Before Skim Coating Your Old Popcorn Ceiling, Watch Out For These Sneaky Drawbacks

Part of truly turning a house into a home means adding the features that you love most — and getting rid of those you don't. While popcorn ceilings may offer an inexpensive way to dampen noise, for many people, the aesthetics of such ceilings just aren't aligned with their vision. Fortunately, this doesn't mean you have to live with ceilings you dislike. Instead, there are various ways to cover up or remove popcorn ceilings, including skim coating.

A skim coat is a layer of joint or drywall compound that is applied over the top of popcorn ceilings and other surfaces. After it's been applied, usually with a paint roller or similar tool, it's then smoothed out for a seamless finish. If you're looking to retexture your popcorn ceilings, then skim coating can be perfect for bringing new life to your space on a budget, especially since it's cheaper than covering popcorn ceiling's texture with other options like drywall or wood paneling.

While there are benefits of using a skim coat to say goodbye to textured popcorn ceilings, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind. This is especially true if you plan on DIYing this project rather than working with a professional. As a result, before running to the store and buying the various supplies you'll need to accomplish this home renovation task, consider the time and skill-level needed, as well as the possible hazards, such as asbestos exposure.

One of the hidden downsides of a popcorn ceiling is its potential to contain asbestos or lead. These compounds can be present in older homes, and disturbing any contaminated materials and breathing in the dust can be harmful. According to HomeAdvisor, asbestos testing costs an average of $480, and if any is found, you'll need to hire a professional to handle any repairs or removal.

With talk of a professional, another potential drawback to skim coating your popcorn ceilings is that it can take time and skill, especially for that picture-perfect smooth finish. From preparing the compound to application and smoothing, skim coating can be time-consuming and messy, and mistakes can be frustrating. If you do want to complete this project as a DIY, you should consider not only your level of skill but also how much time you have available for finishing the project and cleaning up afterwards.

Overall, skim coating can be an aesthetic solution to the popcorn ceilings you feel detract from your home's visual appeal. And, once you're left with a smooth surface, you'll have the opportunity to let your creativity run wild, whether that's painting, wallpapering, or adding decorative accents that tie your space together. However, in older homes especially, asbestos can be a real risk that requires professional diagnosis and removal. With the skill level and experience needed to perfect a skim coat on your ceiling, not to mention the time involved, it may not be the best DIY project for all homeowners.