How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling in 8 Steps

How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling

Want to know how to get rid of a popcorn ceiling? Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Test for Asbestos and Lead Paint

When tackling the best way to get rid of popcorn ceiling textures, you must start by testing for asbestos and lead paint. Unfortunately, when popcorn ceilings were popular, asbestos was an ingredient that was still commonly used. For this reason, you’ll want to have a professional test your ceilings for lead and asbestos, as this can be dangerous if you end up inhaling popcorn ceiling dust in the removal process.

If your ceilings do test positive for these ingredients, a licensed professional in asbestos abatement must remove the texture or cover the ceiling in fresh drywall. This will help avoid the harmful dust from popcorn ceiling from affecting your health.

Step 2: Turn Electricity Off and Remove Light Fittings

Once you’ve tested your ceiling for lead and asbestos and gotten the all-clear, the next step in getting rid of popcorn ceiling is to turn off the electricity and remove the light fittings. Check with a circuit tester to ensure the electricity is off, so your walls are prepped for safe removal.

Step 3: Prepare the Room

Collect the following supplies to prepare:

• Plastic coverings for the floor and furniture
• Painter’s tape
• Tools to remove light fixtures
• Spray sock
• Shoe covers
• Respirator
• Protective glasses or goggles to keep dust and particles out of your eyes

Before you get to work, you’ll want to use plastic coverings to cover your furniture and rugs to prevent any residue or dust particles from accumulating on your nice furniture and cause damage.

You should also cover your walls in this plastic material to prevent them from getting damaged. Secure any plastic coverings with painter’s tape to fully encapsulate the item or area that you want to protect.

Preparing the room also means that you should remove any light fixtures that will be in your way. Finally, put some protective tarps on the ground to collect the debris. Although it’s tempting to dive right into the removal process, preparation is an essential step in producing quality results.

Step 4: Put on Your Protective Equipment

Don’t overlook this step! Putting on the right protective equipment can make or break the outcome of your project and it will keep you safe throughout the duration of the process. Start with the respirator, as it will help ensure that the air you’re inhaling is safe and free of damaging particles.

A spray sock will help protect your face and your hair, and your protective goggles will keep your eyes free of dust. Make sure that your safety goggles are secured to your face on all sides to keep dust particles out of your eyes.

Finally, throw some shoe covers on over your shoes to avoid tracking the mess around your house.

Step 5: Remove the Popcorn Ceiling

The best way to remove a popcorn ceiling is by spraying it with water. Follow the below best practices for the best results. 
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1. Thoroughly soak your ceiling with your spray bottle and let the water sit for 10-15 minutes. The soaking water will help the popcorn material to fall off easily.

2. After enough time has passed, take your putty knife and scrape the ceiling in long, even strokes to remove the popcorn material. If your ceiling has been soaking long enough, this process should be fast and easy.

3. Work in small areas at a time, not missing any of the leftover white residues. All of it has to be removed to yield quality paint results!

Step 6: Smooth It Out

While you are removing the popcorn material, your putty knife may have left behind some marks. Use your drywall sanding sponge to smooth out any rough patches on the ceiling. If you aren’t an experienced sander, make sure to sand against the scratch, or you’ll make it worse.

Step 7: Add a Primer

Are you wondering “do I need to prime the ceiling after removing popcorn,” the answer is yes! Primers are essential in covering the surface and preparing it for a fresh coat of paint. 

Take the primer of your choice and add a coat to your ceiling. Be aware that doing so will likely bring to light some deeper grooves in the ceiling that need to be filled before painting.

Use your drywall compound to fill and smooth any deep grooves or dents. Finish these areas with another layer of primer.

Step 8: Painting Popcorn Ceiling

Finally, the part you’ve all been waiting for in the how-to smooth out popcorn ceiling guide - the paint! To refresh your walls with a modern, timeless color, paint your ceilings with a smooth, even coat of paint that will accentuate your newly refreshed walls.

That's it. Removing your popcorn ceiling is as simple as that!