Popcorn ceilings, also known as acoustic or cottage cheese ceilings, have been a popular choice in the home due to their ability to hide imperfections and absorb sounds. But today, many homeowners want a cleaner, modern look. This Redfin article will show you how to phase out popcorn ceilings, whether you’re working on a Portland home texture or updating your Tampa, Florida home. From preparation and safety to tip repairs, it helps you decide whether to handle DIY or make a call.
What is a popcorn ceiling?
The popcorn ceiling has bumpy textured surfaces made with spray-on or paint-on treatments. They were widely popular in homes in the mid-20th century, but you can date your space today.
Removing popcorn texture will completely change the space
“When we bought the house, removing the popcorn ceiling was our first DIY project,” says Jason Graphix. “Even 20 years later, it’s still one of the best upgrades we’ve made. The smooth ceiling makes a huge difference. We never looked back.”
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Step 1: Testing Asbestos
Before removing the popcorn ceiling, it is essential to check for asbestos, especially if your home was built before the 1980s. Asbestos test kits are available at the hardware store. Alternatively, you can hire a certified professional.
If you want to test positive for asbestos: Stop work immediately and contact an authorized asbestos reduction contractor. If it’s clear, you can delete it yourself and move forward, or hire a general contractor.
Step 2: Collect tools and materials
The following are required:
Drop cloth or plastic sheet painter’s tape safety goggles, dust mask or respirator spray bottle or garden spray bottle or garden sprayer 6-12 inch drywall or putty knife ladder or scaffold sandpaper or sanding pole joint compound and putty knife (for patch) primer and ceiling painting
Vacuum scrapers make work easier and thinner dust
“At diywithhelp.com, we love helping homeowners take on projects, but if asbestos is likely to be present, it’s best to leave popcorn ceiling removal professionals,” DIY warns for help. “If it’s safe, prepare it with plastic, wear protective gear, and mist the ceiling before it gets worn out. A scraper with a vacuum attachment will make your job clean and faster. This one task is more troublesome than most people expect.”
Step 3: Prepare the space
Move furniture out of the room or cover it with plastic sheeting. Turn off the HVAC system and cover the vents. Tape plastic sheets on walls, outlets and lighting fixtures. Make sure the floor is fully protected with drop cloths.
Remove soft materials and seal everything with plastic
“We instruct our clients to remove all soft materials, such as curtains and bedding, before scraping begins,” says HillweBuilders. “It wraps tightly and tapes the leftovers of the thick plastic. It also covers the floor, seals vents and doors to stop the dust spreading. This is essential if someone in the house is sensitive to allergens and dust.”
Make sure you prepare your room thoroughly to reduce confusion
“Seal Confucius and windows before rubbing, removing and covering everything in the room,” recommends Renaissance paintings. “We use rosin paper and plastic to protect the floors, covering the walls and not spreading dust. Good preparation reduces cleanup and protects the home from damage.
Step 4: Soften the texture
Use a spray bottle or garden spray to lightly mist small sections of the ceiling. Soak for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t get soaked – it can damage the drywall below.
Before painting, prepare new plaster or mud
“After rubbing and sanding, it is essential to prime new mud and plaster with OVA primers before painting,” advises Gainesville’s painting. “This step seals the surface, helps to better fill the paint and achieve a smooth, professional finish. The smooth ceiling is higher than the ones with textures, but the results are worth it.”
Mist the ceiling, loosen the texture and reduce dust
“Fog the ceiling with water will loosen the texture and reduce dust in the air,” says the best finish. “Use a wide scraper with slow pressure to prevent damage to the drywall. Cover all vents, turn off the HVAC and lock in any dust.”
Painted popcorn ceilings require a stronger remote
“Popcorn becomes easier when it’s wet, but the painted ceiling doesn’t move just by water,” explains Brightline’s painting. “In that case, you’ll need a commercial grade remover. After it’s worn out, you’re ready to fill the gouge with joint compound. Even a small ceiling can turn into a bigger job than you would expect.”
Step 5: Scrape the ceiling
Once the texture is wet, gently rub it off with a putty or a drywall knife. Working on small sections. Be careful not to gouge the ceiling.
Tip: Wideer blades can help you create smoother paths. Optional: To reduce confusion, consider a ceiling texture scraper attachment with a built-in bag.
Step 6: Repair and sand
After removing the texture, inspect the ceiling for gouges or damage. Patch any area with the joint compound, dry and sand until smooth.
Take your time to repair the ceiling before repairing it.
“When the popcorn is gone, there are usually cracks and popped screws underneath,” a Drywall flows. “We will restore the drywall, provide all the seams and smooth them before refilling. It is also the best time to update ceiling lights. We recommend finishing is knockdown, orange peel or smooth, followed by a dyed blocking primer.”
Step 7: Prime and Paint
Once the ceiling is smooth and clean:
Apply stain blocking primer. Paint with flat or matte ceiling paint for best results.
Prime before skim coating on flat and uniform surface
“After the rub, I always start with a coat of primer. The stick on the skim coat is better,” says the Major League painting. “The three skim coats usually do the trick to flatten the ceiling. Once sanded, prime it again and apply two ceiling paint. It takes time, but the results are worth it.”
Add skim coat after scraping for professional finish
“Popcorn removal is more than just scraping. It’s about finishing,” explains the Patch guy. “After that, we plan at least two skim coats to level the ceiling. A small room takes two days, but a full house takes five. If you rush this step, it will lead to uneven and patchy results.”
Popcorn Ceiling Removal: Quick Tips from Pro
Always test your asbestos in your old home before scraping
“If your home was built before the 90s, test the asbestos ceiling texture first,” warns RGB House Painters. “If it’s safe, mist the surface and gently rub it with a wide putty knife. I recommend always sealing it out of the room and covering it all with plastic.
Use protective gear and skim coat after removal
“To remove DIY, always wear a mask, goggles and gloves and wet the ceiling before rubbing,” advises Mr. Tenke’s master. “If you have concerns about asbestos, we’ll send the sample to a certified lab. After rubbing, we’ll apply skim coat, a smooth sandy prime, paint. This is the only way to get a truly modern, finished look.”
Use the right tools to prepare for clean removal
“To soften the ceiling, use a sprayer filled with warm water and allow it to stay before it is rubbed off,” advises Century Painting. “Use five plaster knives at an angle and don’t push too hard. If the ceiling is painted, it will cost you to remove it. After it’s worn out, we skim the coat, smooth the sand and finish it off with two glasses of flat ceiling paint.”
Instead of removing the popcorn ceiling
If scraping isn’t for you, there’s a stylish way to cover the popcorn ceiling without any confusion. Decorative ceiling boards or tiles can be mounted directly onto existing textures using surface mounted systems. These come in a variety of finishes, including wooden exterior options that add warmth and character to any room.
Another option is to install a drop ceiling or apply a new layer of drywall to give it a completely smooth finish. These methods can save time, reduce dust and provide a modern look.
Decorative boards can cover popcorn ceilings
“If you want to skip the confusion, consider covering the popcorn ceiling with wooden exterior planks,” suggests Armstrong’s Canopy. “They can be attached directly to existing ceilings with trucks and clips, and no scraping is required. They are quick upgrades that hide damage and add warmth. Plus, they completely avoid the risk of asbestos.”
Should I hire an expert to remove the popcorn ceiling?
Hiring a professional will save you time, stress and potential damage. Especially if the ceiling is positive or tested for asbestos. The professionals have the tools and experience to quickly and cleanly handle skim coating, sanding and repairs. Also, make sure the room is properly sealed due to dust and debris included.
If you are unsure about the condition of the ceiling or are guaranteed to have a smooth finish, hiring a contractor is the safest route.
Painted ceilings are difficult to remove and may require professional help
“If the popcorn ceiling feels like chalk and the flakes fall off easily, it’s probably not painted and can be scraped off after a light mist,” explains the Express Drywall service. “Painted ceilings are much more difficult. You’ll need to apply a new drywall on top or add a new drywall.”
Hire a finisher and ask to see their work before you commit.
“Popcorn removal can seem simple at first glance, but skim coating and painting are finesse jobs,” says Sight604.
How much does it cost to remove a popcorn ceiling?
DIY Delete:
Material Cost: ~$50~$150 hours: 1-2 days for average room
Professional deletion:
Average Cost: For 500 square feet, $2$2$2rooms per square foot: A cost of ~500-$1,000 can increase.
Will removing popcorn ceilings increase the value of the house?
yes. You can remove the popcorn ceiling:
Especially in competitive markets, more modern and updated appeals for more buyers can potentially increase resale value
According to real estate experts, smooth ceiling finishes can make your home look better with photos and open houses, providing solid profits for your efforts and investments.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Removing Popcorn Ceilings
1. Is it safe to remove the popcorn ceiling yourself?
Yes – If the ceiling tests negative about asbestos and is satisfied with the DIY home improvement project. Always wear protective gear.
2. How long does it take to remove the popcorn ceiling?
For a typical 10’x12′ room, expect the process to take 1-2 days, including preparation, removal, repair, painting, etc.
3. Can I paint on the popcorn ceiling instead?
Yes, but it doesn’t give you the same smooth finish. Painting is a faster option to refresh the look, but it can darken or weigh the texture over time.
4.Do all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos?
no. Only some old ceilings – mainly applied before the 1980s – contain asbestos. Always test first.
