How to cover popcorn ceilings with plaster: save a fortune with this DIY

textured popcorn ceiling
popcorn ceiling a textured effect

Popcorn ceiling is a textured effect commonly found in older homes.  Once popular for their noise-reducing qualities and easy application, people have grown to find these textured surfaces unattractive and outdated. The good news is there are various options to cover popcorn ceilings, and one of the best ways is through skim coating with plaster. This guide will walk you through the easiest process for how to cover popcorn ceiling with plaster. 

A safety warning to consider regarding popcorn ceilings

DIY skimming tools and bucket of plaster

The easiest way to cover a textured ceiling with plaster is through a simple process called skim coating. Before starting the project, assess the condition of your popcorn-textured ceiling. If your old ceiling is in good condition without water damage or sagging, covering it may be the best option. If the ceiling is damaged or degraded seek professional advice before touching it unless you have had a negative test for Asbestos. 

⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: If you are skimming over untested Artex, avoid disturbing it (e.g., drilling, sanding, or scraping), as it may contain asbestos. Asbestos-containing Artex is not dangerous if left undisturbed, but inhaling the fine dust released from damaged material can lead to life-threatening illnesses. ⚠️

If your popcorn ceiling is untested and installed prior to the year 2000, you should consider testing the ceiling for Asbestos. You can use an asbestos test kit with the required PPE or contact a professional to ensure the safety of your living space. 

How to cover popcorn ceiling with plaster – a step-by-step guide

1. Prepare the Area

artex ceiling with light fittings taped off with blue painters tape.

Skim coating is a messy job, so I recommend covering areas that will cop it! For example cover floors, furniture, and light fixtures with sheets of paper or old material (these are better for the environment than buying disposable plastic dust sheets for DIY projects). I also recommend a dust mask, as working with materials like plaster and drywall joint compound can create a lot of dust and eye protection is also a good idea as during the process, you are up a ladder very close to the surface you are applying it to. 

Let’s talk about covering popcorn ceilings… for this DIY project, you have a few options, each with different time constraints and levels of difficulty, but skim coating offers the best way to achieve a smooth surface. Skim coating, where you apply a thin layer of joint compound over the popcorn texture, is my preferred option although this technique requires a bit of skill it provides the most modern finish.

You will need

volden skim coat tub from B&Q

You’ll need basic tools such as 

Skimming spreader

Wide putty knife

drywall joint compound aka ready mixed skim coat

​Dust sheets

A container to mix the plaster in 

​Some water to dilute it with

Sandpaper (optional)

Soft brush

Paint & paintbrush

Ladder

Gloves & mask

Let’s get started…

popcorn ceiling smoothing in progress

Start by mixing your joint compound/skim coat  with a little water until it has a creamy consistency, then spread a thin layer over the popcorn surface. Work in small sections to ensure even coverage. The first coat is all about getting a layer on the ceiling, so don’t worry too much about it looking perfect. Don’t layer it too thick or it will be heavy and take a while to dry (and could even pull the popcorn surface) 2mm is is the ideal thickness). 

Second coat applied and drying of skim for popcorn ceiling

Skim coating requires several coats, so after applying the first coat, let it dry for about 24 hours. Sand down the dried surface to smooth any bumps before applying the next layer if you are sure you don’t have asbestos artex, otherwise gently smooth any bumps with a slightly damp sponge or wait until the skim coat is almost dry and gently glide the edge of the palette knife over it knocking off any imperfections. This step is time-consuming but provides the best results in the long run for a smooth ceiling.

DIY skim coat for textured artex or popcorn ceiling

Address Obstacles and Light Fixtures

Popcorn ceiling with masking tape around light fittings

Skim coating around light fixtures and ceiling fans can be tricky. Be sure to cover any fixtures with masking tape as shown in the images. 

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Smooth ceiling after DIY skim coat over texture

Once you’ve achieved a smooth surface with your skim coating, finish off the project with a fresh coat of paint. A white or neutral-colored paint will make your ceiling look clean and modern, enhancing the appearance of the entire ceiling and living space. I opted for a brilliant colour match from B&Q, which had a touch of pink in to give it a modern feel without being too dull. 

Smooth ceiling after DIY skim coat over texture
Smooth ceiling after DIY skim coat over texture

Final Tips

  1. Skill Level and Time Constraints: If you’re a DIY enthusiast, skim coating may be the cheapest option, though it requires time and patience. For those with less experience, covering the ceiling with new drywall or ceiling tiles might be the easiest way to get the job done.
  2. Avoiding Asbestos: If your home contains asbestos, the cleanest way to deal with it is by covering the popcorn texture rather than disturbing it. This method minimizes the possibility of asbestos exposure.
  3. Make sure you have a ladder of the required height handy to make accessing the ceiling easy (& safe!)

Final thoughts…

While popcorn ceiling removal is a common goal for homeowners, covering it with plaster, although a time-consuming process, can be the best and easiest solution and is often the cheapest way of dealing with this ugly textured surface. Applying a skim coat offers a chance to refresh your ceiling and improve your home design without having to go through the dusty and potentially hazardous removal process and the finished result is beautiful plaster ceilings. 

You can check out lots more info on my Instagram here…

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *