How to Prepare Your Home for Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Your popcorn removal crew brings the protection, tools and cleanup. A few simple steps on your end make the day go faster and keep your belongings out of the way.

Decide on the finish

Choose what goes back on the ceiling before the start date: smooth, or a light texture like knockdown or orange peel. The finish affects how the ceiling is prepared, so it helps to know early. Our article on textures to try after the popcorn is gone and smooth or textured ceilings can help you choose.

Pick your paint color

Most ceilings go back flat white, but if you want a different color or sheen, decide before the paint step.

Decide which rooms to include

Closets, hallways and garages are all optional. Many homeowners skip closets to keep the cost down. See do I need to remove the popcorn from my closets?

Clear what you can

Popcorn dust and debris get into everything, so the less that's in the room, the better. Move out small furniture, take down wall art, curtains and anything fragile, and empty shelves. Large furniture can be moved to the middle of the room and covered.

Plan for pets and kids

Keep pets and children out of the work area while the ceiling is being scraped and sanded. It's safer for them and keeps the job moving.

Test older ceilings first

If your home was built before the mid-1980s, have the texture tested for asbestos before the project starts. See testing popcorn ceilings for asbestos.

The rest is on us

When New Ceilings removes popcorn, we cover floors, walls and furniture, contain the work area, sand with dust-free tools and clean up when we're done. See how the removal process works or popcorn ceiling removal for more.