What can I do about textured ceilings?

Author: Melissa Schiller  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

You can either take a power sander and sand the texture off of your ceiling, or you can wet it and scrape it. Ultimately, we chose to wet it and scrape it, because although you still end up with a mess there is less dust in the air and you aren't maneuvering a somewhat-weighty power tool over your head.

Can textured ceilings be smoothed?

Another top tip is to use a damp cloth of sponge on any imperfections, wait until the plaster is almost dry and gently smooth out any lumps or bumps with the sponge or cloth and you can blend them in to create a perfectly smooth surface.

How to get rid of texture on ceiling?

How to remove texture from a ceiling? Apply water on the texture. Leave for a minute and spray water again. This will make it much softer and ready to remove. If it has paint, remove as much as possible. Let it dry and sand it. Apply a layer of paste to match the texture defect that can't be easily removed.

How can I cover a textured ceiling without removing it?

There are four popular options for covering over the ceiling: covering them with ordinary drywall, using a prefinished grid-plank system such as Armstrong's Easy-Up grid system, attaching furring strips, and then installing traditional tongue-and-groove planks or beadboard paneling on the ceiling, or skim coating.

How much does it cost to remove textured ceilings?

If you are able to scrape it off, it is not painted. If it doesn't come off then it is painted. The cost to remove your popcorn ceiling if it has been painted can range from $4.50 – $8.50 (per square foot). In 2022, the average cost to remove your popcorn ceiling that has been painted ranges from $4,950 to $9,350.

Easy Textured Ceiling for Non Professionals - Knockdown Stomp

Does removing textured ceiling increase home value?

While the immediate return on removing a popcorn ceiling may not be significant, the perceived value increases depending on buyer expectations for the home's size and price range.

What is the cheapest way to cover a textured ceiling?

What is the cheapest way to cover a popcorn ceiling? Beadboard is one of the cheapest ways to cover a popcorn ceiling since you can buy beadboard sheet panels already primed and ready to hang.

What is the cheapest way to get rid of popcorn ceilings?

Scraping is the most common and cost-effective method for removing popcorn ceilings. This approach involves manually removing the texture using specialized tools.

Are textured ceilings outdated?

Popcorn ceilings, once a popular design element, are now seen as outdated and unattractive. Removing them can have a significant impact on your home's aesthetics and air quality.

Is there a purpose to textured ceilings?

They Dampen Noise – The textured, thick, and porous surface of a popcorn ceiling helps it muffle and absorb sounds. As a result, popcorn ceilings can improve indoor acoustics by mitigating ambient sounds in noisy indoor spaces such as high-traffic entryways and rooms with high ceilings.

Can you sand down a textured ceiling?

You can either take a power sander and sand the texture off of your ceiling, or you can wet it and scrape it. Ultimately, we chose to wet it and scrape it, because although you still end up with a mess there is less dust in the air and you aren't maneuvering a somewhat-weighty power tool over your head.

Can you skim coat over a textured ceiling?

Skim coating is a process of transforming textured surfaces, such as popcorn ceilings, into smooth and modern finishes. It's becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want to update the look of their interior spaces without investing in a complete remodel.

How do you fix a bad ceiling texture job?

Some damage can just be water stains if the ceiling texture isn't chipping, falling or molding. In those cases, use an aerosol sealer like my favorite from Kilz. This sealer hides discoloration and stains like smoke, water stains, and cooking oils. After the sealer dries, paint the area with ceiling paint.

What is the best way to get rid of a textured ceiling?

Remove the Popcorn Ceiling

Use a paint scraper to help extend your reach. Pair it with a handle or painter's pole. You can scrape each section while it's dry, but applying a bit of water will help moisten and remove the material if the process becomes difficult.

What ceiling texture is popular now?

An orange peel ceiling texture is a slightly bumpy, soft-looking design popular in modern homes. The subtle appearance is smoother than a knockdown texture and typically easier to clean than most other ceiling textures. Most DIYers with the proper tools can install an orange peel ceiling texture throughout the home.

Do textured ceilings contain asbestos?

Use of asbestos in textured ceiling materials was at its peak from around 1945 through 1980. Popcorn ceilings contained asbestos for its resistance to heat and corrosion. Asbestos is no longer added to popcorn ceilings because it's a known health risk.

How to smooth a textured ceiling?

You can do this with a random orbit sander. if you have a small space, or Hercule and arm strength. Or you can rent a drywall sander from Home Depot. This method is much dustier, but it works great.

What is the new trend for ceilings?

Gone are the days of the standard white ceiling. Now, deep earthy tones, vibrant primaries, and even multi-color gradients are making their way overhead. These colorful ceilings can dramatically alter the mood of a space, making rooms feel more intimate, energetic, or serene.

How much does it cost to smooth a ceiling?

The typical cost for popcorn ceilings made smooth would be $3.99 per sq/ft.

How much does it cost to remove a textured ceiling?

According to painting experts, popcorn ceiling removal costs range from $1,923 to $3,876 with an average price of $2,899 to hire a professional. The average sqft cost to remove popcorn ceilings ranges from $5 to $9 per square foot. This includes all labor, preparation work, and materials to do the job right.

Is removing a popcorn ceiling worth it?

Popcorn ceiling removal will improve the home's air quality because it will be easier to clean the ceiling and fewer particles will accumulate.

What is the alternative to removing a popcorn ceiling?

Another alternative is to paint over the popcorn ceiling. This can be a quick and easy way to update the look of your room without going through the hassle of popcorn ceiling removal. This is a simple process: just use a popcorn ceiling paint roller to apply a layer of paint over the popcorn texture.

How much does it cost to skim coat a popcorn ceiling?

The cost to skim coat over a averages $300 to $450 or $1 to $1.50 per square foot. This involves the process of applying a thin layer of plaster directly over the texture, rather than removing it first, and can cut down on the project price by taking away the removal expenses.

Can you cover up a textured ceiling?

Conceals Imperfections: Covering the textured surface with a new material, such as drywall, beadboard, or ceiling tiles, can effectively hide any imperfections or damage present in the popcorn texture.

Can I just paint over a textured ceiling?

It's possible to paint over a popcorn ceiling covered with a wall and ceiling texture product. You'll need to use a roller with a thicker knap (the fibers covering the roller) that's made for textured surfaces.

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