Steps for removing a Textured Popcorn Ceiling:

If the texture was applied before 1970, have it tested for asbestos first. If the texture doesn’t contain asbestos, you can proceed with removal.

• Cover all the walls and floor with plastic sheeting.
• Mix hot water with a little fabric softener in a pump up sprayer.
• Wet down a section of the ceiling with the sprayer.
• Allow the solution to soak in and loosen the texture.
• Use a drywall knife or a special scraper that collects the texture in a plastic bag, such as the Homax Ceiling Texture Scraper (available at The Home Depot), to scrape the texture off the ceiling.
• After the ceiling has dried, repair any damaged or uneven areas with drywall joint compound.
• Allow the joint compound to dry, then sand the ceiling smooth.
• Prime and paint the ceiling using latex paint.