Textured ceilings look dated and collect dust, and anyone who has stood under one with a ladder knows how hard they are to repaint. Removing the texture leaves a flat ceiling that suits modern lighting and is far easier to keep clean. It is also a messy job when done carelessly, so the order of operations matters.

The first question we ask in West Kelowna is how old the house is. The answer decides what happens next, long before any scraper touches the ceiling.

What the job includes

A conversation about when the home was built and what is above the ceiling
Testing arranged where the age of the home calls for it
Floors, walls and fixtures sealed in plastic before any scraping
Wetting and scraping the texture off in controlled sections
Skim coating or sanding to a flat finish if the board underneath is rough
Priming and painting the ceiling once it is smooth

Testing first, scraping second

Textured ceilings in older homes can contain asbestos, and the only way to know is to test a sample before the material is disturbed. Many West Kelowna houses were built across several decades, so we do not assume either way. If your home is older, a lab test comes before anything else, and we wait for the result.

If the result is clear, we go ahead. If it comes back positive, we stop and explain your options, because that material is not something to scrape yourself or have scraped by anyone unprepared. Once the ceilings are flat, they pair well with new drywall repair in West Kelowna on any walls that need it.

Expect the room to be unusable for a few days while the plastic stays up and each layer dries. If you can, plan a stay elsewhere for sleeping areas, and keep pets and children out of the work zone until we remove the sheeting and clean.

Order of work, from plastic to paint

Ask and test. Home age comes first. If the house calls for it, a sample goes to a lab and we wait for the answer.
Seal the room. Everything is covered or removed, vents are blocked, and doorways are taped so dust stays inside.
Scrape and smooth. The texture is dampened and scraped off, then the surface is skimmed and sanded flat.
Prime and paint. The bare ceiling is primed, because raw compound and board soak up paint unevenly, then it gets finish coats.

The full process, prep and pricing factors are on our main popcorn ceiling removal page.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal in West Kelowna: questions

Is it safe to scrape the ceiling myself?

Not without knowing what it contains. If the house is older, test first. We do not scrape until we know the result, and we recommend you do the same.

Will the ceiling be perfectly flat afterwards?

Scraping alone leaves some marks and ridges. A thin skim coat and sanding gets it much closer to flat, and we say which level of finish the quote covers.

How long does it take compared to painting?

Longer. The covering, drying, skimming and sanding add days that plain painting does not need. We put the schedule in writing.

Other painting services in West Kelowna

Popcorn Ceiling Removal in nearby towns

Tell us the age of your home and request a free written quote, and we will lay out the testing and removal plan.

Request your free written quote or call (778) 946-6363.

More about popcorn ceiling removal and West Kelowna

Have a question first? Read the FAQ, learn about Alto Pro Painters or contact us.

Further reading: West Kelowna on Wikipedia and Health Canada: asbestos and your health.

Watch: popcorn ceiling removal in action

How to remove a popcorn ceiling, by Lowe's Home Improvement on YouTube.