There was a time when popcorn ceilings were extremely popular. From the 1950s to the 1980s, this was a common ceiling finish in many homes in America, Canada, and sometimes even Europe, although it was less widespread there. It was in line with the trends in renovation and construction at the time. However, recently, there has been a reverse trend — toward removing a popcorn ceiling. Homeowners are now replacing this decor en masse with more modern solutions. Why is this happening, and how to handle it without hiring a team of professionals? We will explain in detail right now.
What Is a Popcorn Ceiling?
A popcorn ceiling was sometimes also called a cheese ceiling. The name reflects the characteristic appearance of the finish — resembling cheese holes or popcorn clumps. The surface was decorated to have densely packed bubbles. These bumps and bubbles were excellent for hiding wall imperfections, such as cracks. But the main advantage was that it offered incredible sound insulation without much effort.
Textured ceilings were often used in bedrooms and hallways, adding coziness and much-desired silence to homes or apartments, especially in big cities. At that time, it was a great solution. Moreover, it fits well with classic, Provençal, and other popular interior styles of the time.
Why Remove Popcorn Ceilings?
Times have changed — and so have interior design trends. Textured, bubble-like surfaces look archaic against the backdrop of modern, stylish furniture, minimalist solutions, clean lines, and the pursuit of living in simplicity. That’s why removing popcorn ceilings has become a priority to modernize interiors and align with the contemporary preferences of homeowners.
Beyond aesthetics, there is also a practical reason for removing a popcorn ceiling. Often, without knowing the harmful effects of asbestos on health, builders mixed it into the material that was then applied to walls and ceilings. You can't tell if your finish contains harmful materials without analysis, but it’s better to be safe and replace it with something more eco-friendly.
Additionally, dust inevitably accumulates in the uneven texture, making it difficult to clean. This factor harms aesthetics and health. So, even if you like this style, it's better to remove it and replace it with something more modern. Beyond the mentioned advantages, your property’s market value will also increase if you're planning to rent or sell it. So, let’s investigate the key issue — how do you get rid of this outdated and potentially hazardous finish?
How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling Step-by-Step
So, when you move on to removing popcorn, it is important to plan everything correctly, prepare the necessary tools, and decide what decor you choose to make the surface look great. Let's learn how to remove popcorn ceilings — we will go step by step, making it straightforward.
Step 1: Prepare the Space for the Next Steps
It will be much easier to remove all the furniture and items from the room while the renovation is being done. If the space is limited or other reasons prevent you from doing it, you will need to protect all things and furniture from the inevitable dust that will fly from above.
Gather all large furniture, such as tables, sofas, or wardrobes, in the center of the room.
Cover all of it with plastic sheeting. The sheeting should be large enough to cover each piece of furniture completely, not just the top. Otherwise, you will still have to clean the surfaces of the dust that will cover them while you work.
Cover the floor. Completely lay plastic sheeting over it. To prevent the edges of the sheeting near the walls from curling up and allowing dirt underneath, use duct tape to secure it firmly.
Prepare protection for yourself as well. You should have a work suit, and it is also essential to wear a respirator and goggles. Each of these elements is important, protecting your body, eyes, and respiratory system. Remember that popcorn ceilings were often made using asbestos, inhaling which is not recommended, even if you are not prone to allergic reactions, etc. By the way, you can check for the presence of asbestos by calling a professional team for testing. They may also be able to assist with the process of removing the popcorn coating.
Remove lampshades and light fixtures so they do not break or get dirty. And one more tip: turn off the electricity in the room or the entire house. If you accidentally come across any wiring during the work, this will help avoid accidents. Proper preparation and safety measures at the very beginning may seem unnecessary, but they will actually make the process faster, easier, and much safer.
Step 2: Proceed to Removing the Popcorn Ceiling
Start removing the popcorn ceiling using a dust-free Festool machine. This method is streamlined and efficient, thanks to the machine’s high quality and its ability to collect dust while sanding. The Festool dust-free machine ensures a dust-free working environment. It combines a sanding machine for removing unwanted textures and a dust extractor, working perfectly with dust classes L, M, and H, making it an ideal tool for removing popcorn ceilings.
The Festool machine helps make this task quick, easy, and effective. You can sand off the unwanted texture smoothly. Additionally, it guarantees a cleaner work environment and faster results. Debris doesn't scatter around the room, and you won’t have to breathe in dust, protecting your health. In the end, this saves time on post-job cleaning. Work step by step, section by section, until the ceiling becomes smooth.
Step 3: Apply Plaster to Level the Ceiling
After you have completed the popcorn ceiling removal, it’s time to rectify any defects in the ceiling.
Fill in the seams and cracks.
Use fresh plaster to smooth out uneven areas.
Re-plaster the surface entirely using wide skimming blades ranging from 24 to 48 inches wide. This method will help reduce unevenness and achieve flawless results after removing the popcorn ceiling.
First, apply a thin layer of plaster compound and spread it evenly with the skimming blade. This will ensure that the surface dries uniformly. Make sure that no folds or bumps form during the application process for a smooth, polished finish
Step 4: Sanding to a Perfect Smooth Finish
To ensure the ceiling looks great after the popcorn ceiling removal process, it’s recommended that the new plaster layer be sanded. You can use a professional sanding machine with a vacuum attachment that sucks up the dust. This is the optimal choice to work faster while avoiding an excessively dusty environment. If you do not have access to a professional tool, you will need to use regular sanding sheets mounted on a special base. However, this will take longer, be more difficult, and create more dust. For your well-being, it is better to use professional equipment. To avoid extra costs on purchasing, you can rent it for the required number of days or hours. Such services are widely available — just look for the right option in your area.
Note! Be sure to wear a respirator during this stage to save your respiratory system from dust. Also, use a bandana or a wide-brimmed cap to prevent dust and particles of plaster from getting into your hair. Don’t forget about safety goggles! This gear costs just a few dollars for everything — it’s easier to buy than visit dermatologists, eye specialists, or other doctors later.
Once all the work is done, check if you did everything as expected. Run your hand over the surface. Work further on any areas where you can still feel unevenness by touch.
Step 5: Prime and Paint the Ceiling
Now that you've tackled removing the popcorn ceiling and sanded everything down, it's time to move on to painting. First, apply a coat of primer to ensure better paint adhesion and reduce paint absorption. Therefore, use less paint, which is usually more expensive than primer.
Instead of using a classic brush, you can opt for a roller with a long handle to make the application of paint or primer easier. If possible, you can also use a professional paint sprayer, but a roller will be more than sufficient in most home settings. Make smooth, consistent strokes in one direction, avoiding overlapping layers across the surface to ensure an even color throughout. Wait until the first coat of paint dries, then apply a second coat to achieve the desired shade.
Interesting fact! Ten years ago, everyone wanted glossy ceilings to make the space look visually larger. However, trends have changed, and now, matte or flat finishes complement modern interiors much more naturally.
Step 6: Reinstall Ceiling Light Fixtures
Once you're finished removing the popcorn ceiling and painting, it’s time to reinstall everything back into place. Start with installing light fixtures and reconnecting the electricity. Check if everything is working properly. When you turn the lights back on, you may notice some areas that still need touch-ups. Fix these spots as necessary.
If you want to modernize and change your light fixtures, you can do it right away. New fixtures can enhance the contemporary look of your ceiling and add a few extra points to the overall atmosphere and harmony of the interior.
Step 7: Final Cleanup
Congratulations! You've successfully completed the process of removing the popcorn ceiling. Now, it's time for cleanup. If you didn’t skip the first step and protected your floors and furniture, the post-renovation cleanup would be easier.
You have two options:
1. Employ a cleaning service to clean the floors and windows professionally and ensure everything sparkles.
2. Do it yourself. This might be more challenging, but you can handle it.
First, carefully remove the protective coverings from the furniture and the floor. Be cautious when disposing of the plastic sheeting, and remove it from the house to proceed with the cleanup. Start by vacuuming all the dust —this will help prevent the dust from re-settling on other surfaces. Once the floor is clean, carefully wipe down shelves, surfaces, windowsills, and more.
Finally, mop the floors, clean the windows, and enjoy the beautiful results you've achieved!
Removing a Popcorn Ceiling Is Within Your Reach
If you're still hesitant about starting this project, think about how refreshing the updated space will feel and how stylish and modern it will look once everything is done.
Don't cut corners if you're trying to sell your house. Ironically, the cost of this renovation will be just a few hundred dollars, even if you hire professionals, but the value of the property can increase by several thousand dollars due to the improved visual appeal.
By the way, the tips provided above are universal. You can follow the same process for leveling walls in rooms, preparing them for painting, and more. However, hire a professional team if you feel that it’s too complex at any stage (or from the very beginning). They will get everything done for you quickly and professionally.