Thinking About Removing That Popcorn Ceiling? Avoid These Mistakes At All Costs

If you're not in love with your popcorn ceiling, you're not alone. These ceilings were originally intended to dampen sound and cover imperfections, but today they are considered dated, difficult to clean, and potentially dangerous, since some may contain a carcinogenic material called asbestos. The textured material on popcorn ceilings can come with this hidden downside, especially in older homes. If you're thinking about removing the popcorn ceilings in your home, there are some mistakes which one home improvement expert says you should avoid at all costs.

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Stairlift Store founder Mark Glenney told us the biggest mistake is underestimating the task ahead. "The main thing would be to make sure you do your research" before beginning removal of your popcorn ceiling, Glenney said. He advised that although the height of the popcorn ceiling trend was in the '70s and early '80s, it's still worth checking for asbestos in newer buildings as well. "If you decide that you want to get rid of your popcorn ceiling, then don't rush into it," he said. "Before you do anything, check that it's safe to do so first."

The use of asbestos in popcorn ceilings was banned in 1978 in the United States, but since manufacturers were allowed to burn off their stock, it continued to be used in construction over the next decade. When these older ceilings are removed, asbestos particles may become airborne, and inhaling them can cause serious health problems — so it's important to follow the proper safety precautions. 

Asbestos isn't the only dangerous thing you can run into while trying to remove a popcorn ceiling yourself. In his exclusive conversation with House Digest, Mark Glenney said that lead paint is another potential hazard. "One thing that I advise is for people to [check] whether their paint contains lead," he told us. "[Lead-based paint] was banned in 1978, so I would definitely double-check this if your property was built around or before that year." 

Using a home test kit is one of the easiest ways to tell if your home contains lead-based paint, but for the most accurate results, you may need to consult with professionals. Even if your popcorn ceilings do not contain asbestos or lead paint, Glenney stressed the importance of protective gear. "By wearing the correct safety gear, like goggles and masks, you can protect yourself from dust and debris, [which can irritate] your eyes and skin."

There are also important structural issues to consider. Glenney told us that pre-inspecting a popcorn ceiling for cracks or water damage is a critical step before embarking on a DIY removal. The same goes for using the proper gear. "Using the wrong tools can be damaging to your ceiling," Glenney warned. "I know a lot of people like to go along the DIY route, but taking care to plan and have the right equipment is still a necessary step."  

Forgetting to check for lead paint and asbestos is a mistake you should avoid at all costs, and if you find either one, it's probably time to call in the pros. But Mark Glenney told House Digest exclusively that removing popcorn ceilings is a pretty straightforward process if you don't have to contend with dangerous materials. "Once you know that this isn't going to be a problem, you can then prepare the room by putting down dust sheets, removing furniture from the room if you have spare space, and turning off the power," he said.

Next, you'll need the right tools. Although you can scrape dry popcorn ceilings, Glenney suggests a wet method. He says you'll need a garden sprayer or spray bottle, a wide putty knife or similar tool like the Homax Popcorn Ceiling Scraper, a bucket, and a ladder. Start by wetting your ceiling thoroughly, avoiding oversaturation to make sure the drywall stays intact. 

"Gently scrape it off the [ceiling] and work in small sections," Glenney advises. "You can re-wet the popcorn ceiling if needed. Don't just scrape and pull off big chunks as you might damage the ceiling behind it." Once the texture is removed, dispose of all debris before repairing any damage. Then use a primer like Rust-Oleum ZINSSER Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Stain Blocking Sealer before installing a new ceiling; you may want to consider trying a stunning DIY ceiling design that will instantly elevate any room in your home.