If your home was constructed before 1985, chances are you have a popcorn ceiling that disfigures the appearance of the room. While it was a huge thing during the mid-1900s, the glory of popcorn ceilings has faded. Popcorn ceiling removal holds the potential to fully transform the way your room feels.
Before starting the removal, here are 5 quick things you need to know to make the process easier for you.
1. Popcorn ceiling: an outdated trend
Popcorn ceiling, also called a textured ceiling, was a hit trend during the 1950s to 1980s. As it provided a cover for a flawed ceiling and offered a noise cancellation effect, you won’t believe how popular these were. The classic bumpy and rough look was made by using materials such as Styrofoam or vermiculite mixed with paint.
But that aesthetic is gone for good. Modern home interiors prefer smoother and brighter finishes. Now, if you live in a house where the ceiling looks quite rough and textured, it is probably a popcorn ceiling.
2. Before removal, test for asbestos
Here’s the catch: popcorn ceiling removal is a tricky business. You see, at the time this kind of ceiling was popular, asbestos, a toxic material, wasn’t banned. And most home builders used it in projects like this. To see if yours has it, you can buy a home testing kit or hire professionals to check it. If there is asbestos used in the ceiling, Do Not do it yourself. It is better to
Although sometimes it is best to put a drywall or a new layer on top of the old one. This is way cheaper and safer.
3. Popcorn Ceiling Removal will create a mess
Here is a list of popcorn ceiling removal tools to make the scraping part easier:
- Ladder
- Eyewear
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- A plastic sheet to cover the floor
- Water spray pump
- Mud pan
- Sand pad
- Extra plastic for furniture
- Painters’ tape to secure the plastic
- A scraper
- A vacuum to collect all of the debris
Also, before the removal, it is equally important to prep the room.
Tips to prep the room:
- Take out all furniture or thoroughly cover it with plastic.
- Cover walls and floors with plastic sheets and painter’s tape.
- Turn off the HVAC system to avoid dust transfer.
- Don safety gear as outlined above.
- Spray the ceiling lightly with water to soften the texture before scraping, and allow the water to penetrate for 15 minutes.
4. Grinding yourself or hiring a Popcorn Ceiling Removal Contractor?
If you are torn between doing the removal yourself or hiring a professional, here is a quick breakdown of aspects you should keep in mind.
Doing a popcorn ceiling removal by yourself can save money if:
- The ceiling is asbestos-free.
- You’re only working in a small area.
- You have the tools, time, and patience.
But hiring a popcorn ceiling removal service has clear advantages:
- Safe and professional handling of materials.
- Faster cleanup and debris disposal.
- Smoother final result.
You might choose not to handle the task, especially the time and effort it requires. When done by experts, it may cost somewhere between $1 and $3 per square foot, depending on the size of the room and whether there is asbestos involved. But honestly, it pays off in convenience, time, and perfect finishing.
5. Post-removal transformation
As textured ceilings are done to mask the flaws of the ceiling, once the popcorn texture is removed, it still isn’t over yet. There are a lot of rough, patchy bumps that need to be fixed. For a smoother and brighter ceiling, additional services are crucial.
Steps after popcorn ceiling removal usually include:
- Sanding the surface smooth
- Patching holes or imperfections with putty
- Priming the surface and painting
- Installing a new ceiling texture or drywall
Once the texture is gone, you have entered a realm of endless ceiling style options that look elegant and chic. Here are your finishing options:
- Flat ceiling for a modern look, but reveals imperfections easily
- Knockdown texture, which is subtle and adds visual interest without being dated
- Wood paneling or beadboard, for a rustic or farmhouse style
FAQs
- Should I have the popcorn ceiling removed myself?
Yes, but only if you have no asbestos present and don’t mind mess and grunt work. DIY is more effective for small spaces.
- How to detect asbestos in popcorn ceilings?
Only lab testing can confirm this. If you are unsure about it, hire a professional team to assess the ceiling. Houses built before 1985 probably contain asbestos.
- How much does it cost to have a popcorn ceiling removal?
On average, $1–$3 per square foot, plus labor and disposal. If there is asbestos, the cost can be greatly increased.
Final Word
Rather than being just an aesthetic updo, popcorn ceiling removal serves a lot. It is an investment in the house value in the long run, as well as a potential health risk removed. Getting it removed not only makes your room brighter but also gives it a modern and minimalist look, which is all the rage these days. Now your room feels more spacious and goes with your personality better.
Whether it be a lack of time or other preferences, and you do not want to grind yourself, feel free to hire a certified popcorn ceiling removal contractor like us. We work according to you, being your reliable partner. If you want to ensure safety, efficiency, and a spotless finish, NJ Painting Services is the way to go. If you are about to browse “popcorn ceiling services near me”, you will find us at the top. We like to pride ourselves on our licensed workers with over 350 projects done and dusted.
