Besides being a key part of the overall design of a space, ceilings have a crucial impact on the overall look and feel of a home. Some ceilings are plain, flat, and barely noticeable, but others are distinctly decorative, which can really grab one’s attention.
There are several different types of ceilings available for you to choose from depending on how you would best like to compliment both the style and décor of your home; among these is a design of irregular and “bumpy ceiling” termed as popcorn ceiling.
What Is A Popcorn Ceiling?
Gaining traction in the late 1950s for their ability to hide imperfections and deaden noise, textured ceilings, or more popularly, popcorn ceilings, are a special type of ceiling treatment typically sprayed on. This ceiling design resembles a variety of appearances ranging from cottage cheese to a more modern popcorn-like texture with a less bubbled look and even something fine and sand-like.
When textured ceilings were trendy, builders employed them in homes because they were inexpensive and were built to boost the room’s acoustics via the decrease of ambient sounds and echoes, thus the other name – acoustic ceiling.
However, acoustic ceilings have become obsolete. Modern homeowners and buyers don’t find acoustic ceilings appealing because they give the home an old-fashioned, stale look.
You don’t have to fret, though; here are some advantages and disadvantages of using popcorn ceilings to help you decide whether this ceiling is the right one for you.
Advantages
Popcorn ceilings provide a number of advantages. If you’re looking for a way to cover your plasterboard’s tape and dirt seams, then this is the best option. While a smooth, non-textured surface may appear appealing, it is extremely difficult to maintain a perfect finish because every blemish and dent will be visible. You can use popcorn ceilings to hide any flaws in your ceilings, from leaks and damage to cracks and even bad craftsmanship.
Installation is also simple and inexpensive with popcorn ceilings. Many spray alternatives make it easy for homeowners to apply textures themselves or find a contractor who can. A popcorn ceiling is a less time-consuming alternative to disguising defects than painting.
Disadvantages
There are many drawbacks to installing or purchasing a home with popcorn ceilings. The first thing you’ll notice is how dense the texture is. This means that painting acoustic ceilings is substantially more difficult than painting a flat surface. This is something to remember if you want to redecorate frequently.
It isn’t easy to fix textured or acoustic ceilings, either. This ceiling must be repaired if damaged, which means cutting out the damaged area and then matching the color and texture afterward. There will be indicators of inconsistency even though many products may help restore the ceiling. For a uniform repair, it may be necessary to redo the ceiling completely.
In addition, because they are rough to the touch, textured ceilings are difficult to clean. As a result, they don’t work well in bathrooms or kitchens. In these rooms, you should opt for a different type of finish.
Removal is probably the most challenging part of having acoustic ceilings. Despite the cheaper installation process, the removal (should you decide to alter your ceiling in the future) is expensive and time-consuming. This may necessitate the services of an expert. Although some homeowners may choose to tackle this repair independently, it is a labor-intensive and challenging undertaking. You’ll need to set aside several days to complete the project on your own.
Lastly, many older, textured ceilings contain asbestos, which can pose a health hazard. This complicates the removal process and increases the risks. It’s in your best interest to have the ceiling tested for asbestos before you begin the removal process yourself. Asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, lung illness, and lung scarring when inhaled in high quantities.
Application Process
Compared to a smooth ceiling, installing a textured ceiling is easier because there isn’t as much preparatory work. It is necessary to clean and prime the surface first before applying the popcorn texture, which is purchased as a dry mix then combined with water. Next, using a hopper gun powered by a compressor, the texture is applied to the ceiling. This method provides the best coverage for the ceiling. There must be an overnight drying period in between coats if you’re going to use more than one. Painting one thick layer is not advisable because the weight of the paint could cause it to pull away from the ceiling.
Maintenance
The rough surface makes it difficult to clean a popcorn ceiling. In addition, dirt, dust, and cobwebs can become stuck in the bumps and crevices, making it more difficult to clean. You can use a feather duster to remove the dust off it. You can also use a vacuum with an attached brush to gently go over the ceiling. It is significant to note that the texture on the ceiling might come loose or crack if rubbed aggressively.
Moreover, remember that these ceilings should never be installed in bathrooms or kitchens. The issue is that both of these rooms collect a lot of moisture. When moisture seeps into the popcorn ceiling, this causes the ceiling texture to become loose and eventually fall.
Smooth ceilings are preferable in bathrooms and kitchens because it is less likely to be damaged by water and easier to clean. A bathroom with a smooth ceiling can be painted with moisture-resistant paint to help it in the long run.
Making The Best Out Of Your Popcorn Ceiling
Popcorn ceilings can be made to stand out by painting them a bright, consistent color. In order to keep them from discoloring, a fresh coat of paint is a must. Additionally, painted popcorn ceilings are less susceptible to further deterioration and accumulation of dust.
Discontinue the use of recessed and flush ceiling lights to improve your lighting. Table and floor lamps can be used to soften the shadows in a room. Your popcorn ceiling will now have a subtle, textured appearance thanks to this technique.
Popcorn ceilings are a charming alternative for a home, and they provide numerous advantages for the owner as well. However, they aren’t for everyone. Because of the drawbacks, these ceilings may be the least desirable choice for some; therefore, you should scrutinize the pros and cons before deciding if you really want one or if you should keep it (should you already have one).