Author: Let's Upgrade Painting

Thinking about updating your house? One of the first things you might notice in older homes is the infamous popcorn ceiling. 

While it was once all the rage, this textured ceiling treatment can feel a little… dated.

But should you actually remove it? There are some good reasons to say goodbye to that bumpy texture, from aesthetics to health concerns. 

In this post, we’ll go over 8 reasons why removing popcorn ceilings might be a smart move

#1 Eliminate Potential Asbestos Hazards

One of the biggest reasons to consider removing a popcorn ceiling is the potential health risk posed by asbestos. 

If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance that the popcorn texture used in your ceiling contains asbestos—especially if it hasn’t been updated since then. 

Asbestos was commonly used in ceiling treatments because it was cheap and effective at fireproofing and soundproofing.

The problem? Asbestos fibers are dangerous when they become airborne and are inhaled. 

Getting exposed to these fibers can lead to serious health issues like:

• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Asbestosis

Getting it removed by professionals who know what they’re doing will make your home safer and give you one less thing to worry about. They’ll test it first, take all the right safety precautions, and make sure everything is disposed of properly.

Also Check Out Our Commercial Painting Services

#2 Improve Lighting

You might not realize it, but those bumpy popcorn ceilings are actually making your rooms darker than they need to be. 

All those little bumps create tiny shadows everywhere, and that really affects how light moves around your room. When you switch to a smooth ceiling, you’ll be amazed at the difference. 

The light bounces off much better, and suddenly your rooms feel brighter and more open.

Plus, you might even save some money on lighting because you won’t need as many lamps to brighten up your space.

#3 Stop Discoloration

Over time, popcorn ceilings tend to yellow or stain, especially in areas with poor ventilation or higher humidity, like kitchens or bathrooms. 

This discoloration can make your ceiling look dingy and outdated, no matter how much you clean or touch it up. The textured surface of popcorn ceilings also makes it difficult to fully clean or repaint, so those stains stay forever.

When you remove the popcorn texture, you get to start fresh with a clean surface that won’t trap all that dirt and grime. 

Your new smooth ceiling will stay looking fresh much longer, and if it ever does get dirty, you can actually clean it without worrying about ruining the texture.

Also Read – Eggshell Paint On Ceiling

#4 Increase Home Value

If you’re thinking about selling your home one day, those popcorn ceilings will cost you. 

Today’s home buyers often see popcorn ceilings and immediately start calculating how much they’ll need to spend to remove them. 

By taking care of it yourself, you’re making your home more attractive to buyers and potentially increasing its value. 

Real estate agents often say that updated homes sell faster and for better prices. 

Plus, when buyers see smooth ceilings, they know they won’t have to deal with this renovation themselves, which can make your home stand out from others on the market.

#5 Easier To Clean And Maintain

Cleaning popcorn ceilings is a real pain. Those bumpy surfaces are like magnets for dust, cobwebs, and all sorts of stuff you don’t want hanging around up there. 

And trying to clean them? You’ll probably end up with a mess of falling ceiling bits all over your floor. 

With a smooth ceiling, maintenance becomes so much simpler. 

A quick wipe or dusting now and then is all you need. You won’t have to worry about damaging the texture or creating a bigger mess while you clean. 

Your ceilings will stay cleaner longer, and keeping them that way won’t be such a chore.

#6 Better Sound And Insulation

Popcorn ceilings, with their uneven texture, can actually help dampen sound a bit—though not in a particularly efficient or controlled way. 

If you’re looking for more effective soundproofing or insulation, removing the popcorn ceiling can be a great step. 

Also Read – Can You Skim Coat Over Wallpaper?

When you replace it with a smooth, flat ceiling, you open up the possibility of adding proper insulation for soundproofing materials, which can help with noise reduction between rooms or even lower energy bills. 

Plus, a smooth ceiling allows for better airflow and can contribute to a more comfortable room temperature overall. 

#7 Make Your Room Feel More Modern

Those popcorn ceilings are really showing their age. 

Even if you’ve got the most up-to-date furniture and decorations, that dated ceiling texture can make your whole room feel stuck in the past. 

Taking it down and putting up a smooth ceiling instantly updates the entire space. Your room will feel fresh and current, and you won’t have that constant reminder of decades past hanging over your head. 

If you’re looking to give your space a more modern, polished look, removing the popcorn ceiling is one of the quickest ways to do it.

It’s amazing how such a simple change can make such a big difference.

#8 Get Better Paint Results

Trying to paint a popcorn ceiling is nobody’s idea of fun. The texture soaks up paint unevenly, and you might end up with chunks falling down as you work – what a mess! 

A smooth ceiling is so much easier to work with.

The paint goes on evenly, and you can change colors whenever you want without worrying about damaging the surface. 

You’ve got more options too – you can use different finishes and even try special ceiling paint effects if you want to get creative.

It’s much easier to keep your ceiling looking fresh when you can paint it properly.

Wrapping Up

Deciding to remove your popcorn ceiling is a personal choice, but as we’ve seen, there are plenty of good reasons to consider it. 

Not only will it give your space a cleaner, more modern look, but it can also make your home safer and easier to maintain in the long run. And it will increase your home’s value!

If you’re ready to say goodbye to that outdated texture, just call a pro.

Hiring a professional for removal is often the safest route, but the end result—a smoother, more modern ceiling—can definitely be worth it.

FAQs

Is Popcorn Ceiling Out of Style?

Yep, popcorn ceilings are pretty outdated now. You don’t see them much in modern homes anymore. People usually go for smoother, cleaner ceiling finishes that are way easier to maintain.

What Happens After You Remove Popcorn Ceiling?

Once it’s gone, the ceiling might look kind of rough and uneven. You’ll probably need to sand it down, do some patching, and then finish it off with a smooth surface or new texture.

Thinking about giving your ceiling a fresh coat of paint? 

You might be wondering if eggshell paint is a good choice…

While many people love its soft finish, it might not be the perfect fit for every room. 

In this post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of using eggshell paint on ceilings so you can decide what’s best for your house.

Can I Use Eggshell Paint On Ceilings?

The short answer is yes, you can use eggshell paint on ceilings. 

But whether you should use it is a bit more complicated. Eggshell paint has a subtle shine that’s between flat and satin finishes, giving a soft, low-shine look. 

While it’s not the most common choice for ceilings, there are times when eggshell paint can be a good option. Let me go over these next.

Also Read: Can You Paint Over Tung Oil?

Pros Of Using Eggshell Paint On Ceilings

Here’s what makes eggshell paint a potentially good choice:

Durability

One of the main advantages of using eggshell paint on ceilings is that it’s more durable. 

The eggshell finish makes the surface a bit harder, so it can stand up to wear and tear better. 

This means it’s easier to clean, which is great if you’ve got a high-traffic area or rooms that get a lot of moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms. 

If you think you might need to clean your ceiling now and then, or you want something that can handle the occasional splash or steam, eggshell paint could be a good bet.

Aesthetic Appeal

Eggshell paint can add a nice touch to your ceiling. 

The slight shine reflects light in a way that can make your room look better. 

This gentle reflection can make spaces feel bigger and brighter, which can really change the vibe of your living areas. 

If you’re looking to add a touch of class or make your rooms more visually interesting, putting eggshell paint on the ceiling might do the trick.

Cons Of Using Eggshell Paint On Ceilings

Despite its advantages, eggshell paint isn’t always the best pick for ceilings. Here are the main reasons why you might want to think twice about using eggshell paint on your ceiling:

Also Read: Do You Let Cut In Dry Before Rolling?

Light Reflection

Now, that light-reflecting quality of eggshell paint can be both good and bad. 

Sure, it can make your room look nice, but it can also show off every little flaw in your ceiling. Any bumps, dips, or uneven areas in the ceiling will be more noticeable with eggshell paint.

Plus, if you’ve got artificial lighting, the shine from eggshell paint might create a glare that’s annoying or uncomfortable to look at.

Application Challenges

Putting eggshell paint on a ceiling can be harder than using flat paint. 

The shine in eggshell finish makes it more likely to show overlap marks and uneven application. 

Getting an even coat takes some skill and you’ve got to pay attention to what you’re doing. 

You need to keep a “wet edge” while you’re painting to avoid visible lines where fresh paint meets paint that’s starting to dry. This can be really tough on big ceilings.

So using eggshell paint might take more time and be more frustrating if you’re doing it yourself.

Not Ideal For All Ceilings

Eggshell paint isn’t great for all types of ceilings. If you’ve got a textured ceiling, like those popcorn ceilings, eggshell paint probably isn’t the best choice. 

The shine can make the texture look weird and uneven. 

For textured ceilings, flat paint is still the way to go because it helps hide the texture and makes everything look more uniform.

Also Read: Do You Prime Before Texture?

Use Flat Instead Of Eggshell Paint On Ceiling

Given the challenges of using eggshell paint on ceilings, many professionals (including us) and experienced DIYers recommend using flat paint for most ceilings.

Flat paint is great for ceilings for a few reasons. 

It’s really good at hiding imperfections because it doesn’t reflect light, so it makes the ceiling look smooth and even. This can also make the ceiling seem higher, which makes rooms feel bigger. 

Flat paint also cuts down on glare, making the room more comfortable to be in, especially if you’ve got overhead lights.

Wrapping Up

While you can use eggshell paint on ceilings, and it does offer benefits in terms of durability and looks, it’s not always the best choice.

When you’re deciding whether to use eggshell paint on your ceiling, think about what you really need, what shape your ceiling is in, and how you want your room to look overall.

For most regular ceilings, flat paint is still the top choice. .

But if you’re dealing with a room that gets a lot of moisture, or if you want a little bit of shine and you’re confident you can apply the paint evenly, then eggshell paint could work for you.

FAQs

Should Ceiling Paint Be Flat Or Eggshell?

Flat paint is usually the way to go for ceilings because it does a great job of hiding any imperfections and shadows.

Best Paint For Ceilings Flat Or Satin?

Flat paint is typically your best bet for ceilings since it helps cover up any bumps or blemishes. Satin can be an option too, but it might make uneven areas stand out a bit more.

What Type Of Paint For Ceiling And Trim?

For ceilings, flat paint is recommended. For trim, satin or semi-gloss paint is often preferred for its durability and easy cleaning.

Are you staring at a beautiful piece of tung oil-finished wood, wishing you could give it a fresh new look with a coat of paint? 

Maybe you’ve got a cherished piece of furniture that doesn’t quite match your new decor, or perhaps you’re looking to breathe new life into some old wood paneling. 

Whatever your reason, you’re probably wondering, “Can I actually paint over this tung oil finish?”

I have some good news for you – you can paint over tung oil!

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about painting over tung oil.

Can You Paint Over Tung Oil?

The short answer is yes, you can paint over tung oil, but it’s not as simple as slapping some paint on and calling it a day.

Tung oil penetrates deep into the wood and creates a tough barrier that can make it challenging for paint to adhere well. So you need to sand and prime the wood first.

Also Read: Do You Let Cut In Dry Before Rolling?

And you can’t use any paint either – oil based paints and acrylic paints are your best bet.

Oil-Based paints is the best choice for painting over tung oil. They play nice with the tung oil and tend to stick better. Plus, they’re tough, so they can handle some wear and tear.

Acrylic paints can work too, especially if you want more color choices or faster drying times. But you’ll need to be extra careful with priming if you go with these.

How To Paint Over Tung Oil

With that out of the way, let me walk you through how to paint over tung oil step by step.

It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it for a great finish.

#1 Allow Tung Oil To Cure

Before attempting to paint over tung oil, you’ve got to let the tung oil fully cure.

Tung oil typically takes about 15 to 30 days to cure completely, depending on the environmental conditions and the number of coats applied. 

Some processed tung oil finishes might even be ready in about 5-7 days!

I know, I know, it’s a long wait. But painting over uncured oil is just asking for trouble.

Want to check if it’s ready? Just press a clean cloth on it. If it feels sticky or leaves oil on the cloth, it needs more time.

#2 Clean The Surface

Once the tung oil has cured, thoroughly clean the surface to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. 

Use a mild detergent solution and warm water, then rinse well and allow the surface to dry completely. This is super important because any leftover gunk can mess with how well your paint sticks and cause the new paint to peel or flake.

If you’ve got some really stubborn dirt, you might need a special wood cleaner. Just make sure you rinse it off really well afterward.

#3 Sand Lightly

After cleaning, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220-320 grit). 

The goal here is not to remove the tung oil entirely but to create a slightly rough surface that will allow the primer to bond more effectively. 

Be gentle, though – we don’t want to damage the wood. 

Sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating visible scratches. 

When you’re done, wipe off all the dust with a tack cloth. A vacuum with a brush attachment can help too.

Also Read: Do You Prime Before Texture?

#4 Prime The Surface

Priming is super important here. You want an oil-based primer that’ll work with both the tung oil and your new paint. If you can find a bonding primer made for glossy surfaces, even better. 

Apply it evenly with a brush or roller, and follow the instructions on the can for drying times. 

This primer creates a barrier between the tung oil and the new paint, promoting better adhesion and a more uniform final appearance. 

Depending on what you’re working with, you might need two coats for the best coverage.

#5 Paint Over Tung Oil

Finally, the fun part – painting! 

Make sure you’re using good quality paint that matches your primer. 

Here’s a pro tip: apply thin, even coats. It might be tempting to glob it on, but trust me, thin coats are the way to go. Use long, smooth strokes, and keep them all going in the same direction.

You might need a few coats to get the color just right.

Let each coat dry completely before you add another. 

Oh, and don’t forget to open some windows, especially if you’re using oil-based paint – that stuff can be pretty strong!

Bottom Line

You can paint over tung oil, but it does take some work. The key is to be patient and follow all the steps – let it cure, clean it well, sand it lightly, prime it right, and then paint away. 

Also Read: Can You Skim Coat Over Wallpaper?

If you try to rush it or skip steps, you might end up with paint that peels or looks blotchy. 

But if you take your time and do it right, you’ll end up with a beautiful, long-lasting paint job that looks like it was done by a pro. 

FAQs

Tung Oil Over Acrylic Paint

No, you cannot apply tung oil over acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that forms a film on top of the surface. Tung oil, being an oil-based product, will not adhere well to this film and could cause peeling or bubbling.

Can You Stain Over Tung Oil?

Yes, you can stain over tung oil, but the stain will likely be darker than if applied directly to bare wood. Plus, the stain may not penetrate as deeply because of the protective layer of tung oil.

Can You Put Tung Oil Over Paint?

No, you cannot put tung oil over paint. Tung oil is designed to penetrate wood and provide a natural finish. Applying it over paint would likely result in a poor finish and potential peeling.

Can You Use Tung Oil Over Chalk Paint

No, you cannot use tung oil over chalk paint. Chalk paint is a porous paint that absorbs moisture. Tung oil will not adhere to it.

Thinking about giving your room a fresh look? Painting can really transform a space, but getting that professional finish takes a bit of know-how. 

One question that comes up a lot is do you let the cut-in areas dry before rolling. 

It might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your final result.

Turns out, you should NOT let the cut-in dry before rolling.

In this post, I’ll explain why you should let cut-in dry before rolling, what happens if you let it dry, and the scenarios when you should actually let it dry before rolling.

Do You Let Cut In Dry Before Rolling?

The short answer is no, you generally shouldn’t let the cut-in dry before rolling.

The idea is to keep a “wet edge” between the cut-in and the rolled paint. This way, you get a smooth transition without any awkward lines.

Also Read: Do You Prime Before Texture?

Here’s the general process:

1. Cut in: Paint along the edges of the surface with a brush.
2. Roll: Immediately start rolling the main area of the surface.
3. Blend: While the cut-in and rolled paint are still wet, use the roller to gently blend the edges together.

But there are some exceptions. Quick-drying paints, like Benjamin Moore Aura, might need a different approach. We’ll get into that later.

What Happens If You Let Cut-In Dry?

Keeping a wet edge is super important if you want your paint job to look top-notch. When you blend wet cut-in paint with wet rolled paint, you get this seamless finish that looks like a pro did it.

But what if you let the cut-in dry before rolling?

Well, a few things could happen, and they might mess up your paint job:

Visible Lines And “Picture Framing”

The biggest problem you’ll notice is visible lines between the cut-in areas and the rolled parts.

People call this “picture framing” because it looks like there’s a frame around the edge of your wall. It happens because the dried cut-in paint creates a distinct edge that the roller can’t fully blend with the rest of the wall.

These lines can be particularly obvious in certain lighting conditions or with glossier paint finishes, and they can make your paint job look less professional.

Also Read: Can You Skim Coat Over Wallpaper?

Texture Inconsistencies

Another problem that can happen is a difference in texture between the cut-in and rolled areas. Brushes used for cutting in tend to leave a smoother finish, while rollers create a slightly bumpy or stippled effect. 

When you let the cut-in dry, these texture differences become a lot more noticeable. 

The result is a wall with noticeable variations in texture, which can be especially evident in areas with strong lighting or on walls with a glossy finish. 

This inconsistency can detract from the overall quality of your paint job.

Color Variations

This one’s not always obvious, but there’s a chance the color might look a bit different between the dried cut-in paint and the fresh rolled areas. 

It’s more likely to happen with deeper or brighter colors because the way paint dries can slightly change how it looks in the end.

You might end up with a wall that looks like a subtle patchwork of almost-but-not-quite-matching colors – definitely not the uniform, professional finish you were aiming for!

Tips For Different Paint Sheens

The shine level of your paint can affect how forgiving it is if the cut-in dries before rolling. 

Flat and eggshell finishes are usually more forgiving. 

If you end up with some dried cut-in areas before rolling with these sheens, you might not notice the differences as much.

But when you’re dealing with satin, semi-gloss, or glossy finishes, you’ve got to be more careful about keeping that wet edge. These shinier paints reflect more light, so any inconsistencies in texture or how you apply it will be more noticeable. 

When you’re working with these higher-sheen paints, it’s extra important to work in smaller sections and keep everything wet as you go.

When Is It Ok To Let Cut-In Dry Before Rolling?

Now, even though keeping a wet edge is usually the way to go, there are times when it’s okay (or even better) to let the cut-in dry before rolling. 

Some fast-drying paints, like Benjamin Moore Aura, are actually made to be used with the cut-in allowed to dry first. These paints form a skin quickly, and if you try to blend wet paint with paint that’s starting to dry, you can end up pulling the paint and getting an uneven finish.

If you’re putting on multiple coats of paint, it can be fine to let the cut-in dry between coats. 

In this case, you’d cut in and roll each coat separately, giving it plenty of time to dry in between. 

This can be really helpful when you’re making a big color change and need really good coverage.

Some painting techniques, like back-rolling, can also work well with dried cut-in areas. 

With this method, you cut in and let it dry, then roll the whole wall and immediately roll over it again with very light pressure to even out the texture.

Also Read: How we Prep Walls for Painting After Removing Wallpaper

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it! When it comes to letting cut-in areas dry before rolling, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. 

While keeping a wet edge is usually the best way to get that smooth, pro-looking finish, there are times when letting the cut-in dry can work well too. 

The key is understanding your paint and the look you’re going for, and then decide.

FAQs

Can You Cut In And Paint The Next Day?

No. It’s generally not recommended to cut in and paint the next day. You should try to maintain a wet edge between the cut-in and rolled paint.

Do I Need To Cut In Second Coat Of Paint?

Yes, you need to cut in the second coat of paint. This helps to ensure a clean, even finish and prevents the second coat from overlapping onto the first.