Choosing crown molding for your home will bring elegance and class into your space and hide the seams along the ceilings’ edge. For those with popcorn ceilings, there are always questions about whether you can add crown molding. Don’t let the texture fool you. There are a lot of things you can do to and with a popcorn ceiling. Of course, you can always remove the texture if you don’t like it, but that has no bearing on molding choices. I have installed dozens of rooms worth of crown molding on all types of ceilings. In the process, I learned a lot about the process and how to adjust for textured ceilings. Learning the ins and outs of adding crown molding to popcorn ceilings merely requires a little more attention to detail and some additional prep work. I’ll show you how.
Can you put crown molding on popcorn ceilings? You can put crown molding on popcorn ceilings. Because of the texture, there is an extra step to the process, but there’s no reason you can’t accomplish it at home with the right tools, materials, and information. Regardless of the ceilings’ surface, the crown molding will give your room new life and more visual appeal.
Can you Put Crown Molding on Textured Ceiling
You can put crown molding on popcorn ceilings. Although hiring a professional is always an option, you can DIY with the right tools just as easily, and it’s far more cost-effective. Better still, there’s almost no difference between installing it on a flat ceiling and a textured one such as popcorn. Here I will describe the process without removing the texture, but we’ll cover that later in the article, so you have both options.
First, you will need to measure and cut your molding to fit the space. The most difficult part is getting your angles correct in the corners. Some brands of crown molding offer special corner pieces to make the process easier. Most of all, remember to measure twice and cut once.
Next, do a dry-fit to check that everything is the correct size. After that, you can fix the crown molding in place with small nails. This will leave a small gap where the popcorn pushes the molding away from the ceiling, but that isn’t a concern.
The classic Ekena Millwork Jefferson Traditional Smooth Crown Moulding is ideal for any room. This pattern is modeled after original historical patterns and designs but has a lightweight urethane body for easy installation. You will love the way it looks in your home. Have Amazon ship to your door by clicking here.
Then you will need to fill the gap with caulking putty. While you’re filling, make sure to cover any nail heads, so the appearance is smooth and uniform. You will also want to fill in any seams to give it an unbroken appearance.
Follow the directions on your putty to allow proper drying time. Finally, when you are done, you can sand and paint to match your decor. That’s all there is to it.
What Type of Molding Might Stick to a Popcorn Ceiling
Self-adhesive crown molding can stick to your ceiling. Although there are many options for a flat, smooth ceiling, this type of crown molding is not a good choice to put on a popcorn ceiling. Because the adhesive needs to stick to a flat surface, the texture will interfere with proper installation.
However, crown molding that is designed for recessed lighting does not stick directly to the ceiling. An option that installs below your ceiling line to provide light would work better if you cannot remove the ceiling texture first.
Whether you remove all the popcorn ceiling texture or none at all, this modern Orac Decor C361 Crown Molding from Amazon is a fantastic solution. Since it attaches to the wall instead of the ceiling, you don’t need to worry about the texture. Moreover, this molding is designed to create beautiful recessed lighting. You can add ambiance to any room with Orac’s simple, polyurethane foam molding. Find out more by clicking here.
Is Foam Molding with a Cable Raceway a Solution to Applying Molding to a Popcorn Ceiling
Foam molding with a cable raceway is more than just a solution to applying molding to a popcorn ceiling. It is a superb way to run wires through a room without showing all those ugly cords. Moreover, it is extremely lightweight and easy to install.
A foam molding with a cable raceway is hollow on the inside instead of solid, like old fashioned wooden moldings. The gap behind the holding is ideal for running heavy-duty bundles of wires and is often used by architects and builders. It would work the same as another molding for your popcorn ceiling, but with a couple of crucial differences.
The lighter weight makes this style easier to install when working alone. Additionally, the pre-existing holes make it fast and simple to nail into place, and there are no nail holes to putty over when you’re done because the nails are behind the molding instead of passing all the way through it like a solid piece.
How to Remove Enough of a Popcorn Ceiling in Order to Add Crown Molding Easily
Opt for Ekena Millwork Standard Crosshead Molding from Amazon to get a wonderful, primed appearance. Paint this molding any color you want with less work, and install it easily with adhesive or nails. Best of all, this Crosshead Molding is good for indoor and outdoor applications. Plus, it is moisture, rot, and termite resistant. Click here to read the Amazon reviews.
An Important Note On Popcorn Ceilings Built Before 1986
Many older homes were built using asbestos. While we typically think of this as something in walls, that is not the only application. Older popcorn ceilings can also contain asbestos as well, and it is crucial to know before you start removing the popcorn.
I recommend getting a small sample tested if you are unsure when the ceiling was first installed. Unfortunately, it requires special safety equipment to uninstall asbestos properly. Inhaling small particles is detrimental to your health, and it’s best to hire a professional if you have an asbestos popcorn ceiling.
The good news is that generally, asbestos popcorn ceilings are safe if you leave them alone. The removal process causes dust and debris that wouldn’t normally get into your air.
Is it Possible to Remove all of the Popcorn Ceiling Texture
You can remove part or all of the texture from a popcorn ceiling. Whether you want to put crown molding on the ceiling more easily, or you don’t like the way it looks with popcorn, it’s not difficult to get rid of this texture. However, it will take some time and patience.
Pro Tip: Before removing a popcorn ceiling, you need to wet it down with a spray bottle. Knowing this simple trick will make the whole process easier.
To remove your popcorn ceiling, you will need a spray bottle, water, drop cloths, a step stool or ladder, and a paint scraper. First, remove any furniture you can from the room to avoid extra mess and cleanup. Regrettably, popcorn ceiling, especially when wet, can stick to upholstery and other surfaces making the whole job harder.
Secondly, you need to put drop cloths on any remaining furniture and all the available floor space. This will make it simple to clean up when you finish by bundling the whole thing and taking it out to the trash. For this reason, I recommend disposable thin plastic sheeting.
Next, you will spray down the ceiling with your water. Dampening the popcorn makes it much easier to remove. I suggest working one small section at a time so that the water doesn’t dry before you reach the next section. You may also want a mask and eye protection. Moreover, plan on getting your clothing messy and do not wear anything nice while you work.
Using the flat side of a wide paint scraper, you will scrape along the ceiling to remove the popcorn. The water will help reduce dust and loosen the texture so you can get it off more easily. Some areas may require a second or third pass to clear completely.
Once you have finished getting the texture off, your ceiling is ready for crown molding or paint. When you plan to pain, make sure you do this step first. Fortunately, you can leave those drop cloths in place during this step to minimize the work. Dry the paint completely and mount that molding anywhere you like.
Final Thoughts