Artista Drywall specializes in popcorn ceiling removal for homeowners in Forest Lawn, Calgary. This mature community features original bungalows, small bi-levels, older apartment buildings, some newer infill projects along International Avenue, and the vast majority of homes built during the 1956-1972 era have popcorn (acoustic) ceilings throughout. Popcorn texture was the standard ceiling finish for decades, but it collects dust, yellows with age, and makes rooms feel dark and dated. Removing it is one of the most impactful upgrades a homeowner in Forest Lawn can make.
Homes built before 1990 in Forest Lawn may have popcorn ceilings that contain asbestos. This was a common additive in acoustic texture products manufactured before the mid-1980s. Before any removal work begins, Artista Drywall recommends testing by a certified asbestos inspector. If asbestos is found, a licensed abatement contractor must complete removal before drywall finishing can proceed. For non-asbestos popcorn ceilings, our process involves thorough wet scraping, containment to protect floors and furnishings, and multiple finishing coats to achieve a smooth surface.
After removal, the ceiling surface in older Forest Lawn homes often reveals imperfections from the original drywall installation: visible seams, joint compound ridges, and fastener dimples that were hidden by the texture. Artista Drywall applies a full skim coat (level 5 finish) to create a perfectly flat ceiling. This is especially important in homes with lower ceiling heights, where imperfections are more visible. The result is a clean, bright ceiling that makes rooms feel larger and more modern.
Forest Lawn is centred on International Avenue (17th Avenue SE), one of Calgary's most culturally diverse commercial strips with restaurants, grocery stores, and shops representing dozens of cultures. The neighborhood is undergoing gradual revitalization as investors and first-time buyers discover its affordable housing stock and inner-city location. Its proximity to the Bow River and Pearce Estate Park provides green space and pathways, and the community's multicultural identity gives it an energy that is unique in Calgary. As Forest Lawn continues to see renovation activity and infill development, popcorn ceiling removal remains one of the most requested services in the area. Artista Drywall serves Forest Lawn and nearby communities including Marlborough, Penbrooke Meadows, Dover with the same precision finishing on every project.
What We Offer
Full removal of acoustic or popcorn texture with minimal mess using wet scraping and containment in Forest Lawn. We protect all flooring, fixtures, and furnishings before beginning, and clean up thoroughly after scraping is complete. Homes built before 1990 in Forest Lawn should be tested for asbestos before removal begins.
Skim coat or spot repair of the ceiling surface after texture removal. The underlying drywall often shows seams, ridges, and fastener marks that were hidden by the original texture. We fill and smooth every imperfection before applying the final finish.
Full skim coat to achieve a flat, flawless ceiling ready for paint. Level 5 is the highest standard of finishing and is recommended for ceilings where lighting (especially pot lights or natural light) would reveal any surface irregularities.
Knockdown, skip trowel, or other texture applied post-removal if preferred over a smooth finish. Some homeowners in Forest Lawn prefer a subtle texture for visual interest while still upgrading from the dated popcorn look.
Full floor or whole-home popcorn ceiling removal completed efficiently for Forest Lawn homeowners. Multi-room projects benefit from economies of scale, reducing per-room cost and minimizing disruption by completing all work in a single scheduled visit.
Common Questions
More Services
Holes, cracks, water damage, and texture matching repaired to an invisible finish in Forest Lawn.
Learn More →New builds, renovations, and refinishing in Forest Lawn, finished to the highest standard.
Learn More →Remove dated popcorn texture and refinish to a smooth, modern ceiling in Marlborough.
Learn More →Forest Lawn, Calgary, AB
Contact Artista Drywall for a free quote on your Forest Lawn, Calgary, AB project.
Request a Quote