It’s Time to Say Goodbye to that Popcorn Ceiling for Good

May 20, 2022

If your home was built in the years between 1930 and the late 1990s, there’s a very good chance that some sort of textured paint was applied to the ceiling - and the “popcorn” texture was one of the most popular. During these years, the texture was utilized to hide flaws in the ceiling or to help provide some noice reduction. Today, there are better ways to achieve these goals, so if you still have a popcorn ceiling, it’s time to say goodbye. 

It Could Contain Asbestos

Starting in the late 1800s and continuing up until the mid-1970s, contractors and painters utilized asbestos in their products to serve as a fire retardant. While asbestos certainly lived up to that claim - and still does to this day - it’s a serious health hazard that can lead to specific forms of potentially deadly lung cancers. If your popcorn ceiling was applied before the mid 70s, or if you simply aren’t sure, it’s a good idea to get rid of it. Contact a professional regarding asbestos testing first, and if your sample comes back positive, then you’ll need to hire a professional contractor who specializes in asbestos removal. 

It’s A Haven For Dirt And Dust

The texture in a popcorn ceiling might help muffle sound and cover up slight imperfections in ceilings, but it’s also a haven for dirt and dust. When cobwebs form on a popcorn ceiling, it can be downright impossible to remove them without also removing flakes of paint - and that’s a pain to clean up. Keeping your home as clean and as tidy as possible will call for removing that popcorn ceiling. 

It Might Be Lead Paint

Again, due to the timeframe in which popcorn ceilings were most popular, if your home has popcorn ceilings, there’s a good chance that it also contains lead paint. While this may not be a big deal in a home full of adults, children and pets are especially susceptible to the effects of lead paint. What’s more, because popcorn ceilings are notorious for flaking, there could be tiny bits of lead paint everywhere in your home. If you are concerned about lead paint, contact a professional today to remove your popcorn ceilings. 

It Might Even Improve Your Home’s Value 

Even if you have no plans to sell your home in the near future, it’s always a good idea to do what you can to improve its resale value. Popcorn ceiling removal is one such improvement that’s relatively easy and inexpensive to make; today’s potential homeowners are aware of the potential hazards that popcorn ceilings present, and they simply prefer the look of a smooth ceiling as opposed to a textured one. Sometimes, popcorn ceiling removal can even make a room look brighter and more inviting since there’s no texture to absorb the light. 

 

Popcorn ceilings were once fashionable, economical, and daresay even trendy. Today, though, they are viewed as antiquated and unappealing. If your home still sports this outdated finish, it’s time to say goodbye for good. Contact a professional painting crew today to modernize and brighten your home. 

 

Thanks for reading! Please like and share.

Other Blog Posts

Open-concept kitchen remodel in Austin featuring a large island, quartz countertops, white cabinets
By Tyler Harden October 20, 2025
Transform your home with an open-concept kitchen remodel in Austin. Explore 2025 design ideas for cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and layout.
Modern Austin home exterior with navy and white paint — example of 2025 exterior painting trends
By Tyler Harden October 13, 2025
Explore 2025 exterior painting trends in Austin — from modern color palettes to durable finishes built for Central Texas weather
small bathroom remodel in Austin TX with tub to shower conversion, new vanity, and new tile
By Tyler Harden October 7, 2025
Transform a small bath fast. See Austin-proven upgrades—tub-to-shower, new vanities, tile, lighting, paint—and how to get a spa look on a smart budget.
Kitchen remodel in Austin, TX with cabinet refacing, cabinet painting and new countertops
By Tyler Harden September 30, 2025
Transform your kitchen with cabinet refacing in Austin. Explore 2025 design options, cost savings, and benefits — from new cabinet doors to countertops.
Austin kitchen remodel with modern cabinetry, island seating, and updated finishes
By Tyler Harden September 22, 2025
Realistic ROI for kitchen remodels in Austin, how the current market impacts resale, and the upgrades that make the biggest difference
Austin interior painting project with black staircase railing and white walls
By Tyler Harden September 15, 2025
Wondering if interior painting adds value before selling your Austin home? Learn why fresh paint is one of the best ROI updates to boost resale value and buyer appeal.