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Premier Stipple Removal in Ottawa
Modernize your home by removing outdated stipple and popcorn ceilings. Our expert team delivers smooth, flat ceilings that instantly update any room.
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Say Goodbye to Outdated Textured Ceilings
Stipple and popcorn ceilings were standard in homes built from the 1950s through 1990s, but today they make even well-maintained homes look dated. That bumpy, textured ceiling collects dust, turns yellow with age, and makes rooms feel smaller and darker. Removing stipple instantly modernizes your home, brightens every room, and adds real value. It’s one of the highest-impact renovations you can do – and prospective buyers notice immediately.
Our ceiling specialists have smoothed thousands of ceilings across Ottawa. We handle everything: asbestos testing (mandatory for homes built before 1990), careful removal, professional skim-coating, and a perfectly smooth finish ready for paint. The process is dusty and messy, which is why homeowners trust professionals instead of attempting DIY. Our containment systems protect your home while we transform your ceilings room by room.
Our Ceiling Services
Popcorn Ceiling Removal
Classic “popcorn” or “cottage cheese” texture is dampened and carefully scraped off, then the ceiling is skim-coated and sanded to a smooth, modern finish. This is the most common ceiling texture removal we perform in Ottawa homes built in the 1970s-1990s.
Stipple Ceiling Removal
Heavier stipple texture (the “swirl” or “splatter” pattern) requires additional skim-coating after removal. We apply multiple thin coats of joint compound, sanding between each coat, to achieve a Level 5 smooth finish – the highest standard of drywall finishing.
Ceiling Smoothing & Skim Coating
For ceilings with light texture, knockdown patterns, or minor imperfections, we can skim-coat directly over the existing texture without removal. This is faster and less dusty than full removal while still delivering a smooth, modern result.
Ceiling Painting
After smoothing, every ceiling gets two coats of premium flat ceiling paint for a bright, clean finish. We use specialized ceiling paint that minimizes drips during application and dries to a perfectly matte surface that hides minor imperfections. Freshly painted smooth ceilings make rooms feel taller and brighter.
Asbestos Testing & Safe Removal
Homes built before 1990 may have asbestos in their ceiling texture. We arrange professional lab testing before any work begins. If asbestos is found, we coordinate with certified asbestos abatement contractors for safe removal following all Ontario regulations. Your family’s safety is our top priority.
Drywall Repair & Patching
Stipple removal sometimes reveals underlying drywall damage – cracks, water stains, old patches, or joint tape issues. We repair all damage as part of the project, ensuring your finished ceiling is not just smooth but structurally sound and blemish-free.
Why Ottawa Homeowners Choose Us for Stipple Removal
Stipple removal is dusty, physically demanding work that requires professional tools and techniques. Our experienced crew makes the process stress-free.
- Complete Containment – We seal off work areas with plastic sheeting and use professional dust extraction equipment. Your furniture, floors, and belongings are fully protected. The mess stays in the work area, not your living space.
- Level 5 Finish – We don’t just scrape and paint. After removal, we apply multiple skim coats of joint compound and sand to a Level 5 finish – the smoothest possible drywall standard. The result is a perfectly flat ceiling with no visible seams or imperfections.
- Asbestos-Safe Process – We test before we touch. For pre-1990 homes, professional lab testing is arranged before work begins. We follow all Ontario safety regulations regarding textured ceiling materials. Your family’s health is never compromised.
- Room-by-Room Schedule – We can work room by room if you’re living in the home, minimizing disruption. Most single rooms are completed in 2-3 days (removal, skim coat, sand, paint). We keep the rest of your home clean and livable.
- Dramatically Increases Home Value – Smooth ceilings are one of the first things buyers notice. Real estate agents consistently report that stipple removal is among the top renovations for ROI. A whole-home ceiling update typically increases perceived value by $5,000-$10,000.
Our Stipple Removal Process
A systematic, dust-controlled process that transforms your ceilings without destroying your home.
1
Free Assessment & Asbestos Testing
We inspect your ceilings, assess the type and thickness of texture, and determine the best removal approach. For homes built before 1990, we arrange asbestos testing through a certified lab. You receive a detailed quote covering all rooms.
2
Room Preparation & Containment
We remove or cover all furniture, protect floors with heavy-duty drop cloths, and seal doorways with plastic sheeting. Light fixtures are removed and electrical boxes are protected. Our containment keeps dust confined to the work area.
3
Texture Removal
Ceiling texture is dampened with water to soften it, then carefully scraped off using wide drywall knives. We work section by section, collecting debris as we go. Stubborn areas receive additional moisture and careful scraping to avoid damaging the underlying drywall.
4
Skim Coating & Sanding
After removal, the ceiling receives 2-3 coats of joint compound (skim coat), with light sanding between each coat. This builds up a smooth, uniform surface and conceals any scrape marks, seams, or imperfections. The final sand produces a Level 5 smooth finish.
5
Priming & Painting
The smooth ceiling is primed with a high-quality drywall primer, then painted with two coats of premium flat ceiling paint. We do a final inspection under bright work lights to catch any imperfections. Drop cloths are removed, furniture is restored, and your room is transformed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does stipple removal cost in Ottawa?
Stipple and popcorn ceiling removal in Ottawa typically costs $3–$6 per square foot, depending on the texture type, thickness, ceiling height, and whether asbestos is present. A standard bedroom (12×12 ft) costs $430–$860. A whole-home project (1,500 sq ft of ceiling) ranges from $4,500–$9,000. We provide free, detailed quotes.
How long does stipple removal take?
A single room takes 2-3 days: Day 1 for removal, Day 2 for skim coating and sanding, Day 3 for priming and painting. A full home (8-10 rooms) typically takes 2-3 weeks. We work room by room so you can continue living in your home during the project.
Does my stipple ceiling contain asbestos?
If your home was built before 1990, there is a possibility your ceiling texture contains asbestos. The only way to know for certain is through lab testing – you cannot identify asbestos visually. We arrange professional testing before any removal work begins. If asbestos is present, certified abatement contractors handle the removal safely.
Can you remove stipple from a ceiling that’s been painted over?
Yes, though painted-over stipple is more challenging than unpainted texture. The paint creates a seal that prevents water from softening the texture underneath. We use specialized techniques – scoring the surface, longer soak times, and sometimes chemical strippers – to remove painted stipple effectively. The end result is the same smooth finish.
Is stipple removal worth it before selling a house?
Absolutely. Real estate agents consistently identify stipple ceilings as one of the top visual turn-offs for home buyers. Smooth ceilings make homes look modern, clean, and well-maintained. The cost of removal is typically recouped many times over in the sale price and faster selling time. It’s one of the best ROI renovations you can do.
Can you just skim coat over stipple without removing it?
In some cases, yes. If the stipple texture is light and well-adhered, we can apply a thick skim coat directly over it to create a smooth surface. This is faster and less messy than full removal. However, for heavy stipple or popcorn texture, removal is necessary for the best result. We’ll assess your specific ceiling and recommend the best approach.
How messy is stipple removal?
Stipple removal is one of the messiest home renovation projects – which is exactly why homeowners hire professionals. The wet scraping process creates significant debris. However, our containment systems (plastic sheeting, sealed doorways, floor protection) keep the mess confined to the work area. We clean up thoroughly every day and at project completion.
Will removing stipple reveal imperfections in the ceiling?
Yes – the original drywall joints, screws, and any repairs become visible after texture removal. This is exactly why we skim-coat after removal. Two to three coats of joint compound, carefully sanded, create a perfectly smooth surface that conceals all underlying imperfections. We don’t just remove texture – we build a flawless new ceiling surface.
Stipple Removal Across Ottawa
From 1970s bungalows in Nepean to 1980s two-stories in Orleans – we remove stipple and popcorn ceilings in every Ottawa neighbourhood.
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