Things You'll Need:
- Hand spray bottle
- Metal drywall knife (I prefer a 4" knife)
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Step 1
Start off your project with a safety check. Make sure the popcorn you are removing does not contain asbestos. Many of the early spray mixes did contain significant amounts of asbestos, but there is no way to know for sure without laboratory testing. Not all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. To know for sure, submit samples for laboratory analysis. The cost is minimal. Laboratories are listed in the yellow pages under “Asbestos Consulting and Testing.”
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Step 2
Cover anything you don't want covered in removed popcorn with plastic sheeting or drop clothes. Turn off heating/AC systems.
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Step 3
Use a plastic spray bottle containing a teaspoon or less of liquid dish washing detergent (wetting agent) in water. Spray water over a few square inches of ceiling, allowing up to 15- 20 min. For the water to soak in. Re- spray several times during this period. Test for wetness by scraping off a few inches of ceiling material. If it is thoroughly wet to the gypsum board or other ceiling substrate underneath, you're ready to begin removing. If the material is not thoroughly wet, re-apply water (with detergent) and allow more time for it to soak in.
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Step 4
Scrape off the material carefully with a putty or drywall knife. Keeping the blade of your putty knife as square as possible to avoid too many gouges.
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Step 5
Scrape off the material carefully with a putty or drywall knife. Keeping the blade of your putty knife as square as possible to avoid too many gouges.
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Step 6
Clean up. If you take the time to lay down plastic sheeting and tape off your work areas clean can be very simple.
