Who Should You Hire to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling?

Popcorn ceilings were once all the rage. But for most homeowners now, it’s an outdated health hazard they’re ready to get rid of. That’s why contacting a drywall contractor or painter is the way to go. This hiring guide for popcorn ceiling removal will cover which pro you’ll need, what to look for when hiring one, and the ultimate step to take before starting this project.

Benefits of Hiring a Painter to Remove Popcorn Ceiling

There are many good reasons to hire a local, trusted painter to remove your popcorn ceiling. Painters have all the tools and experience needed to remove popcorn ceilings. They are familiar with all the preparation and steps necessary to scrape, smooth, prime, and paint your ceiling. They’ll also prep the room and clean up the mess the popcorn ceiling leaves behind. However, if your ceiling needs repairs, a drywall contractor may be the better choice. 

Can a Drywall Contractor Remove a Popcorn Ceiling?

Yes, with their experience repairing and replacing drywall, these contractors are a good choice for this project. They can remove the popcorn texture, repair or replace any damaged drywall on the ceiling, and even retexture the ceiling to provide a more modern and attractive texture. If you aren’t sure if you want to remove or repair the popcorn ceiling, a local drywall contractor can do either and advise on the best option for your home.

How Do Pros Remove Popcorn Ceilings?

Painters and drywall contractors may use slightly different processes to remove popcorn textures, but the basic procedure is essentially the same.

The contractor will remove any fixtures from the ceiling, such as fans and vent covers, then tape plastic drop cloths along the walls and the ground to protect your home from messy drips. 

If the surface is difficult to scrape clean, the pro will apply a solution to the ceiling to soften it and allow it to soak for around 15 minutes. They will then use their scraper tools to peel away the texture down to the drywall surface, working in small sections to prevent the soaked surface from drying out.

After removing the texture, your contractor will smooth the surface, which could involve replacing bad tape between the drywall joints, repairing cracks and dents, and sanding. They’ll apply primer and paint, then clean up and haul away the debris and drop cloths once the job is complete.

How Much Does Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost?

The cost to remove a popcorn ceiling is usually between $930 and $3,070, with the average coming in around $2,000. The final price will depend on many factors, including whether or not asbestos removal is needed, the size of your ceiling, if you have an unusually-shaped or very high ceiling, and any necessary debris removal. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While DIY popcorn ceiling removal is possible, it’s a messy task that is more time-consuming than most homeowners estimate.

There is no simple timeline for popcorn ceiling removal. Most jobs can be completed in a week or less, but some things may make the project take longer. If the ceiling has been painted over, it will be harder to scrape and take longer to remove. The size of your ceiling will also impact the process.

If you don’t have specific equipment like high-grade sanders, you might not achieve the smooth ceiling you want. You could even get your primer and paint in areas you didn’t originally intend if you’re not careful. Or, if you’re not exercising extreme caution, you can potentially damage the drywall. In addition, there is a risk that you could expose yourself to asbestos. Be sure to have your ceiling tested for asbestos before beginning this project, and if any is present—this task is best left to the professionals. 

If you’re not comfortable tackling this project on your own and handling all the possible missteps, a certified pro can get the job done efficiently. 

Does Your Popcorn Ceiling Contain Asbestos?

Although the Clean Air Act of 1978 banned its use, many homes built in the 1950s through the ’70s still contain asbestos in their popcorn ceiling. If inhaled, it can lead to serious health problems like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.  

If you own an older home, have your ceiling tested for asbestos before starting the removal process. While there are at-home tests for as little as $25, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highly recommends hiring an asbestos professional near you to sample your ceiling since asbestos poses the most significant health risk when disturbed. 

What to Do If Your Popcorn Ceiling Has Asbestos

If your ceiling tests positive for asbestos, contact a local asbestos abatement company to remove it, which can cost $1,160 to $3,000. Depending on the company, repairing the drywall, painting, or retexturing the ceiling will be a separate project. Yes, that means extra costs. But your health is far more important than taking shortcuts.