Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Popcorn ceiling removal in Austin

Textured ceilings date a house faster than anything else in it, and removing them is messy enough that most homeowners only want it done once. The work is in the containment and the skim coat, not the scraping.

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The work

Contained, scraped, skimmed smooth

Scraping a popcorn ceiling is a day. Making the ceiling underneath look like it was always smooth is the rest of the week. Under the texture is unfinished drywall with visible seams and fastener heads, and it all has to be skimmed and sanded before paint.

There is education and preparation that needs to occur so your project goes smoothly and according to your expectations. On a ceiling job that starts with one question: when was the house built.

Pre-1980 testing first

Texture from before the early 1980s can contain asbestos. It should be tested before anyone scrapes it. We will not disturb a suspect ceiling on an assumption.

Full containment

Floors, walls, and openings sealed. Everything not being worked on is protected, because this is the messiest work we do.

Skim to smooth or knockdown

Seams and fasteners finished, then either skimmed flat for a smooth ceiling or given a knockdown texture if that is the look you want.

Primed and painted

Fresh drywall compound has to be primed before finish paint or it flashes. Ceilings get a proper ceiling paint, not leftover wall color.

The process

How the job runs

We do this through a process of communication and education so we can co-create the best possible painting experience with you. We call this the Certainty Service System. We are a company with a culture of respect. Respect for our employees. Respect for the environment.

Age and testing

We establish the age of the texture. Pre-1980, testing comes before anything else, and the result determines whether this is our job or an abatement contractor’s.
Written proposal

After your initial consultation, clients get the project proposal in a quick turnaround time, covering containment, skim level, and paint.
Contain the space

Floors and walls sealed, doorways closed off, HVAC returns covered so dust does not travel through the house.
Scrape

Texture wetted and scraped down to the drywall, with the debris bagged as it comes off rather than left to be walked through.
Finish and sand

Seams taped where needed, fasteners spotted, then skim coats sanded flat. This is the part that decides whether the ceiling looks original.
Prime, paint, inspect

Primer over fresh compound, then ceiling paint, then a walkthrough with you under raking light where flaws actually show.

Why Us

Five years of annual inspections

Our program is specifically designed to offer the highest quality service possible. By using the finest painting products available on the market, we are able to offer a 5 year professional workmanship guarantee but the truly unique aspect of this program is the Annual Inspections.

For 5 years, APP. will schedule an annual appointment to inspect your home. Anything that needs touching up, we will gladly take care of it (See the guarantee outline on your contract agreement).

Call us to schedule an inspection. Our local-company attitude also guarantees friendliness, neatness and respect from our employees at all times.

In business since 2010, with 52 full-time painters and over 100 years of combined experience.
An experienced, English speaking lead painter on the jobsite at all times, and a production manager assigned to your project.
Fully insured, BBB A+ accredited, and financing available through Synchrony with no money upfront.

Skim coating a ceiling smooth after texture removal

5-Year Workmanship Guarantee on all of our projects

In practice

What ceiling removal looks like

Painter in protective coveralls and mask working on a contained ceiling — Full containment and PPE

See real APP projects in our work gallery.

Questions

Popcorn ceilings, answered

Does my popcorn ceiling contain asbestos?

If the texture predates the early 1980s it might, and it should be tested before it is disturbed. Testing is inexpensive and fast. We do not scrape a suspect ceiling on an assumption, and neither should anyone else.

How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost in Austin?

It follows ceiling area, height, how much skim coating the drywall underneath needs, and whether you want smooth or knockdown. Cathedral and two-storey spaces cost more because of access. We measure and quote in writing.

How messy is it, really?

Very, which is why the containment is most of what you are paying for. Sealed floors and walls, closed doorways, covered HVAC returns, and debris bagged as it comes down. Done properly the dust stays in one room.

Can I stay in the house during the work?

Usually yes, if the work is confined to specific rooms. We seal those rooms off and sequence the job so you keep the rest of the house. Whole-house ceiling removal is easier when the house is empty.

Do I have to have a perfectly smooth ceiling?

No. Smooth is the most popular choice and the most demanding. A light knockdown texture is faster, cheaper, and hides more, and it still looks current.

Do you paint the walls afterwards?

Most customers do the ceilings and walls together, because the room is already contained and the walls will need touching up along the ceiling line regardless.