After removing popcorn from ceiling, what is the EASIEST way to smooth it out?
Question:Some people have said you may have to SKIM the ceiling...what does that mean and how do you do that?
Also, any suggestion for an EASY texturing idea I can do myself?
I scraped the pc off in my little entryway and can't seem to get it perfect. I have tried sanding. What a pain...and I could not seem to get it perfect. HELP
Answers:
One of the reasons for popcorn ceilings is that it hides flaws in the ceiling (bad seams, uneven joists, etc).
The "easiest" way to get a smooth ceiling would be to higher someone else to do it. But I don't think that's what you're looking for :)
"Skim coat" is a thin layer of plaster. It's applied with a wide trowel to achieve a smooth finish. It's a learned skill, and it's not easy to get a really smooth finish - especially when you're working over your head.
You can get a passable job by applying several coats, sanding the high spots between coats, and using a wide (12") taping knife or trowel to fill the low spots. When sanding, use one of the large 4"x9" drywall sanders to achieve an even level.
Another, and much easier alternative is to apply a texture. Just as with the "popcorn", a texture coat will hide imperfections in the wall/ceiling surface. The easiest way to apply texture is with a paint roller. Use topping compound and roll it on just like you'd apply paint. Different nap thicknesses will give you different textures. A 1/8"-1/4" nap will give you a very fine texture. A 3/8" nap will give you a slight orange peel effect. Thicker naps approach knock-down texture. Rolling on a texture is the quickest, easiest, cleanest way to refinish after removing popcorn.
Skim over the ceiling with a VERY thin coat of drywall compound to even everything out.
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