DIY Project: How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings

Removing popcorn ceilings can be messy and time-consuming, but it can also be a gratifying DIY project once you see the end result! Follow our step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process and successfully update the interior of your home.

Author: Kent Building Supplies

Materials You Will Need:

Plastic drop cloths or tarps
Painter’s tape
Safety Goggles
Dust mask
Putty knife or drywall scraper
Spray bottle with water
Joint compound
Sanding sponge or pole sander
Primer and paint
Ladder or scaffolding

1. Prepare the Room

Clear the room of all furniture and decor, or move to the center of the room and cover it with drop cloths or tarps.
Use plastic drop cloths to cover the walls and floor and secure with painter's tape to prevent damage.
Remember to turn off the room's power and cover electrical outlets with plastic or tape to protect them from water or debris.

A man paints a room, preparing for a DIY project to remove popcorn ceilings.

2. Test for Asbestos

Testing the ceiling for asbestos before beginning the removal process is crucial. Homes constructed before the 1980s are more likely to contain this hazardous material.
Whether you purchase an asbestos testing kit or hire a professional, if asbestos is present, you will need to contact a certified asbestos removal company.

A man dressed in white suit, related to a DIY asbestos testing project.

3. Prep the Ceiling

Working in small sections, wet an area of the ceiling (approximately 4 to 6 square feet) using a spray bottle filled with water. This will help soften the popcorn texture.
Let the water sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Be careful not to drench the ceiling so the drywall underneath is not damaged.

A person in a white coat holds a yellow tool, preparing for a DIY project to remove popcorn ceilings.

4. Scrape the Ceiling

Wear goggles and a dust mask. Use a putty knife or drywall scraper to remove the popcorn texture. Be gentle and hold the tool at an angle to avoid gouging or damaging the ceiling.
Working in small sections will prevent water drying before you can scrape it.
Keep a bucket of clean water and a cloth handy to wipe up any mess as you work.

Two pictures of white walls, related to a DIY project on removing popcorn ceilings.

5. Repair Any Damage

Once you have removed all of the popcorn texture, inspect the ceiling for damage or imperfections like dents or gouges.
Apply joint compound to any holes, cracks, or scratches, and smooth it with a putty knife.
Sand the ceiling smooth once the compound is completely dry with a pole sander or fine-grit sanding sponge.

Three images show individuals using paint rollers to apply paint on a wall during a DIY project on removing popcorn ceilings.

6. Prime and Paint

Apply a coat of primer to the ceiling to create a uniform painting surface and help the paint adhere better.
Once the primer is dry, apply high-quality ceiling paint that reduces splatter and offers good coverage. More than one coat may be required to achieve even coverage.

Two images showing a ladder and a paint roller for a DIY project on removing popcorn ceilings.

7. Clean Up

Once completed, remove any debris, tarps and drop cloths. Clean up any remaining water and dust.
Upon completion of painting, inspect your ceiling for missed spots and touch up if needed.

Following these steps, you can successfully remove popcorn ceilings, giving your home a cleaner, contemporary appearance.