Testing for Lead and Asbestos

• If your home was built before 1979, there is a good chance that your popcorn ceiling might contain asbestos. In addition, if your home was built before 1978, your popcorn ceiling may have lead-based paint. Since removing a textured or popcorn ceiling creates a very dusty mess, you must take measures to test your ceiling for asbestos or lead paint before you attempt to remove it. If you are affected by one of these situations, follow local and state guidelines for removing the contaminants.
  
  

Prepare the Room

• Removing a popcorn ceiling is a messy process that will create a large amount of dirt and dust. Remove everything possible from the room, and lay down drop cloths to protect the carpet. Drop cloths will also minimize the damage to the room and will help speed the cleanup process.
  
  

Protect Yourself

• Wear adequate eye protection. You will look up when removing the texture, and it will hit you in the face. Without eye protection, you will get dirt in your eyes. Also, wear adequate ventilation protection, such as a respirator, which will prevent you from breathing in the dirt and dust. Even without asbestos or lead, you do not want to breathe in dirt and dust. Open windows if possible to help circulate fresh air into the room.
  
  

Putty Knife and Water

• Fill a spray bottle with water. Spray the water onto the ceiling, and scrape the plaster off the ceiling with a putty knife to help minimize some of the dust and reduce the amount of scraping you must do with the putty knife. If the ceiling has paint, substitute the water for a paint stripper as water will not soak into painted surfaces.
  
  

Things to Avoid

• Do not sand the ceiling flat. Sanding the ceiling will create an incredible amount of dirt and dust and will elongate the process. Do not break out the drywall and replace it with new drywall. This process is unnecessary, takes longer, still creates dust and will cost you a lot more as a result.