How To Remove Popcorn Ceiling Texture and Prep For Paint | Tips

Steps for removing a Textured Popcorn Ceiling: If the texture was applied before 1970, have it tested for asbestos first. If the texture doesn’t contain asbestos, you can proceed with removal. Cover all the walls and floor with plastic sheeting. Mix hot water with a little fabric softener in a pump up sprayer. Wet down a section of the ceiling with the sprayer. Allow the solution to soak in and loosen the texture. Use a drywall knife or a special scraper that collects the texture in a plastic bag, such as the Homax Ceiling Texture Scraper (available at The Home Depot), to scrape the texture off the ceiling. After the ceiling has dried, repair any damaged or uneven areas with drywall joint compound. Allow the joint compound to dry, then sand the ceiling smooth. Prime and paint the ceiling using latex paint.