Residential Services

How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling | Popcorn Removal Services in Destin

Posted on December 19, 2020

It’s funny how the popcorn ceiling was an actual aesthetic in the 1970s. Now, the lumps and bumps are an eyesore.

It’s even called cottage cheese ceiling. Like cottage cheese, textured ceilings are also not easy to remove. You need pro removers to do the work for you.

Don’t worry, the reasons you should get rid of that popcorn ceiling outweigh the costs, time, and intensive work required.

Why You Should Remove Popcorn Ceiling

A lot of interior trends between the 70s and the 80s didn’t make it to the 21st century. Popcorn ceilings were used as acoustic ceilings since they’re great at absorbing sound.

popcorn ceiling skim coat

But there are smoother alternatives to block sound and popcorn ceilings only cause more problems. Here’s why you should remove them:

To Avoid Asbestos Threat

Older homes with popcorn ceilings are prone to asbestos threats. Before 1978, most ceilings were installed with asbestos. The use of the substance is now banned as per the Clean Air Act.

Now according to the EPA, if the ceiling is still intact, you have nothing to worry about. But if it already has some cracks, even a little, you risk inhaling the substance.

Home improvement experts still recommend that you remove the textured ceiling to avoid cracks that are likely to turn up in the long run.

To Enhance Lighting

The bumpy surface of the popcorn ceiling makes light bounce off it and bring unflattering shadows in the room. Compensating with lamps and additional light fixtures is just a costly solution that wouldn’t do much, too.

Fix Discoloration

Popcorn ceilings discolor fast. As that happens, the room’s lighting just gets worse and your lighting efforts become more useless. Removing the popcorn ceiling and replacing it with a fresh coat of paint would improve the ambiance of your home.

Control Ceiling Damages

Popcorn ceilings are thick enough to cover so many drywall issues. These unresolved problems get worse the longer they’re patched up with a rough mixture of different weak materials like styrofoam and cardboard.

Steps in Removing a Popcorn Ceiling

Popcorn ceiling preparation

1.   Test for Asbestos First

Remember that a peeled popcorn ceiling is a safety hazard. You’d need to have complete protective gear to check for the asbestos yourself.

This is why it’s highly recommended that you hire pro removers. They’ll know exactly how to handle the situation and ensure your safety.

2.   Prepare Your Tools

Here’s what you’ll need if you want to DIY your popcorn ceiling removal:

  • Garden sprayer
  • Wide putty knife or drywall taping knife
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Painter’s tape
  • Ladder
  • Safety goggles
  • Dust mask

Skilled removers use more advanced tools and equipment that can make the process faster and more effective. Skip the hardware visit and pass it to the experts.

Also, the whole room setup is important. Debris and dust from the peeling popcorn ceiling could get into air vents, electrical outlets, and other sensitive fixtures.

A team of pro removers will make sure that your home is almost vacuum sealed from all possible harmful debris.

3.   Sand, Prime, and Paint the Ceiling

Before this main process, the ceiling has to be sprayed with water to make the removal easier. You can use your garden spray for this, but that sounds like a lot of work for one big room or even an entire house.

Once the surface is finally smooth again,  a fresh coat of paint can finally be applied.

Popcorn Ceiling Repair Services in Destin

CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida offers affordable and professional drywall repair services in Destin, including popcorn ceiling repairs. Get your free estimate here.