How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings were a building trend for decades. This cheap and easy to apply spray coating creates a uniform finish in very little time. With bits of tissue paper blown into paint, it creates texture AND full coverage. This allows the builder or tradesperson to take less time finishing the ceilings. Usually under the application, there is no primer or mud to bind the seams in the drywall- ie there’s probably tape under there.

Aside from being ugly and sometimes sloppily applied, the tissue paper captures dust and absorbs moisture. Frequently in humid climates, or in rooms like the bathroom, garage, or kitchen, the tissue paper swells and detaches, making a mess.

There are a few ways you can remove these pesky bubbles. You can smooth the ceiling with special machinery that scrapes and vacuums away the debris in one motion. Or you can use some water to swipe away the texture. Either way, the original application is likely hiding some unpleasant realities that will need to be addressed. You’ll have to mud the seams, prime, and repaint the ceiling with two coats.

If you’d rather skip all this work, give CertaPro a call. We remove popcorn ceilings every week and have perfected the process so that it will cause minimal interruption to your life. Give us a call today for a free estimate!