How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling, Walls

Popcorn ceilings were common in homes during the 1960s. However, some homeowners do not like the textured appearance and prefer a smoother wall and ceiling. Removing the texture from the walls and ceiling is a messy job. This project probably will take an entire weekend. Once the texture is removed, you will need to apply a primer to the exposed drywall before painting.

Things You'll Need

• Crowbar
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Circuit tester
• Plastic sheeting
• Rosin paper
• Spray bottle
• Garden hose sprayer
• Wide putty knife

Instructions

1. Remove all furniture from the room. Take down any ceiling light fixtures. Pull the floor molding off the wall using a small crowbar or hammer. Unscrew faceplates from outlets and light switches.

2. Turn off power to the room. Test that there is no electricity running to any outlets or light switches using a circuit tester. Lay a protective plastic sheet on the floor.

3. Roll strips of rosin paper along the floor over the protective covering. This will help absorb water and make clean up easier.

4. Use a spray bottle or garden hose sprayer attachment to moisten the ceiling. Work in small sections. Once a section is damp, use a wide putty knife to scrape the popcorn texture off the ceiling. Hold the putty knife at a 30-degree angle to avoid damaging the drywall underneath. Continue working in this method until the ceiling is stripped.

5. Dampen small sections of a wall the same way as the ceiling. Begin scraping off the texture from the top of the wall down.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses when removing popcorn texture.

• Before removal, have a small piece of the ceiling tested for asbestos. If asbestos is present, hire a professional to handle the removal.

References

• Ron Hazelton: How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling
• Renovation Headquarters: Removing Popcorn And Stucco Textures From Indoor Walls And Ceilings