Which Ceiling Texture to Choose After Popcorn Removal

Once popcorn texture is scraped off, the ceiling needs a new finish, and you get to choose it. Smooth is the most popular choice for a modern, brighter room. Knockdown and orange peel are lighter textures that hide small flaws and cost less. Skip trowel gives a hand-finished look. Decide before the removal starts, because the finish you choose determines how the ceiling is prepared.

Smooth ceiling

A smooth ceiling is skim coated and sanded flat, then painted. Smooth ceilings make rooms feel taller and brighter, reflect light evenly, are easy to dust and suit almost any style. A smooth finish shows everything, so it takes the most skill and finishing time.

Knockdown texture

Knockdown is sprayed on in drops, then flattened with a wide knife as it starts to set, leaving a soft, mottled pattern. Knockdown looks current, hides minor waves and repairs, and is common in Florida homes.

Orange peel texture

Orange peel is a fine spray texture with a subtle dimpled surface, like the skin of an orange. Orange peel is the lightest texture and the closest to smooth, while still forgiving small imperfections.

Skip trowel texture

Skip trowel is applied by hand with a curved trowel that skips across the surface, leaving irregular raised patches with a handmade, Mediterranean look. It suits living rooms, dining rooms and Spanish-style homes. See rooms transformed by skip trowel.

How to choose a ceiling texture

• For the brightest, most modern look, choose smooth.
• If your ceilings aren't perfectly flat, or you want to keep the cost down, choose knockdown or orange peel.
• For character in a main living area, consider skip trowel.
• For a consistent house, use one finish throughout.

For more on the trade-offs, see smooth vs. textured ceilings and what affects the cost of a new ceiling texture.

Popcorn removal and new ceilings in Orlando

New Ceilings removes popcorn and applies the new finish in the same job, smooth or textured, then paints. We work across Orlando and Central Florida, and every job starts with a free written quote. See popcorn ceiling removal.