Why homeowners remove popcorn ceilings
Acoustic “popcorn” texture was standard in Florida homes for decades. Today it makes rooms look dated, collects dust and cobwebs, is hard to clean, and is one of the first things buyers notice. Removing it brightens rooms and makes ceilings easy to repaint later.
How we do it
- Containment. Floors covered and walls draped in plastic, vents and fixtures sealed. Furniture is moved out or wrapped.
- Wet and scrape. The texture is lightly misted and scraped off the drywall.
- Repair and skim. Seams, nail pops and gouges are taped and skim-coated so the ceiling reads smooth under light.
- Sand, prime and paint. Fine-sanded, primed and finished in flat ceiling white or your choice.
- Clean-up. Debris is bagged and removed, and the room is vacuumed before we go.
Built before 1980? Some older popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. If your home was built or remodeled before the early 1980s, the texture should be tested by a certified lab before any scraping. We'll help you arrange testing, and if the result is positive, the removal must be handled by a licensed abatement contractor.
What's included
- Full plastic containment
- Texture scraped and bagged
- Seam and nail-pop repair
- Skim coat to a smooth finish
- Primer and ceiling paint
- Option for a light knockdown texture
Home built before 1980? Have the texture tested for asbestos before anyone scrapes. It's quick and inexpensive.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal FAQ
How long does popcorn ceiling removal take?
Most single rooms take 1 to 2 days including skim coating and paint. A whole-house job typically runs 4 to 7 days, depending on square footage and repair needed.
Can I stay in the house?
Yes. We work room by room with containment, so the rest of the house stays usable. We'll plan the order with you.
Can you paint over popcorn instead?
You can, but it usually looks worse and makes future removal harder. Removal and a smooth finish is the better long-term choice.
