How to Remove a Popcorn Ceiling With Vinegar

Popcorn ceilings get their name from their bumpy, creviced texture and appearance. While some like the appearance of this finish, others may find it outdated or aesthetically unappealing for other reasons. In such cases, a popcorn ceiling finish can be removed with the help of vinegar. When properly used, a simple vinegar solution may potentially cut hours off the time it would normally take to remove a popcorn ceiling.

Vinegar
Water
Spray bottle
Ladder
Putty knife
Joint compound
600 grit sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Check the ceiling for asbestos before you attempt to work on it. It's best to have it tested by a certified contractor who deals with this type of problem. If your ceiling has asbestos, it's best to have it taken care of by a professional. If the ceiling is asbestos-free, you can continue to work.
- 2
  Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water in a spray bottle. Put the cap on the bottle and shake it to mix the ingredients together.
- 3
  Set up a ladder in one corner of the room. Spray a 4-foot square area of the ceiling with the vinegar solution. The ceiling should be thoroughly moist. If you're lucky, the popcorn finish will begin to fall on its own within a minute, but this isn't likely on any ceiling that has been painted over.
- 4
  Scrape the popcorn finish off the ceiling with a putty knife.
- 5
  Move the ladder over to a new position and repeat the process. Continue this until the entire ceiling is finished.

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