Popcorn ceiling removal
in Orlando, FL.

Popcorn ceiling removal in Orlando

New Ceilings removes popcorn ceilings in homes across Orlando and Central Florida, then refinishes the ceiling smooth or with a light modern texture and paints it. The work is dust-controlled and priced upfront in a written quote.

Why homeowners remove popcorn ceilings

Popcorn texture was sprayed on ceilings from the 1970s into the 1980s. After decades it tends to yellow, collect dust and flake, and it is hard to clean or patch without leaving bald spots. A smooth or lightly textured ceiling makes a room look brighter and more current, which matters most when you’re updating a home or getting it ready to sell. Our article on the life of a popcorn ceiling covers how it ages.

How popcorn removal works

1. Quote. Send a photo or call for a free written quote. The number we quote is the number you pay.
2. Protect the room. Floors, walls and furniture are covered and the work area is contained.
3. Soften and scrape. The texture is misted with water to soften it, then scraped off the drywall.
4. Repair the ceiling. Seams, nail pops and dings that were hidden under the popcorn are taped and floated.
5. Refinish. The ceiling is skim-coated and sanded with dust-free tools, then finished smooth or with the light texture you choose.
6. Prime and paint. We prime and paint with Sherwin-Williams paint, then clean up.

Smooth or lightly textured?

The usual choices are a smooth ceiling or a light knockdown or orange peel. Smooth looks the cleanest; a light texture is more forgiving on large ceilings and in rooms with strong side light. We’ll show you samples, and our article on smooth or textured ceilings walks through the tradeoffs. See texture and finishes for the textures we apply.

Painted popcorn and tall ceilings

Paint seals popcorn texture, so painted ceilings take longer to soften and scrape. Ceilings above the standard eight or nine feet need taller ladders or scaffolding. Both are reflected in your quote. Read more about removing painted popcorn.

Older ceilings and asbestos

Popcorn texture applied before the mid-1980s can contain asbestos, and a lab test of a small sample is the only way to know. It’s a quick, inexpensive step for older homes. Our article on testing popcorn ceilings for asbestos explains how it works.

Ceiling repair, too

If your ceiling has cracks, water stains or damaged spots, we repair those as part of the job. For repairs without removing the texture, see drywall and ceiling repair.