How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling
Question: What’s the best and cleanest way to remove a popcorn ceiling?
Answer: Removing popcorn ceilings can be a daunting task. Here are a few ways to make the process go a little more “smoothly.”
Step 1: Prepare well
Acknowledge that you will make a mess and remove all furniture and items from the room. Seal off the room by hanging 2mm plastic sheets from the crown molding to the floor. Then, use a drop cloth with a waterproof backing and cover the floor.
Step 2: Spray the ceiling
Spray the ceiling using a basic garden sprayer or spray bottle, working an area that is 5 x 5 feet. Saturate but do not soak the area. Wait 10 minutes for the popcorn to soften, then scrape using a ceiling texture scraper or wide putty knife. Continue in 5 x 5 feet sections until the project is completed.
Step 3: Repeat
Spray the area again and then use a sanding sponge to smooth out the surface.
Step 4: Touch it up
Patch any dents or blemishes using drywall compound and a putty knife. Let this dry, then apply a second coat of compound.
Step 5: Smooth it out
Using a sanding block attached to a long handle, sand the entire ceiling surface to create a smooth finish.
Step 6: Prime the ceiling
Next, prime the ceiling using a paint roller attached to a long handle. Make long even strokes and don’t push the roller into the ceiling, as this will create an unwanted texture. Follow the primer with a layer of ceiling paint.
