The layer of paper is probably the outer paper of the drywall. At least, that's what it was in my case. I found that the best thing to do in my home was to scrape it all off and than go back over the drywall with a skim coat of comopound and prime the whole thing before repainting. Good luck. It's a big job, but worth it.

Hope I am not too late! I have done three rooms now . .followed alot of the advice on this link!

Good luck!

http://www.jasongraphix.com/archive/2005/08/popcorn_ceiling.php

PS Please know that popcorn ceilings installed prior to the 1980' (I believe) contain asbestos. Please be safe when removing any kind of this treatment. If your home was built before, it is recommended to get your popcorn tested.

Here is a link that might be useful: popcorn removal

dragonfly,

thanks for the link. i'm off to read it now.

the paint was put on in the early 90's, that much i know. i think it was done to kit the pathetic ceilings. it's ashame the painter did a poor job and not seal it, as it has always cracked and peeled. now it's time for it to go!

what an undertaking it is though.

thanks again for the link.
maryanne

There is a solution on the market that removes this popcorn stuff. But you really have to watch it and protect eveything real well. It doesn't stink or seem strong - tah! But it is! Some leaked on a plank floor in our tool room and ate up the finish down to the bare wood. Good thing I'm going to strip that floor anyway. I don't want to write the brand name on this forum; but you'll find it at any home store labeled exactly what it is, popcorn ceiling remover.

I tried using the remover solution redup mentioned. It actually made my skin red as it dropped on my arms. I stopped using it. My popcorn had been painted so I had to scrape it. Nothing would get through the paint well enough. With a good scraper I could go through a room in 3-4 hours, and mud it the next day. I let it sit for a week and then gave it two coats of primer and then repainted. Big job but well worth it. I only have two rooms left to go.

thanks for the information. i am scraping it. wetting it down, letting it sit for a bit and then scraping. it's nasty, it's a mess, but after it's all said and done, i'll be glad i did it and get the room looking the way i want it.

who said anything was easy!

thanks again
maryanne

I want to do my living/dining room ceilings but am afraid of asbestos. Seems like a lot of people just go ahead and scrape it - do you wear a mask? I looked at the usual little masks and they all say "Do NOT use if asbestos is present". The right kind to use has those two thingies on the sides and costs $40.

I got an estimate from a contractor and he wanted a whopping $600 and he wasn't going to use any asbestos precautions anyway. Am I being too cautious??