Popcorn Ceiling vs Smooth

There's two ways to install a popcorn ceiling. I've been doing this for over 40 years since it is partly what I do for a living. You can install it purely for cosmetic reasons, and also with acoustics in mind simply by how thick you spray it on/how many coats you spray on. Lay it on a good 1/4" thick and you'll have some serious acoustics. Brand is important. Some are more porous than others.

Acoustically, popcorn should be a little better. If you want it to look good you can always paint it. A lot of people are afraid to do this. If you are interested, here's how.

1. Pick the right paint. I recommend Sherman Williams ProMar 200 flat. Anything up from there may be a but too thick for this application. If you want to go with White paint, use the untainted base called extra white.

2. Roll as much as you can with a 9 in roller - 1 to 1.25 inch nap. Be sure to roll in all different directions so you don't leave lines. Also, do 2 coats. If the room is dark, you may be able to get away with 1 coat, but the 2nd is much faster and easier than the 1st.

3. Cut the edges in with a regular 3in roller. Just mash it right up against the wall (I assume you will be painting the walls also so it won't matter if you get paint on them. Don't use a brush unless you absolutely have to, like around a fan.

Some other tips:

The job will be a little messy, so be sure to put drop cloths on anything you don't want paint on.

You will loose a little popcorn but don't worry. It won't be too much - it may seem like you are loosing a lot but that won't be the case.

You will get a lot more life out of your roller covers if you periodically pull them off the roller, flip it around and put it back on. (You'll just know when to do it. Its obvious.)

If you take your time you should get surprisingly good results. You may want to try it first in one room just to see how good it will look. Removing old popcorn is a real pain. You may just decide to paint all of it once you see how it comes out.

I would keep it just not to disturb it and turn it into friable asbestos.As far as removing it to improve sound? Stay with it and place an attractive ceiling mural attached to the ceiling. If your wife finds it not to her liking. Just place some 1/2 sheetrock over it then tape and paint. You only loose an half inch measurement.

I did drywall finishing in the 70's & 80s'. The acoustic (popcorn) does work well at deading the sound reflections,(hence the name acoustic) but as stated above it is real dated. Plus it is a real pain to refinish and paint. As far as a more modern style I remember folks would put glitter in the mix to give it the old "Corner Bar" effect. Add a disco ball and you would be all set.

If you paint it, you throw the acoustic properties out the window. I can't count how many calls I've gotten to remove one way or another, popcorn ceilings that have been painted. They're horrible.