Tools Needed to Remove Popcorn Ceiling

Sprayer

• Unpainted popcorn ceilings are easier to remove than those that have been painted over. A painted ceiling may require application of a chemical stripper before it can be sprayed. Once the ceiling is clean of paint, a spray bottle filled with warm water and a small amount of dish detergent allows the you to dampen the acoustic texture and loosen it. For larger sections, a garden sprayer may be more appropriate. According to Danny Lipford, homeowners should spray the ceiling in 4 to 6 foot sections, applying enough water to dampen the ceiling, but not enough to damage any underlying drywall. Keeping the ceiling damp at all times helps reduce the amount off dust in the air once removal begins.

Putty Knife

• A putty knife or floor scraper at least 6 inches wide allows for easy removal of popcorn ceilings. This tool should be used gently, so as not to create gouges in the drywall under the popcorn texture, or tear the tape between drywall joints. If work becomes difficult, homeowners should stop, spray the ceiling again, then continue with removal. Attempting to force dry texturing material away from the ceiling can damage the support underneath. A smaller putty knife may be needed to remove texture from the edges and corners of the room.

Sanding Pad

• After texture removal, most ceilings require sanding. A mesh sanding pad will help remove the remnants of the popcorn texture and smooth any high spots. While a hand-held sanding pad is effective, homeowners may find the job is easier with a sanding pad attached to an extension pole. It's important to avoid excessive sanding, which may damage the ceiling. Sanding only the high spots will help smooth down any joint compound or popcorn remnants without biting into the drywall underneath. After sanding, it may be necessary to fill low spots with joint compound once more.