Understand every stage of popcorn ceiling removal in Calgary so you know what to expect before the first scrape. Here we share all the details.
Tired of outdated popcorn ceilings dragging down your Calgary home’s style and potential sale value? Removing this 1970s trend can boost resale appeal by thousands and deliver an ROI of over 80% according to Angi. While the process kicks up plenty of dust and can sideline rooms for a few days, the long-term payoff of a sleek, modern ceiling is well worth it.
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Why Removing Popcorn Ceilings Benefits Your Home
Home buyers today want move-in ready properties with modern finishes. They don’t want to spend their first few months taking on projects, like scraping a popcorn ceiling. When potential buyers see popcorn texture, they see extra work and extra cost. Real estate professionals report that homes with popcorn ceilings can lose thousands in value, sometimes between $10,000 and $25,000 depending on the property size and market conditions.
Removing this texture gives your home a contemporary look. Smooth ceilings reflect light better, making rooms feel larger and brighter. They’re easier to clean and maintain. And they provide a neutral backdrop that works with any decorating style.
At Harding’s Painting, we’ve been helping Calgary homeowners update their spaces since 1996. Over 25 years of experience has taught us that this renovation consistently ranks among the most impactful changes you can make.
Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Calgary: An Overview
Before any scraping begins, you need to address safety. Popcorn ceilings installed before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos. This material isn’t dangerous when left alone, but it becomes hazardous when disturbed. Professional testing is required before starting any removal work. Always test for asbestos through a certified lab before scraping begins, as recommended by the EPA.
If asbestos is present, you must hire certified professionals. Federal and provincial regulations require specific training and equipment for asbestos abatement. Don’t take shortcuts here. The health risks aren’t worth it.
For ceilings without asbestos, popcorn ceiling removal in Calgary involves wetting the texture, scraping it away, smoothing the surface, and refinishing. Sounds simple, but each step requires skill and patience. Poor technique can damage the drywall underneath, creating more work and expense.
Professional services use advanced dust extraction systems that capture debris as it’s removed. This keeps your home cleaner and reduces the time spent on post-project cleanup. At Harding’s Painting, we’ve refined our process to minimize disruption while delivering consistent results.
Step-by-Step Process: From Preparation to Finishing
Preparation takes longer than you might expect. Everything in the room needs protection. We cover floors with heavy plastic sheeting and tape all seams to prevent plaster dust from escaping. Furniture either leaves the room or gets wrapped and covered. Plastic extends several feet up the walls to catch falling debris.
The actual removal starts with water. We spray sections of the ceiling and wait 15 to 20 minutes for the texture to absorb moisture. This softens the material and makes scraping easier. Using a wide drywall knife, we scrape at a 45-degree angle with steady pressure. Too much force damages the drywall. Too little leaves texture behind.
Once the popcorn texture is gone, the real work begins. The ceiling surface underneath is rarely perfect. We inspect for damage, fill any cracks or holes, and sand everything smooth. This step determines the quality of your final result. Rush it, and you’ll see imperfections through the paint.
Cleanup involves removing all plastic sheeting carefully to avoid spreading dust throughout your home. We vacuum thoroughly and wipe down surfaces.
Dealing With the Aftermath: Repairs and Repainting
After popcorn ceiling removal in Calgary, your ceiling needs attention. Even careful scraping can leave minor gouges or uneven spots. We apply joint compound to level the surface, let it dry completely, then sand it smooth. This might happen two or three times depending on the ceiling’s condition.
Priming comes next. A quality primer seals the surface and provides a base for paint. Skip this step and you’ll use more paint to achieve even coverage. The primer also helps identify any remaining imperfections that need addressing.
The final paint application transforms the ceiling. We typically apply two coats for consistent colour and finish. Our skilled painters know how to cut in around edges cleanly and maintain wet edges to avoid lap marks. The result is a smooth, modern ceiling that looks like it was always there.
This finishing work separates adequate results from professional ones. At Harding’s Painting, we don’t consider a job complete until the ceiling meets our standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Calgary
How long does the process take? Small rooms like bathrooms can be completed in one to two days. Larger spaces or whole-home projects take longer. Small rooms take 1–2 days; larger areas up to 3 days. Most projects finish within one to three days, depending on the scope and whether painting is included.
What does popcorn ceiling removal in Calgary cost? Expect CAD $0.99–$1.99 per sq ft for professional removal in Calgary according to Calgary Popcorn Ceiling Removal. Costs vary by ceiling height, room size, and ceiling repair needs.
How messy is it really? Very messy if left uncontrolled. Professionals install sealed plastic barriers, and take every precaution to keep the mess contained while protecting the furniture in place.
Can I stay in my home during the work? Yes, but expect disruption. The work area needs to be empty, and noise from scraping can be significant. Many homeowners choose to work on one room at a time to maintain some normalcy.
Should I do this myself or hire professionals? If asbestos testing comes back positive, you must hire certified professionals. For asbestos-free ceilings, DIY is possible but time-consuming and physically demanding. Most homeowners underestimate the effort required. Professional services complete the work much faster with better results.
Start Transforming Your Ceilings Today
Popcorn ceiling removal in Calgary isn’t a weekend project. It requires planning, proper technique, and patience. But the transformation is worth the temporary inconvenience. You’ll modernize your home, appeal to future buyers, and create a fresh canvas for your design vision.
At Harding’s Painting, we’ve completed thousands of ceiling projects across Calgary and other Canadian cities. We proudly serve Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna and Hamilton with the same 25+ years of expertise. Our team handles everything from initial assessment and asbestos testing coordination to final paint application. We know how to minimize disruption while delivering results that last.
Ready to update your ceilings? Contact us for a free quote. We’ll assess your project, explain the process in detail, and provide a clear timeline and cost estimate. Your home deserves modern, clean ceilings. Let’s make it happen.
