Popcorn ceilings are common in St. Louis County ranches and split levels from the 1950s through the 1980s. Texture from before the 1980s should be lab tested for asbestos before anyone scrapes it. Once it is clear, we remove the texture, smooth the ceiling, prime and paint.
Sprayed popcorn texture is mostly a county feature here. It is common in ranches and split levels from the 1950s through the 1980s in places like Florissant, Affton and Ballwin, and in city rooms that were remodeled in those years. It collects dust, yellows, and is hard to patch after a leak. Some texture from that period contains asbestos. You cannot tell by looking, so a sample should go to a lab before anyone scrapes, sands or drills it.
If the test is clear, the room is emptied or the furniture is wrapped, and floors and walls are covered with plastic. We wet the texture in sections so it softens, then scrape it off with a wide blade. Popcorn that was never painted comes off fairly easily. Painted popcorn resists water and takes much longer. In that case, or where asbestos is present, covering the ceiling with new drywall or handing the removal to a licensed abatement firm are the options.
Scraping is only half the work. The ceiling underneath was rarely finished to be seen, so the joints and screw heads need compound, and the whole surface is often skim coated and sanded. Then we prime and apply two coats of flat ceiling paint, which hides small flaws best. Expect the room to be out of use for a few days, with dust kept behind plastic. We can paint the walls at the same visit while everything is covered.
Popcorn ceiling removal in St. Louis: common questions
Does my popcorn ceiling have asbestos?
It might if it went up before the 1980s. Only a lab test can tell. Have a sample tested before any removal. If it is positive, we do not scrape it. Removal is then a job for a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.
Can you just paint the popcorn instead?
Yes, if it is sound and you are happy to keep it. It is sprayed or rolled gently with a thick nap roller. Be aware that painted popcorn is much harder to remove later.
Will the ceiling be perfectly smooth afterward?
It will be smooth and even to the eye under normal light. Flat paint helps. Low light raking across a ceiling from a big window shows more, so tell us if a room has that and we plan extra finishing.
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.