How To Properly Remove a Popcorn Ceiling?

Posted on July 21st, 2025

 

Let’s talk about that ceiling you keep pretending not to notice.

You know the one—bumpy, dated, and somehow always in your line of sight when you’re lying on the couch.

Popcorn ceilings had their moment, kind of like shag carpet and avocado-colored appliances.

But now? They’re more "why is this still here?" than retro chic. Thinking about getting rid of it? You're not alone.

That textured mess overhead might look like a minor annoyance, but it’s got layers—literally and figuratively.

Some come with hidden surprises, and not the fun kind. So before you grab a scraper and charge in like a home-reno hero, there’s a little more you’ll want to know.

Don’t worry—we’re not diving into the gritty details just yet.

But if you’re curious about turning that outdated ceiling into something worth glancing at, stick around. It’s about to get interesting.

 

The Asbestos and Safety Precautions of Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings—those textured relics from a bygone era—might seem harmless, maybe even charming in a kitschy way.

But if your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a decent chance those little bumps are hiding something a lot less innocent: asbestos.

Back then, builders were all about using asbestos for its fire-resistant, tough-as-nails properties. Unfortunately, science eventually caught up and said, “Hey, breathing this stuff? Not great for your lungs.”

The real concern kicks in when that ceiling gets disturbed. Popcorn texture crumbles easily, and if asbestos is mixed in, those tiny fibers can float into the air and right into your body.

We’re talking serious health risks here—mesothelioma, lung cancer, and a list of other things nobody signed up for. That’s why testing is step one.

No hammer, no scraper, just a phone call to a certified professional who knows how to collect samples without stirring up trouble. They’ll do the poking around so you don’t have to.

If the results come back positive for asbestos, don’t try to be a hero. Licensed abatement pros have the tools, training, and steady hands to deal with it safely.

They’ll wet the surface to reduce airborne dust, seal off the area like a cleanroom, and use industrial HEPA vacuums that trap even the tiniest particles. It’s a science—and one you don’t want to improvise.

But let’s say your ceiling gets the all-clear. That doesn’t mean it’s time to go full demolition derby.

Even without asbestos in the mix, scraping off popcorn texture is messy, dusty, and not exactly a clean affair. You’ll want to keep yourself covered from head to toe with proper gear. That includes:

• A snug-fitting respirator to block fine dust.

• Safety goggles to shield your eyes from falling debris.

• Plastic sheeting over furniture and floors to catch the mess.

Sealing off vents and doorways also goes a long way in keeping the rest of your house livable while you're up there doing ceiling battle.

Good lighting is your best friend during this process—it helps you see what you’re doing and what you’ve missed. And don't overlook the value of a stable ladder. No one wants a ceiling job turning into a trip to the ER.

Take it slow. Do it right. What looks like a ceiling facelift can turn into a full-on renovation if you skip the prep.

 

DIY Popcorn Ceiling Removal

So, you’ve done the homework on asbestos and safety, and now you’re eyeing that popcorn ceiling like it’s your next personal victory.

DIY popcorn removal isn’t rocket science—but it’s definitely not a “just wing it” kind of job either. It’s messy, physical, and oddly satisfying when done right. You’re going to need patience, a bit of prep, and a good grip on what you’re doing.

The first step? Clear the battlefield. Get furniture out of the way, or at least wrap it like it’s going into witness protection.

Plastic sheeting is your new best friend—lay it on floors, tape it up walls, and cover anything you don’t want to scrub dust off later.

Remove light fixtures and fans unless you enjoy working around swinging obstacles. Creating a blank canvas makes the real work smoother and cleanup less soul-crushing.

Now, does DIY make sense for everyone? Not always. But here’s when it can be a solid option:

• You’ve confirmed there’s no asbestos and feel confident handling tools.

• The ceiling area is small or confined to one or two rooms.

• You’re on a budget and willing to put in the elbow grease.

Assuming that’s you, let’s talk tools. Grab a wide drywall scraper or a ceiling scraper with a debris bag (bonus points for avoiding constant cleanup).

Fill a spray bottle with warm water and lightly mist a small section of the ceiling—just enough to soften it without soaking the drywall beneath.

Let it sit a few minutes, then scrape at a low angle, like you’re shaving off old wallpaper with just the right attitude.

Work in steady sections. Don’t rush. Stubborn patches? Spray again, wait, and try a different angle. Keep a bucket close by to dump scrapings as you go, because there’s no glory in tripping over a pile of ceiling crumbs.

After the last pass, check for nicks or dings and patch them up before thinking about paint.

Ventilate the room with a fan to speed up drying, and maybe throw on a podcast or playlist to make things feel less like manual labor.

By the time you're done, you’ll have a smooth ceiling and bragging rights—plus one more project crossed off the list. DIY might be dusty, but the payoff? Spotless.

 

When to Hire a Professional

Sure, rolling up your sleeves and going full DIY has its glory—but let’s not kid ourselves. Some ceiling jobs are just plain out of reach (literally and figuratively).

Scraping popcorn texture might sound manageable, but factor in height, surface area, and detail work, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in a situation begging for a second opinion.

That’s when professionals stop being an optional upgrade and start looking like the only sane move.

Tackling a large or unusually shaped ceiling solo? That’s a fast track to fatigue, frustration, and drywall regrets. High ceilings, multi-level spaces, and decorative designs don’t exactly welcome a beginner with open arms.

This is professional territory. They bring scaffolding, specialty tools, and experience that keeps things accurate and safe—even when the setup starts to feel like a small construction site.

Forget wobbly ladders and awkward angles. They’ve seen it all and come prepared.

DIY may be satisfying, but it’s not always realistic. For example:

• Your ceiling has been tested and contains asbestos.

• The room has vaulted, tray, or otherwise complex architecture.

• You don’t have the time, energy, or tools to finish within a reasonable window.

Professionals know how to wrap up a job quickly without cutting corners. They don’t just show up with a scraper and a smile—they arrive with everything needed, from containment materials to industrial vacuums.

They also handle cleanup like champs, leaving no dust trail behind. If you’ve ever tried to vacuum ceiling debris out of your curtains, you already know the value in that.

Time is another big motivator. What might take you a full weekend (or two) is often knocked out in a day or less by a skilled crew.

And when they leave, you're not stuck with another project—you’re left with a finished ceiling, prepped for whatever fresh new look you’re dreaming up next.

Beyond the muscle, there’s a design edge, too. Pros can do the post-scrape finish with an eye for what works best in your space, from subtle texture upgrades to crisp, modern smooth coats.

If you want the ceiling to feel intentional—not just blank—they’ll make it happen. Sometimes the smartest tool in your DIY belt is knowing when not to use it.

 

Transform Your Home With Professional Popcorn Ceiling Removal From Supreme Painting

A newly smoothed ceiling can do more than just freshen up a room—it changes how a space feels, functions, and even how light moves through it.

Removing popcorn texture isn’t just about staying on-trend; it’s about reclaiming your home’s style and unlocking its full potential. A cleaner ceiling line brings a more open, modern look while quietly increasing your home’s value and visual appeal.

No matter if you've already rolled up your sleeves or decided to bring in a team, making the decision to upgrade is always a win.

Of course, not every ceiling needs to be a solo mission. If you’re ready to ditch the texture but prefer a quicker, more polished result, our crew at Supreme Painting is ready to help.

We specialize in professional popcorn ceiling removal in Tarrant County, offering expert service with an eye for detail and design.

We don’t just remove what’s dated—we help reveal what’s possible. That means delivering a finish that fits your vision, timeline, and budget without cutting corners or skipping the details.

You’ll get clear communication, high-quality results, and a team that treats your space like their own.

Want to chat about your ceiling plans or get a quote? Give us a call at 817-457-9353 or email us directly at [email protected].

Your ceiling doesn’t have to steal the spotlight—but it should never hold your space back. Let’s bring it up to speed.