Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Bloomington-Normal
Get rid of dated textured ceilings for a clean, smooth, modern look, without dust all over your house.
Why remove popcorn ceilings?
Popcorn (acoustic) texture was everywhere from the 1950s through the 1980s. Today it makes rooms feel dated and darker, it collects dust and cobwebs, and it's nearly impossible to patch or repaint cleanly. A smooth ceiling makes a room feel brighter, bigger, and newer.
How we do it
- Test when needed: textures applied before the mid-1980s can contain asbestos. If your home is from that era, the ceiling needs to be tested by a licensed asbestos inspector before any removal. We'll talk through this with you at your estimate.
- Contain the room: floors, walls, cabinets, and furniture are fully sealed in plastic so dust stays put.
- Remove the texture: the popcorn is softened and scraped off.
- Repair and smooth: joints, dings, and imperfections under the texture are skim-coated and sanded smooth.
- Prime and paint: finished with ceiling paint for a clean, even look.
- Clean up: plastic comes down and the room is left ready to use.
Popcorn ceiling questions
Does my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
Only testing can tell. Asbestos was banned in ceiling texture in the late 1970s, but older stock was used into the mid-1980s. If your home is from that era, have the ceiling tested by a licensed asbestos inspector before removal. We only remove texture that has tested negative. If it tests positive, it needs a licensed abatement contractor.
How messy is it?
Removal itself is messy, which is why containment matters. We seal the room in plastic before we start and clean up when we're done.
How long does it take?
A typical room takes a few days from containment to paint, including drying time for the skim coat. You'll get a timeline with your quote.
Can you just paint over popcorn texture?
It can be done, but it often looks blotchy and makes future removal harder. For most homeowners, removal gives a much better result.
Let's talk about your project
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