Comments on: How to Remove Textured “Popcorn” Ceilings

By: swun

swun — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:25:07 +0000

Hello Lisa,
I am no expert but some where I read said DON’t vacuum. You will stir up the asbestos into the air. home vacuum cleaner filter can’t filter tiny asbestos and all end up in the air. Just mop wet and wipe down above floor place with wet cloth.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:16:58 +0000

We started removing the popcorn from our 1954-built home before I was aware of the potential for asbestos. If anything, I thought I’d have to worry about lead. Anyway, we are almost done now and I am concerned about him sleeping in the room once we are finished. We have the windows open and a fan blowing out.I plan to vacuum and mop anything left on the floor when we are finished. Any suggestions?

By: Tracy

Tracy — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:42:02 +0000

I live in a modular home that was built in 1986. The textured ceilings which were done in a stucco effect with what looks like joint compound. I sent a sample to a lab and according to them it contains 0.5% Chrysotile asbestos. My point is don’t assume your home doesn’t contain asbestos containing material based on it’s age. Have it tested anyway. I am having another lab test a sample because I found out there is a mimic for asbestos called high density polyethelene. Still waiting for those results.

By: Ben Erickson

Ben Erickson — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:25:36 +0000

Hi Jenn,
Good idea about using a plastic scraper, thanks for the info.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:02:30 +0000

I just removed my popcorn easily. I used the method above but used a plastic scraper. This worked miracles and lessened the chance for gouges. For the 5 x 6 room it took me one hour including clean up. Have a shop vac on hand, its a must for messy clean up. Luckily the ceiling is in good shape so I’m on my way to sand and prime.

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