Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Testing comes first on older homes

Popcorn texture was used on ceilings for decades, and homes built before the 1980s can have asbestos in that texture. Scraping it can release fibers, so on older homes a sample of the texture is tested before any removal is scheduled. If the result comes back clear, the work goes ahead as planned. If asbestos is found, the ceiling should not be scraped by a painting crew, and removal has to be handled by a certified abatement contractor. Once abatement is complete, we can return to repair, finish and paint the ceiling. Either way, you will know the result before any scraping begins.

Removal and protection

Scraping popcorn texture is messy, so the room is prepared as thoroughly as it would be for spraying. Furniture is removed or covered, floors are sealed with plastic sheeting, and walls are masked so debris does not grind into carpet or stick to paint. Light fixtures and vents are covered or removed and electrical is protected. The texture is lightly misted with water to soften it, then scraped off in sections. Wetting keeps dust down and lets the texture release cleanly without gouging the drywall underneath. The debris is bagged and removed along with the plastic, leaving the room clean for the next stage.

Finishing the ceiling

Once the texture is gone, the bare ceiling usually shows taped seams, fastener heads, old patches and scrape marks that the popcorn had been hiding. Those are repaired, and the ceiling is skim coated where needed so the surface is even. You can choose a smooth finish or a light texture such as knockdown, which is more forgiving on large or older ceilings. The ceiling is then primed and painted with a flat ceiling paint that cuts glare and hides minor variation. If you are planning to repaint the walls, doing it in the same visit makes sense, since the room is already protected.