Popcorn ceilings—also called acoustic or cottage cheese ceilings—had been as soon as a preferred alternative for houses because of their potential to cover imperfections and take up sound. However in the present day, many householders desire a cleaner, extra fashionable look. On this Redfin article, we’ll information you thru tips on how to take away popcorn ceilings step-by-step—whether or not you’re tackling the feel in a home in Portland, OR, or updating a house in Tampa, FL. From prep and security to refinishing ideas, we’ll aid you resolve whether or not to DIY or name within the professionals.
What’s a popcorn ceiling?
Popcorn ceilings have a bumpy, textured floor constituted of a spray-on or paint-on remedy. They turned widespread in mid-Twentieth century houses however can date your house in the present day—and in some instances, might comprise asbestos.
Eradicating popcorn texture fully transforms an area“When we bought our home, removing the popcorn ceilings was our first DIY project,” shares Jason Graphix. “Even after 20 years, it’s still one of the best upgrades we’ve made. Smooth ceilings make a huge difference. We’ve never looked back.”
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Step 1: Check for asbestos
Earlier than eradicating a popcorn ceiling, it’s important to examine for asbestos, particularly if your house was constructed earlier than the Nineteen Eighties. Asbestos testing kits can be found at {hardware} shops, or you possibly can rent an authorized skilled.
If it assessments constructive for asbestos: Cease work instantly and get in touch with a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.
If it’s clear: You possibly can transfer ahead with elimination your self or rent a common contractor.
Step 2: Collect your instruments and supplies
You’ll want the next:
Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
Painter’s tape
Security goggles and a mud masks or respirator
Spray bottle or backyard sprayer with water
6- to 12-inch drywall or putty knife
Ladder or scaffolding
Sandpaper or sanding pole
Joint compound and putty knife (for patching)
Primer and ceiling paint
A vacuum scraper makes the job simpler and fewer dusty“At DIYwithHelp.com, we love helping homeowners take on projects, but popcorn ceiling removal is best left to pros if asbestos might be present,” warns DIY With Assist. “If it’s safe, prep with plastic, wear protective gear, and mist the ceiling before scraping. A scraper with a vacuum attachment makes the job cleaner and faster. This one task is messier than most people expect.”
Step 3: Put together the house
Transfer furnishings out of the room or cowl it with plastic sheeting.
Flip off the HVAC system and canopy vents.
Tape plastic sheeting over partitions, retailers, and lighting fixtures.
Be sure that the ground is totally protected with drop cloths.
Take away comfortable supplies and seal all the things with plastic“We tell clients to remove all soft materials like curtains and bedding before scraping starts,” says Hilweh Builders. “Wrap anything left behind in thick plastic and tape it securely. We also cover floors and seal vents and doors to stop dust from spreading. This is essential if anyone in the home is sensitive to allergens or dust.”
Prep the room totally to comprise the mess“Before scraping, remove or cover everything in the room and seal vents and windows,” recommends Renaissance Portray. “We use rosin paper and plastic to protect the floors and mask off walls to keep dust from spreading. Good prep reduces cleanup and protects your home from damage. Don’t underestimate how messy it gets.”
Step 4: Soften the feel
Use a twig bottle or backyard sprayer to flippantly mist a small part of the ceiling. Let it soak for about 15–20 minutes. Don’t over-soak—it might injury the drywall beneath.
Prime new plaster or mud earlier than you paint“After scraping and sanding, it’s essential to prime any new mud or plaster with an OVA primer before painting,” advises Gainesville Portray. “This step seals the surface, ensures better paint adhesion, and helps achieve a smooth, professional finish. While smooth ceilings cost more than textured ones, the results are worth it.”
Mist the ceiling to loosen texture and cut back mud“Misting the ceiling with water helps loosen the texture and cuts down on airborne dust,” says Best End. “Use a wide scraper with slow, even pressure to avoid damaging the drywall. Cover all vents and turn off the HVAC to keep the dust contained.”
Painted popcorn ceilings require stronger removers“Popcorn comes off easier when it’s damp, but painted ceilings don’t budge with just water,” explains Brightline Portray. “In that case, you’ll need a commercial-grade remover. After scraping, be ready to fill gouges with joint compound. Even a small ceiling can turn into a bigger job than expected.”
Step 5: Scrape the ceiling
As soon as the feel is damp, gently scrape it off with a putty or drywall knife. Work in small sections. Watch out to not gouge the ceiling.
Tip: A wider blade helps create smoother passes.
Non-compulsory: For much less mess, think about a ceiling texture scraper attachment with a built-in bag.
Step 6: Restore and sand
After eradicating the feel, examine the ceiling for gouges or injury. Patch any areas with joint compound, let it dry, and sand till clean.
Take time to restore the ceiling earlier than refinishing“Once popcorn is gone, you’ll usually find cracks or popped screws underneath,” notes Movement Drywall. “We resecure the drywall, patch all seams, and sand smooth before refinishing. It’s also the perfect time to update the ceiling lighting. For the finish, we recommend knockdown, orange peel, or smooth, followed by a stain-blocking primer.”
Step 7: Prime and paint
As soon as your ceiling is clean and clear:
Apply a stain-blocking primer.
Paint with a flat or matte ceiling paint for finest outcomes.
Prime earlier than skim coating for a flat, even floor“After scraping, I always start with a coat of primer—it helps the skim coat stick better,” says Main League Portray. “Three skim coats usually do the trick to flatten out the ceiling. Once sanded, we prime again and follow with two coats of ceiling paint. It takes time, but the result is worth it.”
Add skim coats after scraping for an expert end“Popcorn removal is more than just scraping—it’s about the finish,” explains Patch Dudes. “Plan for at least two skim coats to level the ceiling afterward. Smaller rooms take two days, but full homes can take five. Rushing this step leads to uneven, patchy results.”
Eradicating popcorn ceilings: fast ideas from the professionals
All the time check for asbestos in older houses earlier than scraping“If your home was built before the ’90s, test the ceiling texture for asbestos first,” warns RGB Home Painters. “If it’s safe, mist the surface and use a wide putty knife to scrape gently. We always recommend sealing off the room and covering everything with plastic. Once done, we prime and paint for a fresh, clean look.”
Use protecting gear and skim coat after elimination“For DIY removal, always wear a mask, goggles, and gloves, and wet the ceiling before scraping,” advises Mr. Ceiling Grasp. “If asbestos is a concern, send a sample to a certified lab. After scraping, apply a skim coat, sand smooth, prime, and paint. It’s the only way to get a truly modern, finished look.”
Use the suitable instruments and prep for a clear elimination“To soften the ceiling, use a pump-up sprayer with warm water and let it dwell before scraping,” advises Century Portray. “Use a 5” plaster knife at an angle and don’t press too onerous—gouges imply extra repairs later. In case your ceiling’s been painted, it’ll value extra to take away. After scraping, we skim coat, sand clean, and end with two coats of flat ceiling paint.”
Options to eradicating a popcorn ceiling
If scraping isn’t for you, there are fashionable methods to cowl a popcorn ceiling with out the mess. Ornamental ceiling planks or tiles will be put in immediately over the present texture utilizing a surface-mounted system. These are available numerous finishes, together with wood-look choices that add heat and character to any room.
An alternative choice is to put in a drop ceiling or apply a brand new layer of drywall for a very clean end. These strategies can save time, cut back mud, and nonetheless ship a contemporary look—no scraping required.
You possibly can cowl popcorn ceilings with ornamental planks“If you want to skip the mess, consider covering popcorn ceilings with wood-look planks,” suggests Kanopi by Armstrong. “They install directly over existing ceilings with tracks and clips, no scraping needed. It’s a quick upgrade that hides damage and adds warmth. Plus, it avoids the risk of asbestos altogether.”
Must you rent an expert to take away popcorn ceilings?
Hiring an expert can prevent time, stress, and potential injury—particularly in case your ceiling has been painted or examined constructive for asbestos. Professionals have the instruments and expertise to deal with skim coating, sanding, and refinishing shortly and cleanly. They’ll additionally make sure the room is correctly sealed off to maintain mud and particles contained.
In the event you’re not sure about your ceiling’s situation or desire a assured clean end, hiring a contractor is the most secure route.
Painted ceilings are tougher to take away and might have skilled assist“If your popcorn ceiling feels chalky and flakes off easily, it’s probably unpainted and can be scraped after a light misting,” explains Specific Drywall Providers. “Painted ceilings are much tougher—you’ll likely need to skim coat or even add new drywall over the top.”
Rent a finisher and ask to see their work earlier than you commit“Popcorn removal can look deceptively simple, but skim coating and painting are finesse jobs,” says Website 604. “After removal, we use three skim coats and a high-build surfacer for a flawless finish. Then we apply two coats of flat white ceiling paint with a sprayer. Always ask to see in-person examples—photos can be misleading.”
How a lot does it value to take away a popcorn ceiling?
DIY elimination:
Supplies value: ~$50–$150
Time: 1–2 days for a mean room
Skilled elimination:
Common value: $1–$2 per sq. foot
Whole for a 500 sq. ft. room: ~$500–$1,000
Prices might improve if asbestos is current or repairs are wanted
Can eradicating a popcorn ceiling improve residence worth?
Sure. Eradicating popcorn ceilings can:
Make your house look extra fashionable and up to date
Attraction to extra consumers
Probably improve resale worth, particularly in aggressive markets
In accordance with actual property consultants, a clean ceiling end may help your house present higher in photographs and open homes, providing a stable return in your effort or funding.
Need to know the way ceiling updates might impression your house’s worth? Strive our free What Is My Residence Price? calculator to get an instantaneous estimate.
Wanting to economize in your mortgage?
Scale back your month-to-month funds by refinancing now.
Continuously requested questions on eradicating popcorn ceilings
1. Is it secure to take away popcorn ceilings myself?
Sure—in case your ceiling has examined unfavourable for asbestos and also you’re snug with DIY residence enchancment tasks. All the time put on protecting gear.
2. How lengthy does it take to take away a popcorn ceiling?
For a typical 10’x12′ room, anticipate the method to take 1–2 days, together with prep, elimination, repairs, and portray.
3. Can I simply paint over a popcorn ceiling as an alternative?
Sure, but it surely gained’t provide the identical clean end. Portray is a faster choice to refresh the look, although it could darken or crush the feel over time.
4. Do all popcorn ceilings comprise asbestos?
No. Just some older ceilings—primarily these utilized earlier than the Nineteen Eighties—might comprise asbestos. All the time check first.
