Whats the quickest way to remove the popcorn ceiling texture and, how do I do it?

Answer 1

I just did my mom's house not to long ago, she wanted to get rid of the popcorn ceiling because it was starting to crumble and my brothers when younger used to make snow with it (running their hand across the ceiling) now she wanted to go for the new knock down treatment, which is similar to popcorn ceiling but they use a trowel to knock it down which gives a nice finish. We just went up there with a flat long blade on a stick, ( an ice scraper bent at 90 degrees) and just scraped the celing till felt sastified, but if you want smooth celing, i would put a layer of 3/8th drywall sheets because it will be impossible to get it smooth after popcorn ceiling treatment. And that way would be the quickest and cheapest way.

Answer 2

If this is an older home, popcorn ceiling textures can contain asbestos fibers. Unless you know it was installed from 1980's or earlier, you will want to have it tested for asbestos, which should cost around $30.
Finding this out will affect how you approach the project.
Without asbestos, you can scap it off with a putty knife. Protect your floors with plastic tarps, and have the wet vac ready Get the surface wet with a wet paint roller first, and the texture will come off alot easier. When your done, you will probably have scraps and other previously hidden defects in the drywall surface that will need to be repaired with a plaster joint compound before painting
If the texture contains asbestos, sometimes the least expensive way to obtain a smooth ceiling is to install new gypsum board over the texture.

Answer 3

Cover anything that you don't want the popcorn and paint to fall on...The best and easiest way is, if you have a paint sprayer, liberally spray just plain water on the ceiling, give it about 15 minutes and scrape it off...I always used a 12 inch wallboard mud knife and a ladder...You want to be careful with the corners of the knife, they will tear the wallboard paper...Be sure to lay it down flat to start with and keep it flat while removing the popcorn and paint...Unfortunately, most of the time, this type of ceiling cover was used to cover-up mistakes made when installing the drywall, or to cover wallboard seams that were not finished...In either case, there is more work to do when you get the ceiling clear of the popcorn and paint....Lots of luck

Answer 4

be careful!! a lot of this stuff has asbestos in it. you can research this on the interned and they will point the way. basically though you get a spray bottle, fill it with warm water, perhaps ss a dropp or two of dish soap to break the water surface tension so it will soak in faster. Spray and area about 2' X2' let it sit for a while and it should come off with a putty nife life wet plaster. Don't forget to put ground sheets on the floors, you are going to have a heck of a mess on your hands.

Answer 5

Don't do it!

Most textured ceilings are that way because the drywall was poorly done and has cracks and you cam see the joints.

I scraped the popcorm texture off my ceiling only to put it back on because the drywall was so bad.

Answer 6

Scrape it off with a wide putty spatula, but put down tarp to catch it first or you will be a long time cleaning it up.

Answer 7

Cover entire room with tarp or plastic. ( I usually tape it to the walls.) Spray with fine water spray then scrap it off. You can get all off that way. If you don't use water you will not be able to get it clean.

Answer 8

It will be a mess - move out furniture or cover the entire room good - then scrap it off - be preparded there will be dust everywhere

Answer 9

I have to go with the first answer lol!

Answer 10

W ERE TO GET IT TESTEDFOR ASESTOS