Update Ceilings That Date Your Home

Popcorn ceiling removal and surface smoothing services in Peosta, Dubuque, and all surrounding areas.

Popcorn ceilings were common in older homes throughout Peosta, Dubuque, and all surrounding areas, but they collect dust, absorb light, and make rooms feel outdated. Removing the texture and smoothing the surface creates a cleaner, more modern look that improves how light reflects throughout the room. If you are planning to repaint or refinish your ceilings, removing the popcorn texture first gives you a better result.

Delaney Painting contains the work area with plastic sheeting and removes the texture carefully to avoid damaging the underlying drywall. Once the texture is scraped off, we smooth the surface and prepare it for primer and paint. The process creates dust and debris, so we protect your floors and furniture and clean thoroughly before we leave.

If you want to remove popcorn texture from your ceilings in Peosta, contact us to schedule an assessment.

What Happens During the Removal Process

We begin by testing the texture for asbestos if your home in Peosta  or Dubuque was built before the mid-1980s. If the material is safe to remove, we lightly mist the ceiling to soften the texture and scrape it off using wide blades. The surface underneath is then sanded smooth and patched where needed to create an even finish.

After removal, your ceiling will reflect light more evenly, look flat and modern, and be ready for priming and painting. The room will feel brighter and more open without the heavy, dated texture overhead.

We use floor protection, plastic barriers, and HEPA vacuums to control dust. The work is messy, so we recommend clearing furniture or covering it completely. We do not remove ceilings that contain asbestos without proper abatement, and we will refer you to a certified specialist if testing confirms its presence.

Common concerns homeowners bring up first

Before removing popcorn ceilings, homeowners typically want to know about asbestos, mess, and what the ceiling will look like afterward. These are the questions we hear most often.

How do you test for asbestos?
We collect a small sample and send it to a lab for analysis. If asbestos is present, we refer you to a licensed abatement contractor who can remove the material safely.
How messy is popcorn ceiling removal?
The process creates dust and debris, so we seal the room with plastic, cover floors, and vacuum thoroughly after scraping. You should expect some cleanup even with containment in place.
What does the ceiling look like after removal?
The ceiling is smooth, flat, and ready for primer and paint. Any imperfections are patched and sanded so the surface is uniform before finishing.
How long does the removal process take?

Most rooms in Peosta, Dubuque, and the surrounding areas are completed in one to two days depending on ceiling size and texture thickness. Drying time for patching compound may extend the timeline slightly.

Can you paint the ceiling after removal?
Yes. Once the surface is smooth and primed, we can apply your choice of ceiling paint. Many homeowners schedule both services together to complete the room in one project.

Delaney Painting helps homeowners in Peosta, Dubuque, and all surrounding areas remove outdated popcorn texture and prepare ceilings for a modern, clean finish. If you are ready to update your ceilings, get in touch to schedule your removal project.