How to Remove a Popcorn Textured Ceiling

In a recent post, What to Do With a Popcorn Textured Ceiling  I took a survey on ....how buyers and real estate professionals really feel about the dreaded popcorn-texutred ceiling?  I received a lot of thoughtful comments and have concluded that while most people DESPISE this particular feature, it's not necessarily a deal breaker (that is, according to those who responded).

Personally, I haven't had any success convincing a seller to remove a popcorn ceiling - usually there are more pressing concerns.  (Of couse ANY ceiling that is peeling, dirty, stained, etc. definitely should be addressed.) That said, SMART home sellers realize they need to go above and beyond to get their home sold in today's challenging real estate market. 

If they have features in their home that they know buyers will hate, they realize that doing something about it will help them acheive their goal. 

photo courtesy of Rynosoft

My friend Lanre"The Real Estate Farmer" Folayan has a brother who is selling his home and wants to know how to go about removing his popcorn-textured ceilings.    Lanre the good news is: this project is NOT difficult or expensive.  The bad news is:  it IS very messy and can be somewhat timeconsuming. 

Lanre here's what you need to do....

First of all some blown-on acoustic “popcorn” ceilings applied before 1980 could contain asbestos (the use of asbestos was banned in 1978). To find out if your ceiling contains asbestos, send a sample to a certified testing lab of the Environmental Protection Agency. Be sure to wait for the results before beginning any ceiling removal project!   If asbestos is found, you’ll need to hire a certified asbestos removal contractor.  

• Once you have determined that it is safe to remove the textured ceiling, move all furniture out of the room.

• Remove any light fixtures from the ceiling - turn off electricity first! 

• Cover walls and floor with drop cloths. 

• Use a spray bottle or garden sprayer to wet down the ceiling with water.  Give it time to soak up.   Use enough water to thoroughly wet the ceiling, but not so much that the wallboard underneath becomes damaged. 

• Using a plastic scraper or a joint knife GENTLY scrape the ceiling (much of it should fall off easily on its own).  Be careful not to gouge the ceiling when you scrape.  Spray stubborn areas with more water. 

• Apply a thin layer of joint compound to areas that you damaged.  Let dry. Apply as many thin coats as needed. 
  
  
• Sand with a sanding pad and pole. Sand until smooth, then paint. 
  
• Call a professional if you find yourself getting into trouble with this project.
  

Stay tuned .... tomorrow I will share tips for painting a popcorn ceiling - I learned the hard way how NOT to do it and I want to make sure you don't make the same mistake I made! 

 

 

                                                          

 

Karen Bernetti is a Real Estate Stager, Former Realtor®, Author, Speaker, and Owner of Staging4Smooth Transitions - specializing in assisting seniors with their downsize moves.  

Karen is also the Co-creator of the Ready2Sellin30Days® System - an innovative, interactive, multi-media educational program designed to teach do-it-yourself homeowners EVERYTHING they need to know about preparing a home for sale during tough economic times.  Visit www.Ready2Sellin30Days.com to learn more. 

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