How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings FORT WORTH in 2025 & 2026: DIY Guide + Pro Tips & Costs
 

Learn how to remove popcorn ceiling safely in 2025. Step-by-step DIY guide, tools needed, asbestos testing, cost breakdown, and when to hire a pro.

Why Remove Popcorn Ceiling in 2025-2026?

Popcorn ceilings (also called acoustic or textured ceilings) were popular from the 1950s–1980s, but today most homeowners hate them. They collect dust, make rooms feel dated, and — worst of all — ceilings installed before 1980 may contain asbestos.

Removing popcorn texture instantly modernizes your home, increases perceived value, and makes painting or installing new lighting much easier.

Why Remove Popcorn Ceiling in 2025?

Popcorn ceilings (also called acoustic or textured ceilings) were popular from the 1950s–1980s, but today most homeowners hate them. They collect dust, make rooms feel dated, and — worst of all — ceilings installed before 1980 may contain asbestos.

Removing popcorn texture instantly modernizes your home, increases perceived value, and makes painting or installing new lighting much easier.

Step 1: Test for Asbestos First (Non-Negotiable)

If your home was built before 1980 (or even up to 1986 in some areas), assume the texture contains asbestos until proven otherwise.

– DIY asbestos test kits: $30–$60 (available on Amazon or big box hardware stores) 

– Professional lab testing: $50–$150 per sample 

– If asbestos is present → Hiring a contractor to remove it is the right move

Search “asbestos testing near me” or use services like EMSL Analytical or your local health department.

Step 2: Gather Tools & Materials (2025-26 Updated List)

– Garden sprayer or pump sprayer 

– 6–10 inch wide drywall knife or popcorn ceiling scraper with bag attachment (game-changer) 

– Plastic sheeting (3–4 mil) + both 1.5″ and 2″ painter’s tape 

– Respirator (N95 or better) + safety goggles 

– Drop cloths and rosin paper 

– Joint compound + 12-inch taping knife and mud pan (for repairs) 

– Optional: Scraper with vacuum attachment (Festool, Hyde Dust-Free, etc.)

Pro tip: The Hyde Dust-Free Popcorn Ceiling Scraper + shop vac combo cuts mess by 90%.

Step 3: Protect Everything (You’ll Thank Us Later)

1. Remove furniture or cover with plastic 

*****Pro Tip*****Once your done covering everything go back and check all your areas where the plastic comes together and you’ve taped it. Trust us when we say the popcorn materials will find any hole or crevice that you’ve missed!!

2. Cover floors with rosin paper + plastic+ tape

3. Tape plastic sheeting on floors and remove all lighting, vents, etc. etc. 

4. Turn off HVAC and cover vents

Step 4: The Actual Removal Process (2025-26 Best Method)

1. Lightly mist 4×4 ft sections with warm water + a dash of dish soap (or use a product like CitriStrip Popcorn Ceiling Remover) 

2. Wait 10–15 minutes — texture should soften but not soak the drywall 

3. Scrape gently at a low 45 degree angle. If it’s not coming off easily, spray again — don’t force it 

4. Collect debris in the scraper bag or directly into contractor bags

Never oversaturate — water damage to drywall is the #1 DIY fail.

Step 5: Repair & Smooth the Ceiling

After removal you’ll see seams, screws, and gouges.

– Skim coat with lightweight joint compound (2–3 thin coats) 

– Sand with 120–220 grit on a pole sander 

– Prime with high-build primer (covers imperfections) 

– Paint with flat or matte ceiling paint

Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost Breakdown (2025 Pricing)

| Method                  | Average Cost          | Notes                                      |

|————————-|———————–|——————————————–|

| DIY (1,000 sq ft)       | $300–$800             | Tools, materials, and your time            |

| Professional (no asbestos) | $3.50–$6.50 per sq ft | $3,500–$6,500 total for average home      |

| Asbestos removal        | $6–$15 per sq ft      | Licensed abatement required                |

DIY vs Hiring a Pro — Which Is Right for You?

**Do it yourself if:** 

– Built after 1986 (or tested negative for asbestos) 

– You’re comfortable on a ladder and with messy work 

– You want to save $1,000–$3,000

**Hire a professional if:** 

– Asbestos is present 

– You have high or vaulted ceilings 

– You want it done in 3–5 days with minimal dust (Depends on the size of the home)

Bonus 2025-26 Trend: Skip-Texture Alternatives

Instead of a perfectly smooth ceiling, many homeowners now choose: 

– Light knock-down texture 

– Shiplap or wood planks 

– Decorative ceiling tiles 

– Exposed beams (in ranch or modern farmhouse homes)

Final Thoughts:

Removing popcorn ceiling is one of the highest-ROI updates you can do in 2025-26. A $500–$800 DIY weekend can add thousands to your home’s perceived value and make every room feel taller and brighter.

Ready to get started? Test for asbestos today — then grab your sprayer and scraper. Your 2025-26 ceiling transformation awaits.

****Pro Tip**** As a contractor we have removed popcorn ceilings in 100’s of homes over the years. If you’re planning on doing this yourself we need to impress upon you that this is a dirty and highly labor intensive job. If you diy it then make certain you practice on an area that is inconspicuous first (a closet). The most difficult part of this whole task is getting the ceiling smooth after the removal. Even if you plan on texturing the ceiling any and all imperfections will show through.

 

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