In the last century, textured ceilings were popular. A special appearance characterized the finishing material. The surface was similar to popcorn crumbs. Now, such ceilings are removed for several reasons, including health hazards due to asbestos in the spraying composition. One must be careful with popcorn ceiling removal due to the harmful lead or asbestos content. Here are the basic steps to safely remove old ceilings:

1. You should prepare the work area by covering the vents, furniture, and the floor with plastic sheeting.
2. You need to moisten the surface by mixing water with soap or detergent and spraying the solution with a sprayer. Then, leave the ceiling for an hour to soften the texture. After that, you need to remove the texture using a wide spatula or scraper using a wide spatula or scraper. Doing this slowly and carefully is essential to avoid damaging the drywall.
3. Next follows primer and putty. Fine-grained sandpaper is used to smooth out the irregularities of the surface.

After that, the finishing treatment remains. A new finish is applied, and painting is carried out in a couple of layers with a roller or paint sprayer.

Dangers and preparation: what you need to consider before starting work

Removal of popcorn ceilings is associated with risk. Therefore, it is necessary to observe safety measures. Here is a step-by-step algorithm for the safe, efficient performance of the tasks:

1. It is necessary to test the material for asbestos and lead. To do this, a slight texture sample should be sent to a laboratory to analyze the content. Contacting professionals to remove the old ceiling is essential if asbestos is detected. You should not try to handle this task on your own.
2. Preparing the working area is necessary. To do this, you must clean the room, cover the furniture with a film, and similarly protect the floor. You must also close the ventilation holes and use respirators if asbestos is detected.
3. Putting on a protective suit, glasses, and gloves is necessary. Working in a well-lit place is essential so that the irregularities are visible.  

Of the main dangers associated with removing popcorn ceilings, it is worth highlighting the content of asbestos, which is harmful to health, and dust. It is necessary to work with respirators, goggles, and protective clothing. Removing the texture can damage drywall or plaster. As a result, additional repair costs will be required. Therefore, it is essential to work carefully.

Choice of removal method: dry, wet, or mechanical method

Different methods are available for removing the popcorn ceiling. The choice depends on the material’s composition, skills, and room conditions. It is worth considering the features of each method:

1. The wet method is a priority. With the help of water, the texture is softened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the formation of dust. It will be possible not to damage the drywall.
2. The dry method removes the texture without moisturizing, allowing faster coping with the tasks.
3. The mechanical method involves removing textures with grinders or other electric tools. It can be done quickly and effectively, which is especially important in large areas. The surface will be smooth.

When choosing the appropriate method, wet is prioritized for most situations. Safety is guaranteed here. The dry method is optimal if the ceiling is checked for the absence of harmful substances; you need to save time. The mechanical method is effective for professionals who work in large areas. Here, it is essential to observe safety techniques strictly.

Tools and materials: the necessary devices for a qualitative result

To qualitatively and safely remove popcorn ceilings, it is essential to prepare the right tools and materials. Here is a list of the main ones:

1. A wide trowel or scraper will be needed to remove textures from the ceiling, a priority tool with rounded edges. It will be possible not to damage the drywall.
2. To moisten the texture, you will need a water sprayer. This can be a sprayer, manual, or garden.
3. A sander or sandpaper will help smooth the surface after removing textures from the ceiling.

For preparation and cleaning, you will need plastic film and painter’s tape to protect the floor, furniture, and walls from dust and debris. Also, do not forget to prepare a bucket with water, sponges, and bags for construction debris.

Final finishing: how to bring the surface to a perfect state

After the removing stucco ceiling has successfully passed, you must do everything necessary to make the surface look smooth and aesthetic. For this purpose, the final finishing is carried out. Sanding is done to ensure the evenness and smoothness of the ceiling. Next, dust is removed with a damp cloth. If there are defects, putty and a spatula are used. Primer is used to prepare for painting. The first layer is applied at the finishing stage, followed by the foundation layer after drying. It is possible to obtain a uniform coating.