Residential Services

Textured Ceiling Removal and Skim Coating Services

Posted on October 11, 2024

If your home in the North Shore area is more than a few decades old, you might have a room with a textured ceiling—a popular trend from the 1960s and 70s. While these ceilings were once a go-to method for hiding blemishes, minor damage, or sealing cracks in drywall, they’ve since fallen out of style. Today, textured ceilings—whether applied by hand or sprayed on—can be a hassle to maintain, collecting dust and cobwebs, and they’re notoriously difficult to repair.

Given these challenges, many North Shore homeowners are choosing to remove textured ceilings in favor of smoother, more modern surfaces that are easier to clean, paint, and repair. However, textured ceiling removal is no small task. Depending on the type of texture, from handmade patterns to the infamous “popcorn ceilings,” the removal process can vary greatly, and you often don’t know how difficult it will be until you start.

Common Solutions for Textured Ceiling Removal

For lightly textured ceilings, one option is to skim coat over the existing texture. This involves applying one or more layers of drywall mud, smoothing it out, and preparing it for painting. Skim coating can be a relatively easy DIY fix for certain types of texture, but it won’t work on thicker, more stubborn textures like popcorn ceilings.

When it comes to removing heavy textures or spray-on popcorn ceilings, some DIY enthusiasts might give it a shot, but in many cases, it’s best to leave this job to professionals like CertaPro Painters of the North Shore.

The Process of Removing Textured Ceilings

At CertaPro Painters of the North Shore, our first step in any ceiling removal project is a simple scrape test. This allows us to see how easily the texture comes off. In some cases, the texture may come off with just a gentle scrape, but for tougher textures, we may need to soak sections of the ceiling with water before scraping. This step helps us determine the scope of the project and the best removal method.

Once we know what we’re dealing with, we thoroughly prep the room. Scraping a ceiling is messy work, so we take care to protect the space. All furniture is removed, plastic is hung to cover the walls, and drop cloths or plastic protect the floors—especially if there’s carpet. Light fixtures and ceiling fans are taken down, and recessed lighting or electrical boxes are covered to prevent damage. If the ceiling requires soaking, we use plastic sheeting on the floor to prevent water from soaking through.

With the room prepared, we begin the removal process. We work in small sections to prevent the ceiling from drying out, using techniques like rounded scrapers to avoid gouging the ceiling, and we catch falling debris in trays to minimize the mess. Our team brings years of experience to the job, ensuring that your home is treated with care and that the removal is done efficiently.

After the Texture is Gone: Repair and Refinish

Once the texture is removed, it’s time to repair any cracks or imperfections and prepare the ceiling for painting. Every ceiling is different, so the next steps might include sanding, priming, or applying a skim coat for a smooth, finished look. Our goal is always to leave your ceiling looking flawless and ready for a fresh coat of paint.

At CertaPro Painters of the North Shore, we rely on our experience and expertise to recommend the best approach for each home. Whether it’s simply removing the texture or transforming your ceiling with a new finish, we work closely with you to deliver results you’ll love.

Contact CertaPro Painters of the North Shore for Textured Ceiling Removal

If you’re ready to say goodbye to your textured ceilings or have questions about ceiling repair and painting, don’t hesitate to reach out to CertaPro Painters of the North Shore. We’re here to help with professional textured ceiling removal services, leaving your home looking modern and refreshed.

Contact us today to schedule a free estimate!

License Info: Not required in the state of Illinois