How to cover up a popcorn ceiling without removing it?

Author: Sylvester Morar  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

There are four popular options for covering over the ceiling: covering them with ordinary drywall, using a prefinished grid-plank system such as Armstrong's Easy-Up grid system, attaching furring strips, and then installing traditional tongue-and-groove planks or beadboard paneling on the ceiling, or skim coating.

How can I cover my popcorn ceiling without removing it?

Paint: If the popcorn ceiling is in good condition, you can simply paint over it with a high-quality ceiling paint. This is the cheapest option, but it won't change the texture. Thin drywall or ceiling panels: Installing thin sheets of drywall or lightweight ceiling panels can effectively cover the popcorn texture.

What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling?

Beadboard is one of the cheapest ways to cover a popcorn ceiling since you can buy beadboard sheet panels already primed and ready to hang. Just patch seams, fill nail holes, and paint.

What can you cover popcorn ceilings with?

Conceals Imperfections: Covering the textured surface with a new material, such as drywall, beadboard, or ceiling tiles, can effectively hide any imperfections or damage present in the popcorn texture.

Is it safe to skim coat over a popcorn ceiling?

Yes absolutely skim coat it. Use a mud pan and premixed joint compound. Thin coat. It sucks the first coat go around. Apply with a 6'' taping knife and use a 10'' to smooth it around, keeping the angle of the blade tight to skate over the tips of the popcorn.

How To Cover Popcorn Ceiling Without Removing It | Skim Coating Over Popcorn Ceiling

How to convert popcorn ceiling to smooth?

Step-by-Step Skim-Coating Process
  1. Clean the ceiling surface thoroughly.
  2. Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the popcorn texture.
  3. Allow to dry completely, then sand smooth.
  4. Repeat the process if necessary to achieve the desired smoothness.
  5. Prime and paint the new surface.

How much does it cost to skim coat over a popcorn ceiling?

How Much Does it Cost to Skim Coat a Ceiling? Expect to pay between $1.10 and $1.30 per square foot on average for this service. However, labour costs will account for the majority of the project's cost because drywall skimming necessitates precision and expertise that only an experienced contractor can provide.

Is it better to remove popcorn ceiling or cover it?

One benefit to covering popcorn texture versus removing it is not having to deal with the mess or risk of asbestos dust in older homes. Another benefit includes more acoustic ceilings, in case your walls and floors are paper thin.

Can you put ceiling panels over popcorn ceiling?

If you hire a contractor to remove it, it can be expensive. Covering your popcorn ceiling with panels is an easy, cost-effective, and beautiful way to add dimension and value to your home. Below, we will describe how easy and affordable it is to cover your unsightly popcorn or textured ceiling with faux wood planks.

What is the difference between a popcorn ceiling and a stucco ceiling?

Stucco ceilings, also known as Venetian plaster ceilings, are created by hand-troweling a lime-based plaster onto the ceiling in thin layers. Popcorn ceilings, on the other hand, are made of acoustical material that is sprayed on and contains small pieces of Styrofoam or paper.

Can you put plywood over a popcorn ceiling?

It was so much easier than reaching up with all that paint. We used a Bostitch air compressor and nail gun and 1 and 3/8 inch 18 gauge nails to nail the plywood planks into the ceiling. It made for a very speedy job. Between each row, we used a nickel for a spacer.

What is the cheapest way to cover up a popcorn ceiling?

Skim coating is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling with a fresh, smooth surface to top with a new coat of paint.

Can you put beadboard over a popcorn ceiling?

Beadboard can look beautiful, and while it isn't the least expensive way to decorate your ceiling, it can be a smart way to cover up outdated styles like popcorn ceilings—as long as they don't contain asbestos.

Do popcorn ceilings reduce home value?

Removing popcorn ceilings will almost always increase a home's value.

How do you modernize a popcorn ceiling?

Painted white, the subtle texture of beadboard paneling works well in traditional spaces or modern ones, adding a layer of depth in an unconventional place. Panels of beadboard often cost less than 50 cents per square foot, making this a very affordable option, especially for handy DIYers.

Can you put Styrofoam ceiling tiles over popcorn ceiling?

So, if you are looking for a no-scrape, no-mess, solution for popcorn ceilings, you might want to consider these (affiliate link) ​STYROFOAM CEILING TILES.

Can popcorn ceilings be sealed?

One of the main reasons popcorn ceilings start to peel off is that they aren't properly sealed. Here are the steps you need to take to prevent this from happening: Start by sealing the seams and cracks in the ceiling with a sealant or caulk. Then, apply a coat of paint primer to the entire surface.

Can you put something over a popcorn ceiling?

Removing a popcorn ceiling is a messy, time-consuming job. Fortunately, in most cases, it's not necessary because you can easily cover up that unsightly texture with ceiling panels or planks. Most options easily install directly over your existing popcorn ceiling using the Easy Up track and clip installation system.

How much does it cost to skim coat popcorn ceiling?

Skim Coat Over Popcorn Ceiling

The cost to skim coat over a averages $300 to $450 or $1 to $1.50 per square foot. This involves the process of applying a thin layer of plaster directly over the texture, rather than removing it first, and can cut down on the project price by taking away the removal expenses.

Is it hard to patch popcorn ceiling?

However, if (let's face it – when) they are damaged, popcorn ceilings can be difficult to repair. Because of their unique ceiling texture, it can be hard to blend the patch with the existing ceiling.

Is skim coating worth it?

The benefits of skim coating are numerous. It helps hide imperfections such as cracks, nail holes, or other damage. It creates a uniform texture on walls. It makes surfaces easier to clean.

Can you paint over popcorn ceiling to make it smooth?

If your popcorn ceiling needs a refresh, one of the easiest things you can do is give it a fresh coat of paint. Learning how to paint a popcorn ceiling is simple, especially compared to covering your ceiling or removing the texture completely.

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