How Long Does It Take To Remove Popcorn Ceiling

How Long Does It Take To Remove Popcorn Ceiling?

Popcorn ceilings, once a popular home design trend, have fallen out of favor in recent years due to their outdated appearance and potential health hazards. If you're considering removing a popcorn ceiling in your home, you'll need to factor in the time and effort required to complete the project. Here's an overview of the key steps involved in popcorn ceiling removal and the estimated time it takes to complete each step:

1. Preparation (30 minutes to 1 hour)

Before you start removing the popcorn ceiling, you need to prepare the room by covering furniture and flooring with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. You'll also need to turn off the power to the light fixtures and remove them from the ceiling. Wear a dust mask, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself from dust and debris.

2. Soaking the Ceiling (30 minutes to 1 hour per 100 square feet)

To make the popcorn easier to remove, you'll need to soak it with water. Use a garden sprayer or a pump sprayer to apply a generous amount of water to the ceiling, working in sections of about 100 square feet at a time. Let the water soak in for 30 minutes to 1 hour before moving on to the next section.

3. Scraping the Popcorn (2 to 4 hours per 100 square feet)

Once the popcorn is soaked, you can start scraping it off the ceiling. Use a wide scraper or putty knife to gently scrape away the popcorn, working in small sections. Be careful not to gouge the drywall beneath the popcorn. It will take some time and effort to remove all the popcorn, so be patient and take your time.

4. Smoothing the Ceiling (2 to 4 hours per 100 square feet)

After the popcorn has been removed, you'll need to smooth out the ceiling. Use a drywall sponge or a sanding sponge to sand down any rough spots or uneven areas. You may also need to apply a skim coat of drywall mud to fill in any gaps or holes. Let the drywall mud dry completely before sanding it smooth.

5. Priming and Painting the Ceiling (2 to 4 hours)

Once the ceiling is smooth, you can prime it with a latex primer. This will help to create a barrier between the old ceiling and the new paint. Let the primer dry completely before applying two coats of paint to the ceiling. Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next.

Total Time

The total time it takes to remove a popcorn ceiling will vary depending on the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, and the condition of the popcorn ceiling. However, as a general estimate, you can expect to spend around 8 to 16 hours removing a popcorn ceiling in a room that is 100 square feet.