Popcorn on the brain

I have popcorn ceiling. What is best and most cost effective?

1) Scrap and re-mud?

2) Remud over popcorn

3) Rip down and re-drywall?

Jim K

Jim,

Quite a few people want to to get rid of the popcorn texture on their ceiling.  This look was popular from the 50's up to the 80's.  What we usually do is scrape the ceiling, which if it hasn't been painted is pretty easy to do.  After the scraping, we do a knockdown texture which is fairly subtle.  Then you can paint it. 

If you want a smooth ceiling, I would suggest to scrape then overlay the ceiling with new drywall.  It's a lot of work to scrape and mud and finish up with a smooth look.

Those are the two most common ways we handle the old popcorn.  By the way, although it is called popcorn and may look a little like popcorn, I suggest you do not eat it, as it is pretty dry. 

Jake