Artista Drywall specializes in popcorn ceiling removal for homeowners in Kensington, Calgary. This mature community features heritage character homes, converted multi-unit residences, low-rise condos, modern infill townhomes, and the vast majority of homes built during the 1912-1955 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 Kensington can make.
Homes built before 1990 in Kensington 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 Kensington 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.
Kensington is Calgary's most walkable urban village, centred on Kensington Road and 10th Street where independent coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques, and restaurants create a vibrant street life. The Bow River pathway is steps away, and the Peace Bridge connects residents directly to downtown on foot or bike. The neighborhood has a creative, bohemian energy that attracts artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want urban living without a car-dependent lifestyle. As Kensington continues to see renovation activity and infill development, popcorn ceiling removal remains one of the most requested services in the area. Artista Drywall serves Kensington and nearby communities including Hillhurst, Sunnyside, West Hillhurst 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 Kensington. We protect all flooring, fixtures, and furnishings before beginning, and clean up thoroughly after scraping is complete. Homes built before 1990 in Kensington 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 Kensington 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 Kensington 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
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