How do you take off popcorn ceilings

Karen Barnett
by Karen Barnett
  9 answers
  • Dfm Dfm on May 09, 2018

    Get a good dust mask, spray water on the popcorn ceiling....start scraping. Depending on the year built...you may want to test for asbestos fibers Before you begin.

  • Living Free Living Free on May 09, 2018

    Cover everything , use a plastic scraper ( we used a spatula) and gently scrape it off. Being careful not to gouge it to deep. Get it to the even layer you want. Then seal it with a primer, then use ceiling paint to finish it off. If you go to deep you can fix the spots with the spray stuff but you have to let it dry before you paint. Its super messy and extremely dusty. So wear a mask, eye protection and cover all your skin. We did it to our modular home years ago, it made cleaning the ceiling so much easier and looked awesome when done. Good luck.

  • James Williams James Williams on May 09, 2018

    What worked for me was to get a spray bottle and spray water on a small area (about 3 ft square). Let the area set for about a minute and use a plastic spreader or even a drywall knife if you’re careful, to gently remove the “stuff”. DO NOT saturate the area as this will soften the drywall paper and make it prone to tearing. With a little practice to get the feel you can peel it off fairly clean with out dust and the residue can be swept up while still slightly damp.

  • Wendy Wendy on May 09, 2018

    Much luck to you, let us know how it goes!

  • Jessi Love Jessi Love on May 10, 2018

    Gotta scrape that sucker make sure you wear a face mask

  • Ellis Ellis on May 12, 2018

    Get a small piece tested first, to make sure it has no asbestos in it.

  • Lucy Marie Bernier Lucy Marie Bernier on Sep 17, 2018

    There is a special tool. Long handle that you attach a bag to it when scraping the popcorn away. Spray bottle with water. Spray lightly and scrap away. Can pick one up a Loews/ Homedepot.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Sep 09, 2024

    Step 1: Test for Asbestos

    If your home was built before 1980, there's a chance that the popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. You should hire a professional to test the ceiling. If it contains asbestos, you'll need a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to remove it.

    Step 2: Prep the Room

    1. Cover everything: Remove all furniture or cover it with plastic. Lay down drop cloths or tarps on the floor and tape plastic to the walls to protect them.
    2. Turn off the power: If you have light fixtures on the ceiling, turn off the power to the room to avoid any electrical hazards.

    Step 3: Wet the Ceiling

    1. Fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist the ceiling, focusing on a small section (about 4x4 feet) at a time. Be careful not to soak it, as too much water can damage the drywall underneath.
    2. Let the water soak for about 10-15 minutes to loosen the texture.

    Step 4: Scrape the Popcorn

    1. Use a wide putty knife or drywall taping knife to gently scrape the popcorn texture off. Hold the knife at a slight angle and carefully work across the section.
    2. Be patient and work in small sections to avoid gouging the ceiling.

    Step 5: Smooth and Sand (Optional)

    1. Once the popcorn is removed, you might notice imperfections or small gouges in the ceiling.
    2. Sand the ceiling with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out.
    3. Patch any gouges with joint compound, let it dry, then sand again for a smooth finish.

    Step 6: Prime and Paint

    1. After the ceiling is smooth and clean, apply a coat of primer.
    2. Once the primer is dry, paint the ceiling with the desired color.