Popcorn ceilings… they were a germophobe’s nightmare; bumpy, irregular surfaces, impossible to wash, prone to soaking up odors and allergens, hiding spider webs and dirt, and often containing asbestos. Not only were they hideous: they were everywhere! Thankfully, the era of popcorn ceilings has largely gone by. In fact, we are even seeing the beginning of a new era in which painting your ceilings a more adventurous color is a very popular option!
If you are thinking about doing something new with your ceilings, here is a brief guide to get you started.
Lose the Popcorn Texture
The first step to getting a stylish, trendy, healthy, cleanable ceiling is to remove the popcorn texture. This can be done by getting it a little wet and scraping with a putty knife. Be aware, however, that many homes have asbestos in the popcorn texture. If that is the case in your home, or if you aren’t sure, it’s better to hire a trained professional.
Once the popcorn texture is removed (and the considerable mess is cleaned up), the ceiling will need some repair work to become smooth and ready to paint. It will also need a coat of primer.
Another option that some professional contractors prefer over scraping is to install another thin layer of drywall over (or technically, below) the popcorn ceiling. This can be a faster, more effective way to achieve a smooth ceiling.
Decide on a Color for Painting Your Ceilings
For a classic, impossible-to-fail look, go with a flat white paint for your ceiling. This will provide a clean, subtle backdrop for the other color choices in your room, and it will never clash or go out of style. Flat paint hides imperfections better than other sheens, and since we don’t often scrub our ceilings, it doesn’t matter that it is not as abrasion resistant.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous, here are some other ideas that can make your ceiling add considerably to the beauty and interest of your room:
- Paint the ceiling a lighter shade of the wall color. This makes the ceiling feel higher and the room feel bigger, and it is sure to match.
- Use a darker shade of the wall color on the ceiling. This also is sure to match, but it has the effect of drawing more attention upwards. The ceiling feels a little lower and closer, but it also has a striking, noteworthy appearance.
- Go with something totally different! If your walls are a neutral color like tan or gray, there is a whole host of color options that will look great on your ceiling without clashing. Choose something bright, a color that will match some other item in the room, such as a throw pillow or a piece of artwork.
- Use a non-white neutral on the ceiling, such as beige, gray, or even black!
Choosing a Local House Painter
One of the most important keys to painting your ceilings well is finding the right painter to do it. You want someone who communicates well, who takes responsibility for a job well done, and who provides premium quality at a reasonable price.
Cherry Hill Painting is just such a company! We have been painting homes in New Jersey and the Philadelphia areas since 1968, building a track record of excellence and integrity.
If you are ready for a change on your ceiling(s), give us a call, and we will be happy to provide you with a free estimate, and we can talk through your hopes an ideas. In addition, we provide general interior painting, exterior painting, and much more! We look forward to hearing from you!