Popcorn Ceiling

The first house I bought had that old popcorn ceiling. Some people may like that stuff but to me it doesn’t add appeal to a house. One of the first things I did (before moving in) is remove that ugly ceiling. Here is a How To of what I learned through the years. 

Step 1: Prepare the Room

The first thing you want to do is remove all furniture and items from the room. Clear it completely.  Then you will use two millimeter plastic sheets to seal off the entire room. Hang them from the very top of the wall or from the crown molding if that applies.  Using a window fan is a great way to add extra ventilation.  Also, add a drop cloth with a waterproof backing to cover the entire floor. Note: if your popcorn ceiling was added before 1979 you will need to get it tested for asbestos.

Step 2: Spray the Ceiling

Spraying the ceiling softens the texture and will help break down the adhesive which will make it easier to scrape off. You can use a basic garden sprayer or anything of that sort. You will want to work in a 5 feet square area. You don’t want the ceiling to absorb too much water and damage the paper surface and wallboards underneath.

Step 3: Scrape the Ceiling

After you spray a 5 feet square area, wait 10-15 minutes for the water to soak in. You will then start scraping it off with a ceiling texture scraper. A smaller putty knife is a great way to scrape off the corners and around the crown molding.  

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