Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Gainesville, FL
Popcorn ceiling removal means testing the texture, scraping it off, and skimming the ceiling smooth. Typical cost is about $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot, and a 200 square foot living room ceiling finished smooth ran $520 on one of our past jobs. We test for asbestos first on any ceiling from an older home.
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Popcorn Ceiling Removal, explained in plain English
Homes built before the mid-1980s may have asbestos in the ceiling texture. The EPA advises testing before disturbing it. A lab test is cheap compared with the risk, and if the result is positive we stop and recommend an abatement company. If the test is clear, we move on.
On a clear ceiling, we mist the texture, let it soften, and scrape it with a wide knife into a catch tray. Dust stays down, and cleanup is simple. Then we skim the ceiling with compound, sand it smooth, and prime it. The room looks like a different house.
What to think about before you start
- Test first, always. Do not scrape before a result comes back on an older ceiling.
- Painted popcorn is harder to scrape wet. It may need dry scraping or a skim over the top.
- Move furniture out or cover it. Wet scraping is tidy, but it is still messy.
- Smooth ceilings show flaws. Plan on a full skim coat, not just a scrape.
What it costs around Gainesville
The published rate for popcorn removal and finishing is about $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. A scrape-and-skim at $2.60 per square foot on 200 square feet came to $520. Textured finishes after removal cost extra.
Planning ranges from our local rate card, not a quote. See the cost guide and calculator.
How it goes in Gainesville
Popcorn ceilings are everywhere in Gainesville homes from the 1970s through the early 1990s. They hide a lot, but they also trap dust and make rooms feel dated. Removing them is one of the most common remodel jobs here.
How the job goes, step by step
- Take a sample for lab testing on older ceilings.
- Cover floors and furniture.
- Mist and scrape the texture.
- Skim and sand the ceiling smooth.
- Prime and leave it ready for paint.
Quick answers about popcorn ceiling removal
Is popcorn ceiling dangerous?
Popcorn ceilings from before the mid-1980s can contain asbestos. A lab test tells you for sure. Newer ceilings usually do not.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost?
About $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot, including skim. A 200 square foot ceiling finished smooth ran $520.
How long does it take?
A living room takes about two days including drying time.
Can you remove painted popcorn?
Usually, yes. It takes more time because paint seals the texture. Sometimes a skim coat over it is a better answer.
Do I need to move out during the work?
No, but plan on moving furniture out of the room or covering it.
What finish do I get afterward?
A smooth, paint-ready ceiling. We can also add orange peel or knockdown texture if you prefer.
More questions? See the full FAQ.
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