Popcorn Ceiling Removal Macon GA
Popcorn ceilings — sometimes called acoustic or 'cottage cheese' ceilings — were standard in Macon homes built between the 1960s and the late 1980s. They collect dust, yellow with age, and instantly date a room. We scrape, skim coat, and refinish popcorn ceilings throughout Bibb County for a clean, modern look.
Our Popcorn Removal Process
We start by masking the entire room — floors, walls, light fixtures, and HVAC vents — so dust and wet scrapings stay contained. We then lightly mist the ceiling with water (or use a dry-scrape approach for ceilings that have been painted) and scrape the texture off with wide blades.
Once the popcorn is down, the bare ceiling almost always needs touch-up — minor gouges from scraping, exposed tape seams, and old nail pops. We skim coat the entire ceiling, sand smooth, and prime with a stain-blocking primer to lock in any old nicotine, water staining, or yellowing. The result is a flat, paint-ready ceiling that looks like new construction.
Asbestos Testing for Older Macon Homes
We strongly recommend asbestos testing for any popcorn ceiling in a home built before 1980. The acoustic texture sprayed during that era sometimes contained chrysotile asbestos. Testing is inexpensive — typically $50–$100 per sample at a certified lab — and it's the only way to know for sure. If a ceiling tests positive, we'll refer you to a licensed asbestos abatement contractor before any scraping begins.
Scraping and Skim Coat Process
Wet scraping is faster and cleaner when it works. Painted-over popcorn doesn't absorb water well, so we dry-scrape and sand. After scraping, we apply two thin skim coats of all-purpose drywall mud, sand between coats, and finish with a Level 5 smooth or a light knockdown texture, whichever you prefer.
Common in Older Macon Homes (1960s–1980s)
Neighborhoods like Shirley Hills, Bloomfield, Riverside, and parts of north Macon are full of homes from this era. Builders sprayed acoustic texture because it hid imperfections and reduced ceiling echo. Today most homeowners want them gone — and we agree they almost always look better as smooth or lightly textured ceilings.
Smooth Ceiling Options
After scraping you can choose: a fully smooth Level 5 ceiling, which gives the cleanest modern look; a fine orange peel, which hides minor imperfections; or a light knockdown texture. We'll show you samples in your home so you can see how each option will look under your specific lighting.
Pricing
Popcorn ceiling removal in Macon runs about $1–$2 per square foot for scraping, skim coating, and priming, assuming no asbestos. A 200 sq ft bedroom runs $200–$400; a 1,500 sq ft single-story home runs $1,500–$3,000. We give a precise quote after walking through your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does popcorn ceiling removal cost in Macon?
About $1.00–$2.00 per square foot for scrape, two skim coats, sand, and prime. A 200 sq ft bedroom runs $200–$400. A 1,500 sq ft home runs $1,500–$3,000.
Do I need asbestos testing first?
Yes for any home built before 1980. A certified lab test is $50–$100. If positive, a licensed asbestos abatement contractor must do the removal.
Can I have a smooth ceiling after?
Yes — Level 5 smooth is one option. Others are fine orange peel or light knockdown. We'll show samples in your home.
How long does a Macon popcorn removal take?
A single room takes 2–3 days. A full single-story home runs 1–2 weeks depending on size and weather.
Will furniture and floors stay clean?
Yes. We mask floors with plastic, drape walls and fixtures, and contain dust during scraping and sanding.
Get a Free Estimate in Macon
We respond to most quote requests within 2 hours during business hours.