What Is the Cleanest Way to Take Off an Acoustic Ceiling?

Acoustic ceilings are textured ceilings often found in older homes. They are also called popcorn or stippled ceilings and can discolor, stain or crack as they age. Even if they are in good shape, you may want to remove them when you update the home. This process is time-consuming and messy, but a few tools and tricks make the job easier. Set aside at least one day to get all the stippling off the ceiling. You'll need even more time for a larger room.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Ceiling texture scraper
• Sandpaper
• Trisodium phosphate

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Spray the ceiling with water from a spray bottle to soften it. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This helps control the amount of dust and makes it easier to remove the stippling.

   • 2

     Scrape the ceiling using a ceiling texture scraper. This tool has a bag attached to collect the stippling as you scrape it off. Empty the bag as needed.

   • 3

     Sand the ceiling with 100-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.

   • 4

     Wash with trisodium phosphate to remove any residue on the ceiling and to prepare it for painting.