Wilmington Drywall Repair
Popcorn Ceiling Removal and Re-Texture in Wilmington, NC
Popcorn ceiling removal and re-texture with dust containment and smooth or knockdown finish. Free estimates.
- 15+ Years local experience
- 500+ Projects completed
- Licensed & Insured
Serving Wilmington and nearby communities.
Popcorn ceilings were everywhere before the 1990s, and plenty of Wilmington-area homes still have them. Homeowners usually want it gone for one of three reasons: it looks dated, it's damaged, or it's in the way of another repair.
Here's the part that surprises people: removal is only half the job. Once the texture comes off, the ceiling underneath needs a skim coat or a new texture applied before it's paint-ready. Wilmington Drywall Repair handles both steps, not just the scraping. Request a free estimate or pair this with Ceiling Repair if there's damage underneath.
What's included
What's Included
- Dust containment setup, covering floors and furniture before work starts
- Wet-scrape removal of the popcorn texture
- Choice of smooth skim coat or matching re-texture finish
- Sanding and paint-ready ceiling handoff
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Get a Free EstimatePopcorn Ceiling Removal and Re-Texture
The Removal Process
- Cover and contain — Protect floors, furniture, and adjoining rooms from dust.
- Wet-scrape texture — Water softens the popcorn coating for cleaner removal.
- Inspect the ceiling underneath — Check for damage or water stains hidden by the texture.
- Skim coat or re-texture — Smooth finish or matched knockdown/orange peel, your choice.
- Sand smooth — Level any ridges left from scraping.
- Prep for paint — Final check under raking light before handoff.
Questions about this?
Get a Free EstimateMaterials
Materials
Skim coat compound
Used for a smooth, modern ceiling finish, applied in thin, even coats.
Knockdown or orange peel spray texture
Used if you'd rather re-texture than go fully smooth, matched to adjoining rooms.
Setting-type compound for ceiling work
Resists sag better than lightweight mud on overhead applications.
Questions on materials?
Get a Free EstimateTimeline
Timeline
Expect real disruption for a day or two per room, most of it from dry time between coats.
- 01
Setup and containment
same day - 02
Wet-scrape removal
same dayper room.
- 03
Skim coat or re-texture, with dry time
1–2 days - 04
Sand and final finish
1 day
Need a schedule that fits?
Get a Free EstimateCodes & permits
Permits and Codes for Popcorn Ceiling Removal and Re-Texture
Check with your city or county if this is part of a bigger renovation project.
| Typically needs a permit | Often no permit |
|---|---|
| Popcorn removal tied into a larger remodel involving ceiling framing | Standalone popcorn ceiling removal and re-texture |
| — | Skim coat finishing after removal |
Need help with permits?
Get a Free EstimateDIY vs pro
DIY vs Hiring a Pro for Popcorn Ceiling Removal and Re-Texture
| DIY | Hire a pro |
|---|---|
| Small closets or utility rooms where a slightly imperfect finish won't matter | Any main living space where finish quality matters |
| Homeowners comfortable with dust containment and overhead mud work | Ceilings with visible water stains under the texture, which may signal a leak |
| — | Texture that's already flaking or damaged, often harder to remove cleanly than intact popcorn |
Not sure DIY vs pro?
Get a Free EstimateWhen to call
When to Call
If you see water stains coming through the popcorn texture, or the texture itself is crumbling or flaking, call before you start scraping. Those situations often mean there's more going on underneath than a cosmetic update. Call for a free estimate and we'll check it out.
Seeing warning signs?
Get a Free EstimateBefore & after
Before and After Popcorn Ceiling Removal and Re-Texture
Before 
After
Next step
Get a Popcorn Ceiling Removal and Re-Texture Estimate in Wilmington
Call Wilmington Drywall Repair at +1 (472) 213-9282 or request a free estimate. We'll walk you through the mess up front so there are no surprises.
FAQs
Popcorn Ceiling Removal and Re-Texture FAQs
Is popcorn ceiling removal messy and how long does it take?
It's a genuinely messy job, wet-scraping generates debris even with containment in place. A typical room takes 1 to 3 days including dry time for the skim coat or re-texture.
Do I have to re-texture after removal or can I leave it smooth?
Smooth is a common choice and often preferred for a modern look. Re-texturing to knockdown or orange peel is optional and usually done to match adjoining rooms.
Can nail pops be fixed without repainting the whole ceiling?
Nail pops are a spot repair, resetting the fastener and blending a small area of texture. No need to redo the whole ceiling for a few pops.
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost?
Costs run roughly $2–$4 per square foot depending on ceiling condition and finish choice, so a typical 12x12 room lands around $300–$600. A free estimate gives you an exact number.
Will there be asbestos concerns with older popcorn ceilings?
Homes built before the 1980s sometimes used asbestos in popcorn texture. If your home falls in that range, testing before removal is worth discussing at your estimate.
More services
Other Drywall Repair services
Drywall Patching and Hole Repair
Drywall patching and hole repair with texture matching and paint-ready finish. Free estimates, no job too small.
Sheetrock Repair
Sheetrock repair for damaged wall sections, seams, and structural sheet replacement. Free estimates in Wilmington.
Wallboard Repair
Wallboard repair for cracks, dents, and section damage with texture matching. Free estimates in Wilmington, NC.
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