Removing popcorn ceiling from ceiling with a tool

DIY Popcorn Ceiling Removal Made Easy | How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling

While textured popcorn ceilings were once a trendy choice for covering up imperfections quickly and easily, in modern days, they’re seen as outdated attractors of dust and cobwebs. Popcorn ceilings also make it more challenging to patch holes and cracks when needed. If your popcorn ceiling is ready for a fresh update, it may be time to consider popcorn ceiling removal. Before you take this DIY project on, read on for some important steps to follow to take your ceiling from textured to smooth and clean with ease (and less mess!).

 

What You Need to Know About Popcorn Ceiling Removal 

Removing popcorn ceiling can be a messy job, but if the ceiling underneath is in good shape, it’s well worth it. With careful preparation, the proper tools, and the right steps in place, you can DIY your popcorn ceiling removal and give your home an all new, modern look. 

However, there’s more to popcorn ceiling removal than simply hopping on a ladder and scraping away the texture. You’ll need to consider the current state of the ceiling, follow safety precautions for possible asbestos, and exercise patience, as this can be a lengthy process. You may even need to deal with some electrical work as well as priming and painting once the popcorn is removed.

Before you begin, be sure to test for asbestos, especially if your home was built prior to the 1980s. If asbestos is present, call a professional to remove or cover it, or leave it as is if it’s in good shape. 

 

How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling

Step 1: Determine if the Ceiling Has Been Painted

Before you remove popcorn ceiling, check to see if the popcorn ceiling has been previously painted over. If it has, it will be more challenging to remove because the paint acts as a seal. To test this, spray a little water on the ceiling and if it doesn’t absorb, it’s likely not painted. If it beads up, it’s probably painted, and you’ll need to use a chemical paint stripper or sand the surface before scraping.

Step 2: Test for Asbestos

If your home was built before the 1980s, it’s crucial to test the popcorn ceiling texture for asbestos. You can use either an at-home asbestos test kit or hire a professional to test it for you. If the test comes back positive for asbestos, do not remove the popcorn ceiling yourself. Instead, consider hiring a professional to cover or remove it, or, if it’s in good condition, leave it as is. 

Step 3: Prepare the Room, Furniture, and Decor

Before you begin the popcorn ceiling removal, prepare the room by clearing everything out, including furniture and decor, or covering it with plastic sheeting. Removing popcorn ceiling is a messy job and the debris will go everywhere. Protect your floors with drop cloths to make clean up easier. Otherwise, you’ll be finding textured ceiling on your floors for months!

Step 4: Remove Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

Take down any ceiling fans and light fixtures on the ceiling to prevent them from getting damaged during removal or covered in dust and popcorn texture during the process. Before removing fans or light fixtures, make sure to turn off the electric breaker first to avoid any shock hazard. 

Step 5: Protect Can Lights and Electrical Boxes

If you have any can lights or electrical boxes in the room, cover them with plastic and frog tape to prevent any water, dust, or popcorn texture from getting inside and potentially damaging them.

Step 6: Protect Yourself

Protect yourself by wearing protective eyewear, a dust mask, and gloves. You’ll also want to ensure the room is well ventilated, as this job gets dirty and the dust and debris can make it harder to breathe. 

Step 7: Spray the Ceiling with Water

To start the popcorn ceiling removal process, lightly spray small sections of the ceiling with water to soften the texture. You can use a pump sprayer for even coverage. Just be sure to not soak it, as this can damage the drywall underneath and lead to a drippy mess. Let the water absorb for 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Step 8: Scrape Popcorn Texture Away in Small Sections

Use a wide putty knife or a popcorn ceiling scraper to begin scraping the softened texture away. Work in small sections carefully so you don’t gouge the drywall underneath. Work your way around the room in one direction. Some sections may need a second pass with the scraper. If needed, respray areas before scraping more. If you come across imperfections or accidentally make a gouge, use joint compound to repair it.

Step 9: Sand the Ceiling

After removing the texture, wait at least 12 hours to sand the ceiling with a fine-grit sandpaper or electric sander to smooth out any imperfections and create an even, smooth surface. 

Step 10: Prime the Ceiling

After sanding, use a high-quality primer to coat the entire ceiling. This will help seal the surface and ensure that your paint goes on evenly.

Step 11: Paint the Ceiling

Once the primer is dry, you can repaint the ceiling with a fresh coat using a paint roller for a smooth, even finish. 

With these steps and considerations in mind, you can confidently tackle your DIY popcorn ceiling removal and transform the look of your space, making it more modern, clean, and fresh.

If you’re not ready to take on this project alone, visit our contact page to book a consultation with us so we can help you take it from start to finish with professionalism and ease!

If you’re looking for tips on painting popcorn ceiling, check out this step-by-step guide

 

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