What is the easiest way to get rid of a popcorn ceiling?

I have tried to add to it in places where it has fallen off do to rain leaking in and it looks awful.

  8 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jul 03, 2018

    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=popcorn%20ceiling

  • Ann Cherkas Halstead Ann Cherkas Halstead on Jul 03, 2018

    You could cover it with wood.

  • Zest it Up Zest it Up on Jul 03, 2018

    Actually, it's crazy easy to remove! Just make sure to wear a mask to prevent hurting your lungs. Moisture is the enemy of popcorn ceilings. You will want to cover anything in the room to keep it protected and then moisten a section at a time. As the water soaks into the popcorn, you will be able to use a flat metal spatula to easily scrape it off like frosting. It should be really easy. Hope that helps!


  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 03, 2018

    You can add to it, but you have to paint to make it look more matched, otherwise you will need to scrape it off which is messy, but once done can be painted over. It will still have a bit of texture which is sort of what they are doing nowadays for ceilings so it will look modern.

  • Dfm Dfm on Jul 03, 2018

    Replace the drywall On the ceiling. The wet areas will mold. You might not see it at first...but it will spread. Check with insurance co. To see water damage is covered. It just depends on the policy. Act of god vs maintenance.

  • Janice Janice on Jul 03, 2018

    rHi Ella, hopefully the rain problem has been resolved? If not, that needs fixed first! Then the popcorn removal is not that hard, just super messy but well worth the effort. Be sure to remove or cover all furniture and protect yourself and the floor. Use a weed sprayer with hot water and spray sections of the ceiling then let set for a few minutes and use a metal scraper to scrape the popcorn away. Be careful not to get too aggresive so you don't gouge the sheetrock. Use a flat ceiling paint after you've prepared the ceiling ready to paint.

  • Jo Ella Lane Graney Jo Ella Lane Graney on Jul 04, 2018

    Ok, thanks!