Test the ceiling for asbestos before starting if the home was built before 1980
Turn off power to the room and remove or cover light fixtures
Cover floors, walls, vents, and furniture with plastic sheeting
Wear safety goggles, a dust mask or respirator, gloves, and old clothing
Spray a small section of the ceiling with water until damp
Let the water soak in for 10 to 15 minutes
Scrape the softened texture off with a wide putty knife or ceiling scraper
Work in small sections and keep the surface damp as needed
Repair any damaged drywall seams, holes, or dents
Sand the ceiling smooth after it dries
Prime the ceiling
Paint the ceiling with ceiling paint
Dispose of debris and plastic sheeting properly