How To Scrape Popcorn Ceilings That Have Been Painted

Popcorn ceilings were once a popular home decorating choice, but they can now make your home look dated. If you're looking to update the look of your home, removing popcorn ceilings is a great place to start. However, if your popcorn ceiling has been painted, removing it can be a bit more challenging.

Here are the steps on how to scrape popcorn ceilings that have been painted:

Safety first. Before you start, make sure to wear a mask and eye protection. Popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, which can be harmful if inhaled. You should also cover your furniture and floors with plastic.
Wet the ceiling. Use a garden sprayer or a pump sprayer to wet the ceiling with warm water. Let the water soak in for about 15 minutes.
Scrape the ceiling. Use a drywall knife or a wide scraper to scrape the popcorn off the ceiling. Start by scraping in small sections, and work your way up to larger sections as you get more comfortable.
Rinse the ceiling. Once you have scraped off the popcorn, rinse the ceiling with clean water. Use a sponge or a mop to remove any remaining popcorn or paint.
Dry the ceiling. Use a fan or a dehumidifier to dry the ceiling completely.
Prime the ceiling. Once the ceiling is dry, prime it with a drywall primer. This will help to seal the ceiling and prevent the paint from peeling.
Paint the ceiling. Once the primer has dried, you can paint the ceiling with your desired color of paint.

Here are some additional tips for scraping popcorn ceilings that have been painted:

If the popcorn ceiling is very thick, you may need to use a power sander to remove it. However, be careful not to sand too deeply, as you could damage the drywall.
If the paint on the popcorn ceiling is very thick, you may need to use a chemical stripper to remove it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Once you have scraped off the popcorn ceiling, be sure to clean the ceiling thoroughly to remove any remaining dust or debris.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove popcorn ceilings that have been painted. With a little effort, you can update the look of your home and give it a more modern feel.