How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Popcorn ceilings, once a popular choice for their ability to hide imperfections and absorb sound, have become outdated. Many homeowners now opt for smoother ceilings for a modern and cleaner look. If you're looking to remove a popcorn ceiling, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Check for Asbestos

Before starting, it's essential to test your popcorn ceiling for asbestos, especially if your home was built before the 1980s. Asbestos was commonly used in ceiling textures, and disturbing it can pose serious health risks.

How to Test for Asbestos:

Purchase an asbestos testing kit or hire a professional to inspect it.
Scrape a small sample into a sealed plastic bag.
Send the sample to a certified lab for testing.

If the test comes back positive, do not attempt to remove the ceiling yourself. Instead, hire a professional asbestos abatement team to handle the job safely.

Step 2: Gather Materials

Once you confirm that your ceiling is asbestos-free, gather the necessary tools and materials:

✔️ Plastic sheeting (to protect floors and walls)✔️ Painter’s tape✔️ Spray bottle or garden sprayer (filled with warm water)✔️ Putty knife or ceiling scraper✔️ Drywall sander (optional, for smoothing)✔️ Safety goggles, dust mask, and gloves

Step 3: Prepare the Room

Removing a popcorn ceiling is messy, so proper preparation is key.

Remove furniture or cover it with plastic sheeting.
Turn off power to ceiling fixtures and remove light fixtures or fans.
Cover walls and floors with plastic sheeting and secure it with painter’s tape.

Step 4: Soften the Popcorn Texture

Spray the ceiling with warm water using a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes to soften the texture. This makes scraping easier and minimizes dust.

⚠️ Tip: Work in small sections to prevent the water from drying before you scrape.

Step 5: Scrape Off the Popcorn Ceiling

Using a putty knife or a ceiling scraper, gently scrape the softened popcorn texture off. Hold the scraper at a slight angle to avoid damaging the drywall underneath.

✔️ Pro Tip: Use a wide scraper with a bag attachment to catch falling debris and reduce cleanup.

Step 6: Repair and Sand the Ceiling

Once the texture is removed, inspect the ceiling for any damage. Use drywall joint compound to fill in any holes or imperfections.

After the compound dries, sand the ceiling smooth using a drywall sander or fine-grit sandpaper.

Step 7: Prime and Paint

To finish the job, apply a coat of primer to seal the ceiling and improve paint adhesion. Once the primer dries, paint the ceiling with your desired color for a fresh, modern look.

Alternative: Covering Popcorn Ceilings

If removing the popcorn texture sounds like too much work, you can cover it instead:

Install drywall panels over the existing ceiling for a smooth finish.
Apply a skim coat of joint compound to create a flat surface.
Use ceiling tiles or planks for a decorative upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Removing a popcorn ceiling can be a DIY-friendly project with the right tools and patience. However, always check for asbestos first and take necessary safety precautions. Once completed, a smooth ceiling can significantly improve your home’s aesthetic and value.