Replacing Popcorn Ceilings with Smooth

Is it cheaper and easier to scrape/smooth out/finish a textured ceiling or just hang thin drywall right on top of it? It's about 3200 square feet of ceiling space.

 

Get a garden sprayer. Fill it with hot water. Spray an even coat on the popcorn, scrape it off. If the ceiling hasn't been painted with a gloss paint, it should just fall off. The drywall will not lay flat against the texture.

 

I've scraped the ceilings at probably 5 residences. 3 for money, 1 for a friends house and the other my house. It's a pain in the ass and extremely messy. You can always try a room and see how it goes and then cover it up if you don't like the results.

The key is to spray it and let it sit for 15 minutes and then scratch it up and sprary and let sit some more. Once the water soaks in it will almost fall off unless it had been painted like token said. Just don't over do it with the water or you may get water stains.

They make additives to add to the water but I've never used them.

 

Everyone I've know that's done this have said it's a WAY bigger undertaking than they thought. Like Chip said, very messy.

 

I have a guy I use down here who created a machine to remove it. It rocks. No dust, no mess. Try looking for someone up there cuz I doubt he would drive that far.