Wear eye protection, a properly fitted respirator (P100), gloves, and coveralls
Test for asbestos (especially in homes built before 1980)
If asbestos is confirmed, hire a licensed abatement contractor
Protect floors and furniture with plastic sheeting and seal gaps with painter’s tape
Turn off HVAC, cover vents, and seal doorways with plastic
Wet the ceiling thoroughly with a pump sprayer using a surfactant or wetting solution
Scrape gently with a wide drywall scraper to remove loosened popcorn texture
Keep the surface wet while scraping to reduce dust
Collect debris in sealed bags or covered containers
Repeat wetting and scraping in small sections until complete
For stubborn areas, use a combination of additional wetting and careful scraping
Remove residual texture by lightly sanding or using a skim-coat approach
Patch damaged drywall with joint compound
Sand smooth after patching and skim coating
Prime the entire ceiling with a stain-blocking primer if needed
Paint with ceiling paint after primer cures
Clean thoroughly using a HEPA vacuum and damp wiping of surfaces
Dispose of waste according to local regulations
Remove plastic protection carefully to prevent dust spread