The first step in removing a popcorn ceiling is to turn off the power to the room. Next, cover all air vents and electrical outlets with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from short circuiting and from soaking into the walls. It’s also wise to take down any light fixtures so they don’t get dirty or damaged. Before beginning the process, temporarily shut off the electricity to the room. If you have a light switch that needs to be flipped off, you can temporarily cut off the power.
Before beginning the process, prepare the floor and walls by laying down drop cloths with waterproof backing. You’ll need plastic sheeting and a painter’s tape to secure the area. Lay down resin paper directly on the debris on the ceiling. Carefully scrape off the excess material. Once all ceiling debris is removed, wrap the plastic sheeting in a garbage bag and remove it. After removing the old texture, apply joint compound to fill in the holes left by the scraping. Once this is dry, use a sanding block to smooth out the rough edges.
If the ceiling is affected by lead paint or asbestos, muding is a better option. The process encapsulates these dangerous substances and leaves the ceiling with a smooth finish. If the coating is not removed, it can be repaired using putty or joint compound. If you need to repaint the entire ceiling, hire a professional to perform the process for you. If you need to repair the surface of the ceiling, muding is a quick and effective solution.