How to Remove Cottage Cheese or Popcorn Texture from the Ceiling

Prepare your work area. Remove furniture and other items from the room, if possible. Cover the remaining items with plastic sheeting, as well as the ceiling fan or overhead light fixture, if you have one. Turn off the electricity to the room. Set up a freestanding light so you can see. Cover all electrical outlets with painter's tape or childproof covers and lay plastic sheeting on the floor. Tape plastic sheeting over the walls all the way up to where they meet the ceiling. This will protect the walls from damage and dirt during the process.

Fill a clean, empty garden sprayer with warm water or use a spray bottle. Spray a 4 to 5 square foot area of the ceiling with water. Wet the ceiling thoroughly, but don't use so much water that it is dripping wet.

Let the water sit on the section for about 30 seconds. Use a putty knife to scrape off the texture.

Repeat this process, working in 4 to 5 square foot sections, until all of the texture is gone.

Wipe down the ceiling with damp rags to remove any residue. Allow the ceiling to dry thoroughly before priming or painting.