Popcorn ceilings are common in valley homes from the 1960s through the 1980s. Some old texture contains asbestos, so a lab test comes before any scraping. When it is clear, we scrape, skim, sand, prime and paint the ceiling.
Popcorn ceilings are common in valley homes built from the 1960s through the 1980s, in West Valley City, Taylorsville, Sandy and many other neighborhoods. They collect dust, are hard to clean and hard to patch after a leak. Removing them and finishing the ceiling smooth or with a light texture is one of the most common updates we are asked for. Most owners do it while a room is empty, before a move or new flooring.
The first step is a test. Some popcorn texture made in past decades contains asbestos, and you cannot tell by looking. A sample has to go to a lab before anyone scrapes. If the result shows asbestos, the work belongs to a licensed asbestos contractor, not a painter. If it is clear, we cover floors and walls, wet the texture, scrape it and bag the waste. Furniture is taken out of the room first where that is possible.
Scraping is only half the job. The drywall underneath was never finished to be seen, so joints and screw heads show. We skim the ceiling, sand it, prime it and paint it. Popcorn that has been painted does not soak up water and is much harder to remove. In that case, covering it with new drywall or skim coating over it can be the better choice. We tell you which route we recommend after seeing the ceiling and the test result.
Popcorn ceiling removal in Salt Lake City: common questions
Does my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
It might. Age alone does not tell you, and a lab test is the only way to know. Get a sample tested before the ceiling is scraped, sanded or drilled. We do not remove texture that tests positive.
Can you paint a popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?
Yes, if it is sound and has tested clear or will not be disturbed. It is sprayed or rolled gently with a thick roller. Paint freshens it, but it also makes later removal harder.
How messy is popcorn ceiling removal?
It is a wet, messy job, so the room is emptied or covered and floors and walls are sheeted in plastic. The mess is contained and bagged. Plan to stay out of that room until the ceiling is primed.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.