How to patch popcorn ceiling?

Hi there!

We've just had an old heater removed, and as a result have a rectangle of bare ceiling about 700mm by 100mm. The rest of the ceiling is your classic mid century popcorn effect. We've had it tested already for asbestos, so we're safe on that front.

Looking for advice on how we can texturally match this? Photo attached. You can see it in the image - there is a wee bit of depth to the finish, maybe 3-5mm.

Thanks! Screenshot 2025-10-20 at 1.19.23 PM.png

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi @conicalfern,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

I'd suggest you start by scraping the ceiling with a 100mm Sharp Edge Paint Scraper to remove the little bit of mortar, then give the patch a good clean with some sugar soap.

Once clean, using the paint scraper, apply a smooth coat of Less Mess Multi-Purpose Joint Compound to build out the surface so it is more in line with the rest of the ceiling. Try to keep it relatively smooth at this point.

After application, allow it to dry, then use a roller with a textured cover like these UNi-PRO 100mm Texture Mini Roller Covers to apply another textured coat of the plaster compound. Start with a small amount on your roller and work it onto the surface. Build up the texture more and more until you are happy with the surface.

After you are happy with the surface, clean the roller as you will use it again to prime and paint the ceiling.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

toby8

Hi - how did this go? Have a similar scenario. Removed old light and had fan installed. Have used a sponge 🧽 to dab paint on the popcorn. Now have the eyesore of where someone applied some kind of putty. Any insights appreciated. Thanks

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/62023#Comment_62023

Hi @toby8,

Allow me to tag @conicalfern to see if they carried out a repair and how things turned out.

Hopefully, they will respond shortly.

Unfortunately, in your situation, it would be more difficult as you already have texture on either side of the join. If you were to add more along the join, then you would end up with a substantially raised area. So, to account for this, you would need to scrape back the texture on either side of the join to have any hope of the method I mentioned above working.

If you wanted to do this, you would need to confirm that the popcorn texture is not an asbestos-containing material prior to carrying out any work on it. If there is any asbestos, do not touch it and speak with the professionals.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

conicalfern

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/62023#Comment_62023

Hey friends - I’ve applied the underlying coats, yet to get to the popcorn layer. Good reminder to get my skates on, will aim to update the thread tomorrow/tuesday.

R4addZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/93533#Comment_93533

Hi @conicalfern

My first advice is that if this is an Artex ceiling, you need to have it tested for Asbestos and don't do anything to it till you do as Artex was asbestos based and if it is, special precautions need to be taken especially if sanding it!

toby8

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113040#Comment_113040

Thx. I have no idea. It’s a red brick block built in 1966. I believe it’s the original ceiling.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113040#Comment_113040

Hello @toby8

It would be best to engage the services of an asbestos specialist just to make sure. If it has asbestos, you'll need the services of an asbestos removal specialist. If the test is negative, you can continue with your repair project.

Eric

R4addZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124090#Comment_124090

Hi @toby8

And for future info let's include the Bunnings guys @EricL & @JacobZ. Asbestos containing Artex and similar products were not discontinued until 1987. So you can see why the biggest rise in new Mesothelioma cases is from the DIY/Renovation fraternity. Stay safe and have it tested as your house was built prior to it's discontinuation.

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