How do you remove a popcorn ceiling?

ANSWERFirst you may want to cover the floor for easier clean-up -- Get a roll of plastic sheeting from Home Depot. and spread it out. You can use one of those pump up exterminator spray canisters with the long angled spray nozzle to spray the popcorn.

Spray a little water on ceiling and let sit for 10 minutes then scrape with a 4" putty knife. This is best done if done by doing one section at a time. Use your bodys length measurement ( from finger tip - to finger tip= your body height / length ) section at a time.

The home centers sell an acoustic removing scraper that will screw on to a paint pole. . If the ceiling has been painted, you may have to spray it with water, scrape, then spray again, then scenario again.

I would also be sure to wear a mask and eye wear as some acoustic texture has asbestos as an ingredient.

Well said. I would add that you may have to "float" scrapes and blemishes that are made removing the popcorn ceiling. You can do this with a drywall finishers' knife and drywall compound. You may have to sand as well depending on how good you are with the patches.

I have also found it necessary to sponge mop the ceiling after removal of "popcorn" to remove the dusty residue left behind,so as to allow the joint compound and new texture and paint to adhere properly.