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Popcorn Ceiling Removal in San Antonio: What to Expect

What popcorn ceiling removal involves in San Antonio homes: asbestos testing, prep, scraping, repair, retexturing and painting, plus what affects cost.

By SCCI Drywall. Published 2026-10-22.

Key Takeaways

  • Test popcorn ceilings for asbestos before disturbing them, especially in older homes.
  • Removal is messy: rooms are emptied or covered and sealed before scraping.
  • After scraping, the ceiling is repaired, finished and retextured or smoothed.
  • Cost depends on room size, ceiling height, paint on the popcorn and repair needs.

Popcorn ceilings, also called acoustic or cottage cheese ceilings, were common in homes for decades. Today, many San Antonio homeowners want them gone for a cleaner, updated look. Here's what the process involves.

Step 1: Test for Asbestos

Some popcorn ceilings, especially those applied before the 1980s, contain asbestos. You can't tell by looking. Before anyone scrapes, have a sample tested by a qualified lab or inspector. If it tests positive, removal should be handled by a licensed asbestos abatement professional following state and federal rules. Don't scrape it yourself.

Step 2: Prep the Room

Popcorn removal is one of the messiest jobs in drywall. Proper prep includes:

  • Emptying the room, or moving and covering furniture
  • Covering floors and walls with plastic
  • Sealing doorways and HVAC vents
  • Turning off power to ceiling fixtures and removing or covering them

Step 3: Remove the Texture

Unpainted popcorn usually comes off fairly easily after being lightly misted with water and scraped. Painted popcorn is harder, because the paint seals the texture and keeps water from soaking in. It may take more effort or a different approach.

Step 4: Repair the Ceiling

Under the popcorn, ceilings often have rough tape joints, gouges and fastener heads that were never finished well, since the texture hid them. The crew repairs damage, re-tapes problem joints, and skims as needed.

Step 5: New Finish

You have options:

  • Smooth ceiling: the cleanest look; needs a high finish level. See smooth vs. textured
  • Light texture: orange peel or a light Monterrey hides minor flaws

Step 6: Prime and Paint

The ceiling is primed and painted, the plastic comes down, and the room is cleaned.

What Affects Cost

  • Total ceiling area and number of rooms
  • Ceiling height; vaulted ceilings need scaffolding
  • Whether the popcorn is painted
  • Amount of repair needed underneath
  • Smooth vs. textured final finish
  • Asbestos testing and, if needed, abatement

How Long Does It Take?

A typical room often takes a few days because of drying time between finishing coats and texture. Larger homes take longer. See drywall timelines.

Popcorn Ceiling Removal in San Antonio

SCCI Drywall removes popcorn ceilings (after testing confirms it's safe to proceed), repairs and refinishes them. Call (210) 875-0280.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do popcorn ceilings contain asbestos?

Some do, especially those applied before the 1980s. Have the ceiling tested before removing it.

Is painted popcorn ceiling harder to remove?

Yes. Paint seals the texture, so it doesn't soften with water and takes more work to remove.

What goes on the ceiling after popcorn removal?

Usually a smooth finish or a light texture such as orange peel, followed by primer and paint.

Contact SCCI Drywall

SCCI Drywall serves San Antonio and all of South Texas with drywall installation, drywall repair, remodeling, metal stud framing, light gauge framing and acoustical grid ceiling systems for residential and commercial projects.

Phone: (210) 875-0280

Email: sccidrywall@gmail.com

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Request a free drywall quote