Popcorn Ceiling Removal in Columbia, SC

Popcorn ceilings (also called acoustic or "cottage cheese" ceilings) were everywhere in Midlands homes built in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Today they make a room look dated, they hold dust and cobwebs, and they're hard to patch or paint. DuVall Painting and Repairs removes popcorn texture and leaves you a smooth, paint-ready ceiling. We've been painting homes in Columbia since 1988, and we hold a 4.9 rating from 203+ Google reviews.

Why homeowners remove popcorn ceilings

  • A smooth ceiling makes a room look brighter, cleaner and more modern.
  • It's easier to clean and doesn't trap dust.
  • Cracks and water stains are easier to spot and fix.
  • It's one of the most noticeable updates before you sell.

Before we start: older homes and asbestos

Some popcorn ceilings put in before the mid-1980s contain asbestos. If your home is that age, we ask you to have the ceiling texture tested by a licensed testing company before we schedule the work. We start removal once the test comes back clear, or once you've had any asbestos professionally handled. We don't do asbestos testing or abatement ourselves.

Our popcorn ceiling removal process

  1. Free estimate. We look at the ceilings, the room size and height, and talk about the finish you want.
  2. Protect the room. Floors and furniture get covered, and we close off the work area with plastic sheeting to keep dust out of the rest of your home.
  3. Remove the texture. We soften the texture and scrape it off carefully so the drywall underneath isn't damaged.
  4. Repair and skim coat. Gouges, seams and nail pops get patched, then we apply a skim coat and sand it smooth.
  5. Prime and paint. We prime and paint the new ceiling with Sherwin-Williams ceiling paint (other brands if you prefer).
  6. Clean-up and walk-through. We haul off the debris and walk the job with you.

Pair it with interior painting

Most customers repaint the walls in the same visit, since the room is already prepped. See our interior painting page.

Areas we serve

Columbia, Chapin, Irmo, Lexington and nearby Midlands communities.

Frequently asked questions


  • How long does popcorn ceiling removal take?

    Most jobs finish in a few days, including repairs and paint. Whole houses take longer, and we'll give you a timeline with your estimate.

  • Is it messy?

    Scraping is messy, which is why we cover the room and close it off with plastic first, and clean up when we're done.

  • Do I need to move out?

    Usually not. We work one area at a time so you can use the rest of the house.

  • Do you paint the ceiling after?

    Yes. We skim coat, prime and paint so the ceiling is finished, not just scraped.

  • Are you licensed and insured?

    Yes. DuVall Painting and Repairs is licensed and insured.

  • Do you test for asbestos?

    No. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, we ask you to have the ceiling tested first. We start once it's clear.

Get a free estimate

Call (803) 446-8863 or email duvallpaintingandrepairs@gmail.com.

Hours: Mon–Sat 8 AM–5 PM.


Get in Touch with DuVall Painting and Repairs

Ready to transform your home or business? Contact us today for a free estimate and experience the quality, precision, and professionalism that make us Columbia, SC’s most trusted painting contractor.