Popcorn ceiling removal in Sumter, SC

Why homeowners remove it

Popcorn ceilings were standard in homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s, and a good number of homes around downtown Sumter and the older neighborhoods still have their original texture. Beyond the dated look, popcorn ceilings collect dust, are hard to clean, and — in homes built before 1980 specifically — can potentially contain asbestos, which changes how removal needs to be handled.

Our process

1. Assess the ceiling. For homes built before 1980, we recommend asbestos testing before scraping begins — this is a real safety step, not an upsell.
2. Protect the room. Full plastic sheeting and floor protection before any scraping starts.
3. Scrape and remove the existing texture down to the drywall or plaster base.
4. Repair and skim-coat any damage or unevenness left behind.
5. Finish smooth, or apply a lighter modern texture — knockdown and orange peel are common replacement choices.
6. Prime and hand off ready for paint.

Note: if testing shows asbestos-containing material, that removal needs to be handled by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor before we can do any drywall work — we're happy to help point you toward that step if it comes up.