a more extensive removal process. For that, you need a professional painting contractor.

Labor Intensive

Popcorn ceilings can be challenging to remove. It will take homeowners several hours --- and probable days --- to complete the project, depending on the size of the roof. A ceiling that has been painted or contains asbestos will take even more time and work.

Asbestos Possible

Many popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. The presence of asbestos can make the removal process more complex and can be dangerous for the people living in the house during the renovation.

Be sure to send a small sample of the ceiling to an EPA-certified testing lab to determine if asbestos is present before you begin renovations.

Supply List

Before you start scratching and redrawing, head to your local hardware store, and buy the following items.

  • Plastic drops
  • Painter's tape
  • Ladder
  • Protective equipment
  • Pump sprayer
  • Ceiling Texture Scraper
  • Composed of drywall (joint compound)
  • Sanding sponge
  • Putty knife and utility knife
  • Large trowel for a smooth finish
  • Texture sprayer for a textured finish
  • White ceiling paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paint sprayer (optional)

How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings

Protect the space:

Take the time to do the preparation work necessary to protect your space sufficiently. It makes a big difference when cleaning up at the end of the project, and it also limits your exposure to harmful chemicals.

First, test your ceiling for asbestos. It is the most crucial step of your project. If your roof contains asbestos, discard your DIY plans and hire a local painting contractor Toronto to handle asbestos properly.

Remove items from the space. Move your furniture out of the room for easy cleaning.

Position of the protective screens. Place drop sheets on each part of the floor, securing them to the base moulding to avoid gaps.

If you are doing only one piece, consider sticking a drop cloth over the door to prevent dust from escaping (if you are doing this, be sure to open a window).

Moisten the texture

Moisten the texture of the popcorn to minimize dust and loosen it from the drywall. Some people use a spray bottle to spray the ceiling, but a pump sprayer makes the process a bit easier.

Fill the sprayer. You don't need any particular formula. The waterworks are well.

Moisten five square feet at a time. Lightly spray a little five foot square before scraping. Do not use too much water, as this can damage the underlying drywall. If the texture does not itch quickly, spray a little more water on the surface.

Wait 10 minutes. Allow the texture to absorb moisture for about 10 minutes before scraping off.

Scrape the texture

When the water penetrates enough, the texture should fall from the ceiling with a slight scratch.

Put on protective gear. Put on your gloves, mask, and safety glasses before scratching.

Scrape in a small square. Start scratching in the area that you have moistened. Use your ceiling scraper for ease.

Use your putty and utility knives. For texture in the corners and by moulding, scrape with a putty knife. For stubborn areas, try using a utility knife to remove them.

Complete the room. Continue to moisten small areas, let the water soak in, and then scrape up the texture until everything is removed.

Wipe down the ceiling. Use a damp paper towel to wipe down the roof. It removes the remaining dust residue.