Heavy duty plastic sheeting must be used to cover the entire floor and walls. Removing a popcorn ceiling can be an extremely messy job. It is important to tape all along where the wall meets the ceiling and not leave any gaps.
Rosin paper helps absorb water and will make clean up easier when you are finished removing the ceiling. It will also provide a no-slip surface for your work.
A standard white dust mask will keep the ceiling particles out of your lungs as you work.
The popcorn ceiling needs to be saturated with water prior to removal. It is important to use an even motion with a garden sprayer to spray sections of the ceiling, so it won't dry before you get to it.
A joint knife resembles an extra-wide putty knife. This will scrape the wet popcorn ceiling material onto the floor. You must round the corners off slightly with a file to prevent gouging.