wet it down and scrape it off. not a bad idea to get it tested first.
clean the ceiling, texture, prime, paint.

 

Absolutely in this state (WA) you are required to know enough to know that there are things that may need to be tested before you start a job. If you go and scrape that stuff and it has asbestos in it, you're up $41t creek.
It also makes a huge mess.

 

If you put 1/4" on a ceiling, you have to bond it to what is there already, or it WILL sag, To get a decent bond, you may have to take the popcorn off (depends on how well it's stuck on). Even if you leave it on and can get a good bond, you're going to be going over an uneven surface. That's a lot of time and money to get a crappy job.

 

Don't do it.

 

:no: Scrape it. Skim (if needed), texture, apply stain blocking primer and paint. :thumbsup:

 

Oh my, hanging and finishing would be WAY more work than just scraping and skimming. Wetting it down it comes down in sheets and the rock is usually pretty darn smooth.

 

If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times............1/4'' is not the magical cure!!! especially on ceilings.

It is not strong enough, it will sag , screws will pop. If your going to double up on a''textured'' ceiling at least use 1/2'' for rigidity/strength. And will finish nicer.

 

1/2
' or 5/8
' Scraping can get real messy and does damage surface, not to mention the chitty tape job covered up by popcorn. Lower light fixtures, mark ceiling joists (studs) and put a new layer. If I have a choice I will take the overlay over the scrape. 48 sf' of new rock at say 11 to 14 bucks a sheet..... cheaper and better to go with new rock

 

thanks a lot guys. the house is not that old. (90's) so i think i will scrape and see what that looks like then if I have to i'll use 1/2".

 

i do a lot of popcorn removal its really pretty easy. take a garden pump up sprayer, probably 2 gal, fill it with water add 1/2cup fabric softener. spray the ceiling let set for about 15 minutes, then spray again. remember you just want it damp, not wet. Then scrap with a 6 inch knife, no bigger because if you look down the edge of a big knife you will see it has a curve, that will make the corners dig in and make repairs more and harder. Spray occasionally as you work. With this method you will get very little dust. Hope this helps

 

I use my airless sprayer to spray the water on the ceiling. :thumbsup:

 

I tried that once but it seemed like i got to much water. Probably wrong tip. just watched video great job

 

no if painted whole new ballgame