How To Remove Popcorn Ceiling - The Process Of Removing Popcorn Ceiling

Learn How To Remove Popcorn Ceiling

Learning how to remove popcorn ceiling is an option more and more home owners are choosing. They should, because of the opportunities if offers. Originally, the popcorn ceiling texture was added as a cost saving measure. By using it, contractors were able to do a less than perfect job on the ceiling, the area where imperfections show up most. Now there are so many more options and people are looking to add value to their homes in a down market. Luckily, learning how to remove popcorn ceiling is almost always a do-it- yourself job and it will open up so many possibilities.

Test For Asbestos

Before learning how to remove popcorn ceiling, there is one thing that needs to be checked first and that will the largest cost for the job. The ceiling design needs to be tested for asbestos. For you to do this a small area needs to be removed and lab tested. Your local home improvement store can tell you where you can have this done. If it does have asbestos it will not be a do it yourself job, it will need to be done by professionals that can do it safely.

The Process Of How To Remove Popcorn Ceiling

Chances are good you have an asbestos free ceiling, so don't be alarmed. Now that you are assured of having an asbestos free ceiling you will be able to keep the cost down by doing it yourself. To start with, you will want to remove as much furniture as possible. It is doubtful you will be able to move it all, but every little bit will help. That is for two obvious reasons.

  • One is that if it is not in the room it cannot get damaged, costing you all the money you just saved by doing it yourself.

  • The second reason is that it is much easier and safer to work in an empty room (and a lot faster).

Using Drop Cloths

Once everything is out, or as much as is coming out, it is time to start learning the process of removing popcorn ceilings. It is time to put down your drop cloths. They are cheap items so get more than you think you will need. Moving them around while trying to work is unwise. Now it is time to gather your other tools. You will need a spray bottle of water, a 4+ inch scraper, a couple of towels, a good ladder and a bucket (for putting the removed ceiling)

Removing The Texture

Using your spray bottle, moisten a small section of the popcorn ceiling and simply scrape it off. The first piece will be the hardest. From there is simply a matter of working your way out forming that original hole. Keep the towel handy to dry any sheet rock or dry wall that gets damp while you are working. Continue this process till all the popcorn texture is removed.

What you do next will depend on what you intend to do with your ceiling. Do you want a smooth ceiling, textured ceiling designs, drop ceiling panels, etc. Regardless of what you will do, learning how to remove popcorn ceiling is not hard.