Removing Popcorn Ceiling

Removing a popcorn ceiling may be on your list of things to do. Once a popular ceiling treatment, popcorn ceilings look beautiful when first applied. But they can become easily damaged and discolored and, over time, can not be cleaned to a satisfactory appearance. If your popcorn ceiling looks too dingy, it might be time to remove it.

Step 1 – Prepare the Surrounding Area

Remove all furniture and wall hangings from the room containing the popcorn ceiling. Place an oversized drop cloth on the floor. When you use a bigger drop cloth, you won’t have to keep moving it from spot to spot. Start the process at the far end of the room from the exit.

Step 2 – Position the Ladder

Position yourself on the ladder so you can work side to side and not directly overhead. This method should protect your head from falling mud and dust. Make sure you have a garbage bag at arm's reach.

Step 3 – Spray the Work Area

Choose a comfortable work area well within easy reach and spray that area with water from the spray bottle. Soak the popcorn until it looks damp. But it should not drip any water onto the floor.

Step 4 – Scrape with the Trowel

Hold the cardboard flat directly under the area you will scrape with the trowel. Remove as much of the popcorn material as possible to make the ceiling easier to paint later. Make sure to periodically empty the cardboard flat into the garbage bag at hand. Move the ladder as needed to reach other ceiling areas.

Step 5 – Scrape Joint Seams

You may need extra water when you loosen popcorn attached to joint seams because it will adhere well at the joint. Make sure the trowel is flush with the ceiling as you scrape. After a little work, you should discover the correct amount of water to apply.

Step 6 – Repeat Throughout the Room

Continue throughout the entire room, but pay particular attention to disposing material as you work. Make sure you place the drop cloth  securely beneath your work area. The soaked popcorn material, once removed, can get heavy in both the cardboard flat and the garbage bag. Be careful not to overload either one.

Step 7 – Clean Up

Pieces of removed popcorn will find their way onto the drop cloth and even the ladder. Using a shop vacuum, carefully suck up all stray popcorn material and dust created during removal. If you carefully fold up the drop cloths toward each center, place these in garbage bags to avoid making a mess. Use the shop vacuum on the carpet or other flooring once you’ve removed the drop cloths.