Popcorn ceiling removal existing crown molding

AdamsHouseCat · 02-16-2012, 10:44 PM

I have popcorn ceilings, and have found a lot of helpful information on the web about removing it. In my situation, there is one aspect to it where I have not found any information.

My home was built in 1987. The builder sprayed the popcorn, and then afterward came in with crown moldings. It looks fine at present, the moldings are snug against the ceiling, and the caulking job was a good one. However, if I take down the popcorn, I don't know what to expect when I remove the popcorn that is up to the edge of the junction between the ceiling and the crown molding.

What should I expect here, and what are my options. Should I just remove the popcorn as close to the join point as possible and hope for the best? Do I need to remove the existing caulk? (should it peel off easily? (I have no idea)). If I have to re-caulk, I am pretty sure I would do a terrible job!

I am just trying to understand some good paths forward. Thank you for any advice!

DrHicks · 02-16-2012, 11:19 PM

If, after carefully removing the popcorn crap, you have a slight gap between the surface of the ceiling and the crown molding, caulk the gap.

joecaption · 02-17-2012, 12:01 AM

People seem to think caulking is a hard job, it's not.
Tiny hole in the tip of the caulking tube, Control the flow by gently squeezing the trigger. Wipe with your finger and go back over it with a damp sponge. You only want enough to fill the gap not have it all over the ceiling or the crown molding.

DrHicks · 02-17-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joecaption

People seem to think caulking is a hard job, it's not.
Tiny hole in the tip of the caulking tube, Control the flow by gently squeezing the trigger. Wipe with your finger and go back over it with a damp sponge. You only want enough to fill the gap not have it all over the ceiling or the crown molding.

Yep.

It's also important to use the right caulk. Painter's caulk, not silicone.

Mr. Paint · 02-17-2012, 06:15 PM

If you don't have a caulk gun, Dap Tub & Tile caulk works great. A General Contractor friend of mine gave me a great caulking tip: He buys baby wipes at Costco by the case. He smmoths out the caulking beads with baby wipes, and throws them away. There are no messy rags or sponges to clean. The baby wipes leave a perfect bead of caulk.

DrHicks · 02-17-2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Paint

If you don't have a caulk gun, Dap Tub & Tile caulk works great. A General Contractor friend of mine gave me a great caulking tip: He buys baby wipes at Costco by the case. He smmoths out the caulking beads with baby wipes, and throws them away. There are no messy rags or sponges to clean. The baby wipes leave a perfect bead of caulk.

Good to know. Thanks!