Popcorn Ceiling Removal Las Vegas, NV
Popcorn ceilings were standard in Las Vegas homes built from the 1960s through the early 1990s. They are dated, hard to clean, and show water stains easily. Many homeowners remove them before selling or simply because they want a cleaner look. We remove popcorn ceilings and finish the surface throughout Las Vegas and Clark County.
The Asbestos Question Every Las Vegas Homeowner Needs to Answer First
This is the most important thing to know before any popcorn ceiling removal: homes built before 1980 may have asbestos in the ceiling texture. Asbestos was commonly added to popcorn texture material until it was banned in ceiling products in 1977. Leftover stock was sometimes used into the early 1980s.
If your home was built before 1980, do not scrape, sand, or disturb the ceiling without testing first. Airborne asbestos fibers are a health hazard. Testing is done by a certified industrial hygienist or abatement company who takes a small sample and sends it to a lab.
What happens if the test comes back positive for asbestos?
If the ceiling texture contains asbestos, it must be removed by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor, not a drywall crew. Once the abatement is complete and the space is cleared, we can come in and finish the ceiling surface. We do not handle asbestos abatement ourselves, but we can coordinate the sequence of work with your abatement contractor.
Homes built after 1980 are very unlikely to contain asbestos in ceiling texture. If you are unsure of the build date, test first regardless.
How Popcorn Ceiling Removal Works
Once you have confirmed the texture is safe to remove, the process is straightforward but messy:
- Protect everything below. Floors, furniture, and walls are covered with plastic sheeting. Popcorn ceiling material falls in chunks and dust when scraped.
- Dampen the texture. We lightly mist the popcorn with water. This softens the material and makes it easier to scrape off without gouging the drywall beneath.
- Scrape the ceiling. The texture is removed with wide knives and scrapers. This is the time-consuming part. Older popcorn that has been painted over is harder to remove and may require more effort.
- Repair the drywall surface. Scraping almost always leaves gouges, dings, and torn paper on the drywall face. These need to be filled with joint compound and sanded smooth before any new finish goes on.
- Apply the new finish. Once the ceiling is repaired and smooth, you choose the new finish: smooth skim coat, orange peel, or knockdown. We apply and sand to the desired result.
- Prime the ceiling. A fresh prime coat prepares the surface for paint. Newly skimmed or textured ceilings absorb paint unevenly without primer.
Can I paint over popcorn ceiling instead of removing it?
Yes. Painting over popcorn is a much cheaper and faster option. It refreshes the look and covers stains. But it does not modernize the ceiling the way removal does, and it makes future removal harder because painted popcorn does not scrape off as cleanly. If the goal is a smooth or standard textured ceiling, removal is the right path.
What Las Vegas Homeowners Replace Popcorn With
After popcorn is removed, most Las Vegas homeowners choose one of these finishes:
- Smooth skim coat: A flat, clean ceiling with no texture. Modern and easy to repaint. Shows imperfections more under raking light, so the drywall preparation work needs to be thorough.
- Orange peel: A light spray texture that hides minor imperfections, matches the wall texture in most Las Vegas homes, and is easier to maintain than smooth.
- Knockdown: A slightly heavier texture than orange peel with a flat-topped irregular pattern. More visual interest than orange peel but still modern compared to popcorn.
How long does popcorn ceiling removal take in a typical Las Vegas home?
A single room typically takes one to two days depending on the ceiling size, how many lights or fans need to be worked around, and the condition of the drywall underneath. A full house takes longer and is usually done room by room. We give you an estimated timeline when we provide your written estimate.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Cost in Las Vegas
Cost is based on the square footage of ceiling area, the condition of the drywall underneath, and the finish you choose. Ceilings with heavy paint buildup, water damage, or significant drywall damage underneath take more time and cost more.
We provide a free written estimate after seeing the ceiling in person. Photos help for initial inquiries but a site visit is needed for an accurate quote.
Related services: Ceiling Drywall Repair Las Vegas | Texture Matching | Water Damage Repair
Popcorn Ceiling Removal Service Area
We remove popcorn ceilings throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Enterprise, and all of Clark County. Contact us to schedule a free estimate.