WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COVER OVER POPCORN CEILINGS?”
Adding new drywall below the existing ceiling is the best way to cover up a “popcorn” texture. I would only recommend doing so if the “popcorn” contains asbestos. Asbestos is generally only harmful if disturbed. Installing new drywall will be hard work. You’ll want to use 5/8″ thick drywall rather than the 1/2″ material used for most walls (because the thicker material resists bowing), and screws long enough to penetrate both sheets of drywall and get adequate purchase in the ceiling joists. Locating the studs first may be difficult, as stud detectors are designed to work best on smooth wallboard. Place a paper bag on the ceiling to slide the stud dector along, and you may need to get a “deep scan” detector for this job. If the “popcorn” is asbestos-free, scraping it off is a better option. Clear the room and put tarps on the floor, as this will be a messy job. Use either a spray bottle (for a small room) or a pump-up garden sprayer and wet the ceiling thoroughly, working in patches. P
