How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling
Popcorn ceilings were once popular in homes built before the 1990s, but today most homeowners prefer a clean, smooth ceiling. Removing the old texture can modernize your home, increase property value, and create a brighter, fresher look. If you’re thinking about updating your home in Cornelius, NC this guide explains exactly how to remove a popcorn ceiling safely and efficiently.
Test for Asbestos Before Starting
If your home was built before 1985, the first step is testing for asbestos. Many older popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, and disturbing them without proper protection can be hazardous. You can use a DIY asbestos test kit, take a ceiling sample to a certified lab, or hire a licensed professional. If your ceiling tests positive, hire an asbestos abatement company—never attempt removal yourself.
Prep the Room for a Messy Job
Popcorn ceiling removal is extremely messy, so proper preparation is essential. Remove all furniture from the room and cover floors with heavy plastic or drop cloths. Tape plastic over walls, vents, windows, and doorways, and turn off your HVAC system. Remove ceiling fans and light fixtures. Your goal is to seal the entire space to prevent dust from spreading through the house.
Wet the Ceiling to Loosen the Texture
To make scraping easier, lightly mist the ceiling using a pump sprayer. Spray a 5–6 ft section at a time and let the water absorb for 10–15 minutes. Avoid oversaturating, which can damage drywall. When damp, the texture softens and lifts off smoothly, making scraping much easier.
Scrape the Popcorn Texture
Use a wide putty knife or ceiling scraper at a slight angle. Work in small sections and scrape gently to avoid gouging the drywall. Catch falling debris on a mud pan or let it fall onto the plastic, and re-wet any stubborn areas. Continue until the entire ceiling is free of texture.
Repair and Smooth the Ceiling
Even after scraping, your ceiling will have imperfections. To achieve a smooth, modern finish, apply a thin layer of joint compound (mud), feather edges with a 10–12 inch drywall knife, let it dry completely, sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper, and apply a second coat if needed. This step is the difference between a DIY-looking job and a professional finish. If you need help smoothing walls or ceilings, check out our guide on how many gallons of paint you need for a 1500 sq ft house for related prep and paint tips.
Prime and Paint the Ceiling
Freshly scraped ceilings require primer because, without it, the drywall will soak in paint unevenly. Use a stain-blocking, high-quality primer, followed by two coats of ceiling paint. A flat sheen is best for the smoothest look. Painting after removal creates a clean, updated feel throughout the room.
When You Should Hire a Professional
Removing popcorn ceilings isn’t difficult, but it requires time, patience, and attention to detail. Consider hiring a pro when the ceiling contains asbestos, ceilings are high, you want a near-perfect finish, or you simply don’t want to deal with dust and cleanup. Monroe Quality Contractors offers fast, clean, and professional popcorn ceiling removal throughout Charlotte, Cornelius, Huntersville, and surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
Removing a popcorn ceiling is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make in your home. With the right preparation and tools, you can handle it yourself—but if you want a flawless finish, Monroe Quality Contractors is ready to help. Visit monroeqc.com to schedule a free estimate