Get matched with top popcorn ceiling pros in Neon, KY

No, you do not have to worry about new popcorn ceilings having asbestos. All residential building materials used since the mid-1980s stopped including asbestos, so new popcorn ceilings have no risk of asbestos. You can still create a textured drywall ceiling with a popcorn texture if you like, but new techniques have no risk of adding asbestos. 

Using a paint sprayer is the most effective method for painting popcorn ceilings, and it's why professionals choose spraying versus rolling paint. The sprayer simplifies the challenges of painting the texture. However, we don’t recommend that DIYers try to use a sprayer indoors as it could make a significant mess. Using a paint roller on a ladder is the easiest option that results in much less mess.

The easiest way to remove texture from walls is the soak-and-scrape method. You’ll need to spray a section of the wall with water and let the water soak in and soften the texture. Then, you need to scrape the texture off using a drywall taping knife. This method works best with unpainted walls since paint prevents water from saturating the textured joint compound.

Popcorn ceilings have fallen out of popularity due to their outdated appearance, difficult maintenance, and potential health risks. Popcorn ceilings installed before the 1980s often contain asbestos, which poses serious health hazards if damaged. As design trends shifted towards sleeker, more modern finishes, homeowners favored—and still do favor—smoother or more customizable ceilings that offer a cleaner, contemporary look and easier upkeep.