Popcorn ceilings were popular from the 1950s through the 1980s. They hide imperfections and reduce noise, but today they look dated and can even lower your home's value. Removing popcorn texture is one of the most impactful updates you can make to modernize your home's interior.
Westchase Painting Company provides professional popcorn ceiling removal throughout Westchase, Carrollwood, Town N Country, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
Our Popcorn Ceiling Services
- Popcorn texture removal – Complete removal of acoustic texture
- Smooth ceiling finish – Level 5 finish for a modern, clean look
- Knockdown texture – A popular alternative to smooth
- Orange peel texture – Subtle texture that hides minor imperfections
- Ceiling painting – Prime and paint your new ceiling
- Repair work – Fix any damage revealed during removal
Asbestos Considerations
Important: Popcorn ceilings installed before 1980 may contain asbestos. The EPA banned asbestos in ceiling texture in 1977, but existing inventory was used for several more years. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, we recommend asbestos testing before removal.
If asbestos is present, you have options:
- Encapsulation – Cover the popcorn with new drywall (less expensive, no exposure risk)
- Professional abatement – Licensed abatement contractors remove and dispose of material safely
We can work with your testing results and coordinate with abatement professionals if needed. For non-asbestos ceilings, we handle the entire project in-house.
Our Removal Process
- Preparation – Furniture moved or covered, floors protected with plastic and paper
- Walls protected – Plastic sheeting prevents water damage to walls
- Wetting – Water softens the texture for easier removal with less dust
- Scraping – Wide scrapers remove softened texture down to the drywall
- Repair – Damaged areas patched, seams retaped if needed
- Finishing – Multiple coats of joint compound for smooth finish (or texture applied)
- Sanding – Smooth surfaces require careful sanding between coats
- Priming – Seal the new surface
- Painting – Apply ceiling paint (typically flat white)
- Cleanup – All debris removed, protective materials cleaned up
Finish Options After Removal
Smooth (Level 5)
A completely smooth ceiling is the most modern look and the most labor-intensive to achieve. Every imperfection shows on a smooth ceiling, so multiple coats, careful sanding, and proper lighting during work are essential. This is the premium option.
Knockdown Texture
Knockdown provides a Mediterranean or casual look while hiding minor imperfections. Joint compound is sprayed on, then "knocked down" with a wide blade to flatten the peaks. Popular in Florida homes.
Orange Peel Texture
A subtle, fine texture that hides minor flaws while still looking updated compared to popcorn. Easier to achieve than smooth and less dramatic than knockdown.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Costs
- Removal only (per square foot) – $1 to $2
- Removal + smooth finish – $3 to $5 per square foot
- Removal + knockdown texture – $2.50 to $4 per square foot
- Typical bedroom (12x12) – $500 to $800
- Whole home (1,500 sq ft of ceiling) – $3,500 to $7,500
Asbestos testing and abatement are additional costs if required.
Related Services
- Interior painting – Update walls to match your new ceilings
- Drywall services – Wall repairs and texture matching
- Popcorn ceiling guide – Learn more in our detailed blog post
Ready to remove your popcorn ceilings? Contact Westchase Painting Company at (813) 320-8710 for a free estimate.