Popcorn ceilings are common in Miami-Dade houses and condos built from the 1960s through the 1980s. Texture from before the 1980s can contain asbestos, so it should be tested by a lab before it is scraped. Once it is clear, we remove the texture, smooth the ceiling, prime and paint.
Sprayed popcorn texture is on the ceilings of a great many Miami-Dade houses and condos built from the 1960s through the 1980s. Owners want it gone because it holds dust, yellows, is hard to patch after a leak and makes rooms look dated. Before anything is scraped, the age of the building matters. Texture applied before the 1980s can contain asbestos. A sample should be tested by a laboratory first. If the result is positive, removal is work for a licensed asbestos contractor, not for a painting crew.
Once the texture is cleared, the room is emptied or the furniture is covered, and plastic sheeting goes over the floors and up the walls. Texture that was never painted softens when it is misted with water and comes off with a wide scraper. Painted texture resists water and is slower, and sometimes sanding or a skim coat over it is the better route. Light fixtures, fans and vent covers come down or are wrapped, and the wet material is bagged and carried out the same day.
What is under the popcorn is seldom finished to a high standard, because the texture was sprayed on to hide joints and screw heads. So after scraping we fill gouges, retape loose joints and skim the ceiling with joint compound until it is flat. In condos with concrete ceiling slabs the texture often sits directly on concrete, and the slab needs a full skim coat to look smooth. Then the ceiling is primed and painted in a flat finish, which hides small waves better than any sheen.
Popcorn ceiling removal in Miami: common questions
Does my popcorn ceiling need an asbestos test?
If the building dates from before the 1980s, test before disturbing it. A laboratory checks a small sample. Do not scrape or sand the ceiling yourself to find out. We can only remove texture that has tested clear.
My condo has concrete ceilings. Can the popcorn still come off?
Yes. The texture scrapes off concrete, but the bare slab shows form lines and rough patches. It needs skim coating to look smooth. Check with your association first, since many buildings want notice of work that makes dust or noise.
Can we stay in the home during the work?
You can, but the rooms being worked on are sealed off and cannot be used. It is a wet, messy job for a day or more per area. Many owners do it room by room or schedule it before moving in.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.