Comments on: How to Remove Textured “Popcorn” Ceilings

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:38:23 +0000

I removed my popcorn ceiling easily using the method above. Just make sure that the floors are covered and you mask off 12 inches down from the ceiling. The tool from Home Depot works well but the edges tend to gouge. A 10 inch taping knife works the best. I did it in about one minute for every square foot and the drywall underneath was in pretty good shape. As the article says, sand and prime.

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:26:24 +0000

I am sitting her thinking of redoing my ceilings. My handyman suggested I get the Home Depot scraper and knock it down myself. Otherwise, it is costly. I paid $600 for the LR, DR, and Hall. It was wet and messy but done in two days. Trying to save money this time around.

By: alexandra a

alexandra a — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:57:06 +0000

I found this information very useful. Unforutunately, my ceilings are painted which means I have an extra step. To make matters worse, it’s evident that my ceilings are not in the best shape. It looks as though there may have been a leak that was repaired but the patch job is horrible- the ceiling isn’t level. So that means I will have to learn how to patch up the ceiling or hire someone to do it- damn!

By: Valaresia

Valaresia — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:28:57 +0000

My husband and I are considering purchasing an older home, built in 1981. Every room in this large home, 3500 square feet has popcorn ceilings that has gold glitter. Since this is a foreclosure home, and the bank that owns the property is in an entire different state, there is no property disclosure. My question is: if the popcorn ceiling is found to have asbestos upon inspection, would it be better to hire a company to scrape the popcorn ceiling causing the labor cost to be tremendous, as parts of the ceiling are two story and others are vaulted? Or would it be better to just demo the ceilings and redrywall, which will also be quite costly? The ceilings are the only concern with this home as everything else basically needs paint and new flooring.

By: chris

chris — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:54:01 +0000

i am taking down the whole ceiling, its not in great shape and i need access to rewire the second floor as i dont have an attic

By: chris

chris — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:46:23 +0000

would it be better just to slap 3/8 drywalll over the popcorn?

By: Shawn

Shawn — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:10:37 +0000

I have a newer popcorn ceiling – wouldn’t it be easier to just add new ceiling panels over it?

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:30:37 +0000

Hi Bill, Popcorn ceilings often are left unpainted. If they have been painted, the paint will have to be broken down so the water can penetrate. Try spraying it first with a stripper such as DIF Wallpaper Stripper by Zinsser.

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:49:39 +0000

I work for Home Depot. In the paint dept. we have a tool that is made especially for removing popcorn ceilings. You attach a garbage bag to the tool and it collects the ceiling as you scrape it down. It has a scraper on the tool. You can also attach a long handle to the end and saves your arms. Many customers have told me that it really works great.

By: Mary Fowler

Mary Fowler — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:50:16 +0000

Thanks for the information on popcorn ceilings.It was Great. I might try it, my house is 3years old. I don’t think there’s any danger. Thank You Very Much.