Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Modernize Your Home with Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Popcorn texture was everywhere in Canadian homes built from the 1950s to the 1990s. We remove it carefully, repair the surface underneath and finish your ceilings smooth or with a light knockdown texture.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Ottawa
Popcorn Ceiling Removal done properly
Popcorn ceilings were popular because they hid flaws and softened sound, but today they look dated, gather dust and are awkward to repaint. Taking the texture down makes a room feel brighter and more current, and it leaves you with a ceiling that's easy to paint again down the road. You'll notice the difference each time you walk into the room, even though nobody looks up on purpose.
The job is more than scraping. The ceiling under popcorn texture was often never finished to a smooth standard, so repairs and skim coating are usually part of the work. We also take asbestos seriously. For older homes, testing comes first, and nothing gets disturbed until the results are in. New ceilings pair naturally with freshly painted walls, so consider planning both at once.
What we cover
What Popcorn Ceiling Removal Includes
Old popcorn texture removed and replaced with a smooth or knockdown finish. Homes built before 1980 get professional asbestos testing before any work starts, then we skim, sand and paint.
Condition assessment
We check when the house was built and look closely at the ceiling. Water stains, old patches and paint over the texture all change how removal goes. For pre-1980 homes, this is also when asbestos testing gets arranged.
Work area preparation
Removal is messy. Once personal items are out of the room, we cover the floors and seal off walls, doorways and vents with plastic so debris stays in the work area and out of the rest of the house.
Texture removal
The popcorn texture is scraped from the ceiling section by section. We take care not to gouge the drywall underneath, which keeps the repair work that follows to a minimum.
Repairs and skim coating
With the texture gone, seams, dents and old patches become visible. We repair them, apply a skim coat of compound and sand it smooth so the ceiling is flat and ready for primer and paint.
Smooth ceiling painting
The finished surface is primed and painted with a ceiling paint suited to the room. A smooth, evenly painted ceiling bounces light around the space and is far simpler to repaint later than any texture.
Knockdown texture option
Prefer a bit of texture? A knockdown finish is applied and then lightly flattened, leaving a subtle pattern that's much softer than popcorn. It can also be a practical choice for ceilings with more imperfections.
Our process
Step by Step, From Testing to Paint
Preparation, painting and finishing, in the order that makes the result last.
- 01
Assess and test
We confirm the age of the home and inspect each ceiling. If the house was built before 1980, a certified inspector tests the texture before we start. Those results decide what happens next and who does the removal.
- 02
Prepare the room
We ask you to clear out personal items and fragile décor. Then we cover the floors, seal the walls and openings with plastic, and set up so dust and debris stay contained in the room we're working on.
- 03
Remove and repair
We scrape off the texture, repair any damage underneath and apply skim coats of compound wherever the ceiling needs it. Each layer is sanded until the surface is flat and uniform from wall to wall.
- 04
Finish and clean up
The ceiling is primed and painted, or finished with a knockdown texture if that's what you chose. We take down the plastic, clean the room thoroughly and look over the result with you before we pack up.
Ottawa considerations
Popcorn Ceilings in Ottawa Homes
Popcorn texture turns up all over Ottawa because so much of the city was built while it was in fashion. Many houses in Alta Vista, Nepean and Orleans, along with the older parts of Kanata, went up between the 1950s and the 1990s. Plenty of them predate 1980, which puts them inside our testing policy. The age of the house, not the look of the ceiling, is what tells us to test.
Ceiling work also fits well with other updates. Once the texture is gone, many rooms get repainted top to bottom so the walls match the new ceilings. If you're planning more than one project, mention it on the estimate request form and we'll work out a sensible order for the work together.
Important
Asbestos policy: homes built before 1980 may contain asbestos in the ceiling texture. Before touching a pre-1980 ceiling, we arrange professional asbestos testing with a certified inspector. If asbestos is found, a licensed asbestos abatement contractor must remove it before Maple City Painters does any finishing or painting.
Does my popcorn ceiling contain asbestos?
You can't tell by looking. Homes built before 1980 may contain asbestos in the texture, so for those houses we arrange testing with a certified inspector before any work begins. If the test comes back positive, a licensed abatement contractor has to remove it before we come back to finish and paint.
What if my house was built after 1980?
We still start by looking over the ceilings for condition, past repairs and any paint layered over the texture. From there we plan the removal, repairs and finish. If you're not sure when your home was built, tell us and we'll talk through how to confirm it.
Should I choose a smooth or knockdown ceiling?
Smooth ceilings look clean and suit most modern interiors. Knockdown adds a light, flattened texture that can disguise minor flaws and feels a little warmer in some rooms. We'll show you the difference and recommend what fits the condition of your ceiling.
Is painting included after the texture comes off?
Yes. Once the texture is off and the surface has been repaired, skim coated and sanded, we prime and paint the ceiling. It's worth considering the walls at the same time, since removal work can leave marks along the top of them.
Request a Ceiling Project Estimate
Tell us when your home was built and which rooms you're thinking about, and we'll call to plan a free estimate.