How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling Texture (Without the Mess!)
Popcorn ceilings—also known as acoustic ceilings—were all the rage from the 1950s through the ’80s. These bumpy textures were used to hide imperfections and reduce noise. But let’s face it: they haven’t aged well. If you’re looking to modernize your space, removing that popcorn texture is a great first step.
Yes, it’s a messy job—but with the right prep and tools, you can DIY it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you remove popcorn ceiling texture safely and efficiently.
⚠️ First: Check for Asbestos
Before you scrape anything, you need to know what you’re dealing with. Many popcorn ceilings applied before 1985 may contain asbestos.
How to check:
Buy a testing kit from a hardware store or hire a professional to test a sample. If it contains asbestos, do NOT attempt removal yourself. You’ll need certified asbestos abatement professionals.
🧰 What You’ll Need
If your ceiling is asbestos-free, here’s what you’ll need to get started:
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Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
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Painter’s tape
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Spray bottle or garden sprayer (filled with water)
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6–12 inch drywall taping knife or ceiling scraper
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Safety goggles & dust mask
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Ladder or scaffolding
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Putty knife (for detail work)
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Joint compound (optional for patching)
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Sanding pole or sponge
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Primer and ceiling paint (for finishing)
🏗 Step 1: Prep the Room
This job gets messy, so take the time to protect your space:
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Remove furniture or cover it with plastic.
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Cover the floor with drop cloths.
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Turn off power to ceiling fans and lights; remove any fixtures if possible.
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Tape plastic sheeting over walls, outlets, and vents to control dust.
💦 Step 2: Spray and Soften the Texture
Use a spray bottle or garden sprayer to mist small sections of the ceiling (about 4×4 feet). Let the water soak in for 10–15 minutes to loosen the texture.
Important: Don’t oversaturate—too much water can damage the drywall underneath.
🔧 Step 3: Scrape It Off
Once the texture is softened, use a drywall knife or ceiling scraper to gently scrape it off. Hold the scraper at a slight angle and use smooth, steady pressure.
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Work slowly in sections.
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Use a smaller putty knife for corners and tight areas.
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Be careful not to gouge the drywall.
🧽 Step 4: Smooth and Patch
After removing the texture, you might notice small dings or seams in the drywall.
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Use joint compound to fill in imperfections.
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Let it dry, then sand smooth with a sanding pole or sponge.
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Wipe down the ceiling with a damp cloth to remove dust.
🎨 Step 5: Prime and Paint
Once everything is dry and smooth, apply a coat of primer designed for ceilings. This helps the paint adhere and gives you a consistent finish.
Then, roll on a fresh coat (or two) of ceiling paint—and voilà! You’ve got a clean, modern ceiling with no popcorn in sight.
Bonus Tip: Want to Skip the Mess?
If scraping sounds like a headache, consider alternatives like:
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Skim coating the popcorn with drywall compound
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Installing new drywall panels
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Adding decorative ceiling tiles or wood planks
These options take more work or cost, but they’re cleaner and can add unique character to your space.
Final Thoughts
Removing a popcorn ceiling can totally transform a room—making it feel brighter, cleaner, and more modern. While it’s not the tidiest project, it’s definitely manageable with the right tools and prep. Just remember to test for asbestos first!
If you’d rather leave it to the pros (or want to make sure it’s done 100% safely), Bright Corp Painting & contracting can help. Our restoration and remodeling team can handle ceiling texture removal, repairs, and repainting—all with minimal disruption to your home.
