Popcorn ceilings went out of style years ago, but many older homes, and some new ones, still have them. While a popcorn removal is not that difficult, it is a messy job that requires hard work and special safety precautions.

There are two potential problems that can turn removing a textured ceiling into a nightmare:

Asbestos: While it doesn’t pose a health risk if left in place, removing a ceiling containing asbestos can stir up the fibers and cause them to become trapped in your lungs.

Painted Ceiling: Another potential problem that can make removing a popcorn ceiling much more difficult is if paint has been applied over the texture. This prevents the texture from absorbing water, which is necessary to loosen the material. While a painted textured ceiling can be removed, it usually requires the application of a chemical stripper to breakdown the paint barrier.