Day One: Prep
- Move furniture out or to the center and cover it
- Plastic on floors and walls, taped at the top
- Turn off HVAC and cover vents
- Remove or protect light fixtures and fans, and turn off power to them
Wetting and Scraping
Unpainted popcorn usually softens with a light mist of water and scrapes off in sheets. Painted popcorn resists water, so it takes longer, sometimes needing scoring or a different approach. That’s why painted ceilings often cost more.
Drywall Repair
Scraping exposes what the texture was hiding: tape seams, nail pops and gouges. These get taped and coated with joint compound, then sanded.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Retape loose seams | Prevent cracks later |
| Reset nail or screw pops | Smooth surface |
| Skim coat (for smooth finish) | Even out the whole surface |
| Prime | Seal compound so paint looks even |
Finish and Paint
Next comes texture or smooth finish, then ceiling paint (see finishes).
How Long It Takes
HomeGuide says 1 to 5 days on average, depending on the ceiling area and the method. Joint compound drying time adds to that, especially in humid weather.
Living There During the Work
It’s possible room by room, but expect dust and plastic barriers. Ask about containment and daily cleanup.
Request a Popcorn Ceiling Quote
Two quick questions. An independent ceiling company that works in your area will contact you to look at the ceilings and quote them.
Please note: Wichita Popcorn Ceiling Removal refers homeowners to independent ceiling contractors. We are not a contractor.