Most people agree that popcorn ceilings are out of date and not a prominent feature that they want to have in their homes anymore. When it comes to getting rid of popcorn ceilings there are a couple options, and one of the most popular ones is simply skim coating them instead of removing them. But you might be wondering: How much does it cost to skim coat a popcorn ceiling?

It typically costs anywhere between $1 and $1.50 per square foot to hire a professional to skim coat popcorn ceilings. However, the price could increase if your ceilings are extremely high, are in poor condition, or if the home is especially old and needs additional plaster to ensure the ceiling is completely covered. 

If you want to learn everything there is to know about skim coating popcorn ceilings, you have found exactly the article you were looking for! We are going to discuss how much it typically costs, what the process actually entails, and the pros and cons of skim coating so you can decide if it’s right for your ceilings. 

What is Skim Coating for Popcorn Ceilings?

Before we dig into the details of skim coating your popcorn ceilings, first, you’ll probably want to know exactly what this process entails! 

Skim coating is not simply for popcorn ceilings, but it is an easy and efficient way to cover this unwanted feature. When you hire a skim coat professional, they use a thin layer of drywall, also known as mud, to cover the popcorn and create a smooth, beautiful ceiling. 

You can also simply purchase a skim coat at your local home improvement store and do it yourself with the right tools, however, getting the perfect coat isn’t that easy and if you are not careful, it can look patchy. 

Now that you know what skim coating is, let’s talk about pricing!

How Much Does It Cost to Skim Coat a Popcorn Ceiling?

So, there are two ways to skim coat a popcorn ceiling: hire a professional or do it yourself. In this section, we are going to break down the pricing you can expect for both options so you can decide which one might be best for your home. 

When hiring a professional to skim coat your popcorn ceilings, the average cost is between $1 and $1.50 per square foot of ceiling. 

As we mentioned before, there are some cases in which the price could increase if your ceiling is in bad condition, your home is extremely old, or the ceilings are high and require special ladders. 

Purchasing a skim coat and doing the project yourself can be much more economical as a 25 pound bag at a local home improvement store is usually only $30-$50 and it can cover up to 200 square feet! However, if you do not have the other tools needed, such as taping knives, mud trays, and ladders, it can get slightly more expensive. 

Deciding whether you want to hire a professional or try to do it yourself is completely up to you, but as with most home projects, the quality of hiring a professional is usually visible and in this case, it may be worth it to opt for a little help. 

Pros and Cons of Skim Coating a Popcorn Ceiling

Pricing, of course, is an important factor when deciding if you want to skim coat your popcorn ceilings, but it’s not the only thing you need to consider. 

There are quite a lot of advantages to skim coating your popcorn ceiling;  here’s what we know: 

  • If your popcorn ceiling has asbestos, as many do, skim coating will keep your family safe from accidentally inhaling the toxins.
  • It is faster and cheaper than having the popcorn ceiling fully removed. 
  • Popcorn ceilings can decrease the value of your home, and skim coating can increase it! 
  • It is more aesthetically pleasing, easier to clean, and faster to paint. 

The only real downsides to skim coating is that it does not last forever and it can take several days to complete. 

It may only be a few years before you start seeing discoloration, meaning the process needs to be done all over again, and even professionals will need to be in your home for several days to complete the project. 

The Bottom Line

It typically costs anywhere between $1 and $1.50 per square foot for professionals to skim coat your popcorn ceilings. While you can reduce the price if you decide to do it yourself, remember that there are several extra tools besides just the skim coat to make it happen. 

Skim coating your popcorn ceilings can make a big difference in your home if done right, so even though you might end up paying a little more, it’s important to do your research and if you’re not a home improvement genius, you probably want to reach out for a little help!