Sprayed popcorn texture is common in metro Detroit homes built or updated from the 1960s to the 1980s. Texture from before the mid 1980s can contain asbestos, so it should be lab tested before anyone scrapes it. Once it is cleared, the ceiling is scraped, skimmed smooth, primed and painted.
Sprayed popcorn ceilings are common in metro Detroit homes built or remodeled from the 1960s through the 1980s, including many postwar ranches in the suburbs. People remove them because they hold dust, yellow with age, are hard to patch after a leak and date a room. A smooth, flat-painted ceiling makes a room look cleaner and brighter. It is also far easier to repair and repaint later. In the older city neighborhoods the same texture was often sprayed over cracked plaster to hide it.
Testing comes first. Popcorn texture applied before the mid 1980s can contain asbestos, and you cannot tell by looking. A sample should be sent to a lab before anyone scrapes, sands or drills the ceiling. If the result is positive, removal is work for a licensed asbestos abatement contractor, not a painter. The other option is to leave the texture in place and paint it. We will not scrape a ceiling of that age without a clear lab result in hand.
When the ceiling is clear, the room is emptied or covered and the floor and walls are sheeted. The texture is wetted and scraped off, which is easier if it was never painted. Scraping always leaves joints, fasteners and gouges showing, so the ceiling is then skim coated, sanded, primed and painted. That finishing work is most of the job and is what gives a flat result. Plan on the room being out of use for several days.
Popcorn ceiling removal in Detroit: common questions
Does my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
It might if it was applied before the mid 1980s. Only a lab test can tell. Have it tested before the ceiling is disturbed in any way.
Can you paint a popcorn ceiling instead?
Yes. It can be sprayed or gently rolled. Paint freshens it for less money, but it also seals the texture and makes later removal harder.
Will the ceiling be smooth after removal?
Yes, after finishing. Scraping exposes joints and flaws, so the ceiling is skim coated, sanded, primed and painted to get a flat surface.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.