What this covers
Popcorn texture is scraped off wet in a sealed room, then the ceiling is repaired, skim coated, sanded, primed and painted. Texture applied before the 1980s may contain asbestos, so it is tested before any scraping; if it does, licensed abatement is used instead. The work is dusty and wet, so the room is fully masked and the crew wears respirators and goggles.
When to call
- A textured ceiling you want smooth or ready for a new finish.
- Texture that is stained, flaking or damaged by a leak.
- A remodel where the ceiling is being opened anyway.
What to expect
- TestIn homes built before the mid-1980s a sample is sent to a lab. Work waits for the result.
- Seal and scrapeFloors, walls and fixtures are masked. The texture is wetted and scraped into pans.
- Repair and skimJoints and damage are repaired and the ceiling skim coated and sanded smooth.
- Prime and paintThe ceiling is primed and painted, and the room cleaned.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
What if the texture has asbestos?
It is removed by a licensed abatement crew under containment, or covered with a new ceiling layer. Scraping it as ordinary work is not an option.
Could the ceiling be covered instead?
Yes. A new layer of drywall over the texture avoids the mess and is the usual choice when the texture contains asbestos or is painted and hard to scrape.
Can I live in the house during the work?
Yes. The rooms being scraped are sealed and the rest of the home stays usable.
Related: Drywall texture and skim coating · Asbestos abatement · Interior painting · All painting and wall finishes
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.