How to Apply Mud Over Ceiling Popcorn

Nothing dates a room like a popcorn ceiling. It is a quick and easy process to smooth the surface and create a clean modern look. Update the space in as little as a day by applying drywall mud.

Protective paper
Drywall blade
Electric sander
Joint compound
Joint paddle
Electric drill
Sanding block
Sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Clear the space for easier clean-up. Remove all furniture from the room. Cover the floor with paper.
- 2
  Wear a face mask at all times.
- 3
  Spray a section of the ceiling with water using a hand sprayer. Wet the area to loosen the adhesion.
- 4
  Scrape off the popcorn texture using a drywall mud blade. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle, peeling the popcorn texture from the ceiling in a straight line. Continue until the thickest layer of the texture is removed.
- 5
  Sand the ceiling with an electric sander to eliminate pits and divets.
- 6
  Whip the drywall mud using a paddle and electric drill. Mix until the joint compound is whipped and the air bubbles are removed.
- 7
  Wipe the whipped joint compound over the ceiling with a drywall spreader blade. Apply in long strokes, eliminating as many lines as possible. Allow to dry.
- 8
  Sand the entire surface with a sanding block until the ceiling is smooth to the touch using the palm of the hand.

How to Plaster a Large Ceiling in Sections

Ceilings