How to Remove Popcorn & Paint a Ceiling

Popcorn ceilings can provide a textural appeal to your overall design scheme, but they can also be dust traps. You can remove your popcorn ceiling and apply paint for a fresher, cleaner look. As with many home improvement projects, preparation is key. Before you begin removing the popcorn application from your ceiling, you need to determine if it contains asbestos.

Things You'll Need

• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Paint Scraper
• Spray bottle with water
• Ladder
• Drop cloths
• Cotton rags
• Short nap paint brushes
• Extension handle

Instructions

1. Scrape off several small portions of the popcorn from your ceiling. To do this, wear a mask and gloves. Use a spray bottle to wet a 3-inch square area. With a putty knife, scrape off approximately 1 square inch of popcorn and place in a plastic bag. Repeat for three to four areas throughout the ceiling.

2. Send the sampling to a local asbestos testing facility. Do an Internet search or check your Yellow Pages for the facility near you. You should expect results back within 2 to 4 weeks.

3. If your popcorn texture contains asbestos, you should call in a professional to remove the substance. If your popcorn is asbestos-free, proceed to Step 4.

4. Remove the furnishings from the room and cover the floor with drop cloths. Removal results in a large quantity of dust, so close the heating/cooling vents. Open a window in the room for ventilation. Do not use a fan to circulate air.

5. Start at the point farthest from the exit. Set up a ladder. The ladder should be tall enough to allow you to work on the ceiling without having to stretch upward extensively.

6. Use a spray bottle filled with water to spray a 2-foot by 2-foot area. Spray enough water on the area to make it wet, but do not soak it. Let stand for 30 to 45 seconds.

7. Use a paint scraper to begin removing the popcorn. Hold the scraper so the edge is almost parallel to the ceiling and push forward. The popcorn should come away in small clumps, about a handful at a time.

8. Use a dry rag to wipe the area after the popcorn is removed. Continue the process, taking care not to jab the ceiling with the scraper. Some damage to the drywall is likely, but it should be repairable.

9. Allow the ceiling to dry out for 24 hours before repairing any damage caused by removal.

10. Put on safety glasses. Prime the ceiling with a quality primer. Use a short nap brush with an extension handle and apply the primer.

11. Use a fresh, clean short nap brush to apply a coat of paint to the ceiling. Apply the paint in smooth strokes, making W-shaped strokes as you move across the area. The "crisscross" of the strokes will prevent streaking or uneven coverage.

12. Use a small brush to cut in around the edges of the ceiling. Allow the first coat of paint to dry thoroughly before applying a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a Shop Vac to clean up after removing the popcorn rather than a standard vacuum cleaner. Popcorn may harm your vacuum. Dress for the job. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Cover your head with a bandanna or other comfortable head covering that allows you to maintain full vision. You will also need a dust mask, gloves and safety glasses.