The first step in creating a change to the older textured ceiling into a new more modern surface is the Popcorn Ceiling Removal process.  While anyone think they can take a scraper to the ceiling, the removal process must be done carefully to ensure a proper finish.  The goal is to remove the surface but also make sure that we do not provide any additional damage to the ceiling underneath.

The first step in this process is preparing the room.  With this removal process, we will be creating a large amount of debris.  We need to make sure we cover any furniture, fixtures, floors, or anything else in the room.  We will likely remove the room furniture to make sure that nothing is left to collect the debris.  We also find that properly covering the space will help us clean up the mess when the ceiling removal work is completed.

One thing that we cannot forget about is the age of the ceiling.  Older ceilings can contain asbestos and we need to make sure to identify this.  One cannot tell by looking at the ceiling to see if there is asbestos or not.  We will need to take a test of the ceiling material.  When the ceiling is cleared for normal removal, we will begin taking down the ceiling. 

Removing the Existing Popcorn Texture

The method used for removing the ceiling is highly dependent on the condition of the ceiling.  Unpainted popcorn ceiling texture can usually be softened with water before the scraping begins.  The moisture will help loosen the surface material from the material underneath it.  However, we do have to be careful with the amount of water we use because we do not want to oversaturate the roofing.  Too much water can damage the existing roofing material.

Once the material has been softened sufficiently, the texture can be carefully scrapped off of the roofing surface.  We try to do this work carefully so that we don't damage the roofing underneath.  We will move extra slowly near edges, corners, and other transitions to make sure the process goes smoothly.

When it comes to painted popcorn ceilings, the work becomes more difficult.  The paint that is on the surface will prevent the water from penetrating to the roofing material.  This will make the scraping process much more difficult. When working with a painted roof, we will have to work more carefully to find the areas of the roofing material that will detach easily.

As the process moves forward, more of the new ceiling will start to appear.  When more of the ceiling becomes visible, the deficiencies in the ceiling also become easier to see.  The beauty of the drywall ceilings is that these have always been here for no one to see.

What Happens After Removal?

The removal method is not designed to address the problems on the roofing surface.  The entire purpose of this step is to simply remove the texture to understand what lies below.

Once the texture is removed, we will then collect all of the debris before we proceed to the next level.  The next step is to take the time to evaluate the exposed roof.  This is why we keep this work in the proper order.  We remove the popcorn ceiling, repair the ceiling, and then finish the surface.

We have found that two popcorn ceilings can look identical before removal, but when the ceiling is gone, the conditions underneath might be vastly different.  The goal during this stage is to remove the texture and clean the space.   The next step will be for Ceiling and Drywall Repair to correct the conditions that are present below the texture.