How to Take Off a Popcorn Ceiling Texture Using Water and a Putty Knife

Put on eye protection and dust mask. Lay painter's plastic over the floor and over all furniture in the room. Tape along the top of the walls. Cover the walls, windows and doors with the painter's plastic. Tape the plastic to the line of tape already on the walls. Turn off all fans.

Fill a spray bottle with warm water. Spray a section of the popcorn texture just long enough for your arm to reach. Allow the water to saturate the texture for 25 seconds. Do not over-wet the popcorn.

Scrape the wet section off carefully with the putty knife. Slide the blade through the popcorn at a slight angle. Do not dig into the texture as this could cause tears to the drywall. Continue wetting and spraying small sections until the ceiling has been completely scraped.

Apply the fresh drywall compound to any damaged areas of drywall. Sandpaper these areas smooth after they are completely dry. Also apply the drywall compound to any areas where rusted screw heads or holes are showing.

Inspect the ceiling for any popcorn texture which may be remaining. Lightly sand the ceiling with the sanding pole.

Roll up the plastic slowly to prevent flying dust and discard. The ceiling is ready for priming.