What Is a Stucco Ceiling, and Why Did We All Have One?
If you live in Winnipeg and your home was built before the 1990s, chances are you have a stucco ceiling—also called a popcorn ceiling. This textured finish was sprayed on during construction to hide imperfections, dampen sound, and speed up the build process.
While functional, stucco ceilings age poorly. They trap dust, turn yellow over time, and are notoriously difficult to clean or paint. Plus, if your ceiling was installed before 1984, there’s a real risk it may contain asbestos.
Want a fresh, modern ceiling without the mess? Get a free estimate from Integrity Painting, or explore our stucco repair and stucco painting services for safer, longer-lasting results.
The Hidden Downsides of Stucco Ceilings
1. Dust Magnets
Stucco ceilings are textured—and that means every bump collects dust, cobwebs, and allergens. For families with asthma or allergies, that’s a no-go.
2. Impossible to Paint
Painting a stucco ceiling? Prepare for a gritty mess and clumps of texture falling into your roller tray. And repainting doesn’t solve discoloration—it just delays it.
3. Asbestos Risk
If your stucco ceiling was installed before the mid-1980s, have it tested before removal. Asbestos is not visible to the naked eye and must be handled by certified professionals.
4. Poor Resale Value
In today’s market, stucco ceilings are seen as dated. Removing or covering them can increase your home’s value and market appeal—especially in older Winnipeg neighborhoods.
Pro tip: See Integrity Painting’s Before & After Gallery for real ceiling transformations, or explore our stucco repair options to modernize your look.
How Much Does Stucco Ceiling Removal Cost?
We get this question a lot: “What is the stucco ceiling removal cost in Winnipeg?”
Here’s the breakdown:
- Per square foot: $6 to $10 + GST
- Single room (e.g. 12×16 ft): $1,600 to $2,000
- Main floor (approx. 1500–1800 sq ft): $4,000 to $6,000
- Two-storey house: $8,000 to $13,000
Prices include labour, materials, and clean-up. Painted stucco, high ceilings, or occupied rooms can increase the cost. If your ceiling has damage, explore stucco repair services as part of your quote.
Need a quote tailored to your home? Request your free consultation today.
Can I DIY My Stucco Ceiling Removal?
Sure, you can try. But here’s what you’re up against:
- Heavy plastic sheeting to cover walls, floors, and furniture
- Water spray to soften texture
- Endless scraping (usually in 4’4 areas to avoid re-drying)
- Skim-coating and sanding to get a paintable surface
Oh, and if your stucco contains asbestos? You legally can’t remove it yourself.
Rather skip the mess? Integrity Painting handles everything—from testing to clean-up.
Alternatives to Stucco Ceiling Removal
Not ready for full removal? There are two smart alternatives:
1. Drywall Overlays
Install a layer of drywall right over the stucco ceiling. This covers the texture and gives you a smooth, modern finish without the scraping. It’s heavier work, but less messy.
2. Stretch Ceilings
High-end and ultra-modern, stretch ceilings use a tensioned membrane installed just below the old ceiling. It hides texture, flaws, and wires with zero dust. Perfect for luxury homes or offices.
Bonus: These options are often faster than full removal.
Want to compare ceiling options? Talk to our Winnipeg team about your best next step.
What to Know Before Hiring Stucco Contractors Near You
If you’re searching for “stucco contractors near me,” you need to ask the right questions:
- Are you licensed and insured in Manitoba?
- Do you offer asbestos testing or removal referrals?
- Is cleanup included in your estimate?
- Can I see photos of similar projects?
- How long will the job take?
Integrity Painting checks every box. With decades of experience in residential ceiling updates and painting, we handle stucco ceiling removal with precision, care, and clear timelines.
Meet the team behind the transformation. Visit our About page.
What Comes After Stucco Removal? (Don’t Skip This Step)
Many homeowners forget that once the stucco ceiling is gone, your ceiling needs prep. Expect small gouges and uneven texture. That means patching, sanding, priming, and finally, painting—all of which Integrity Painting handles in-house.
Why Ceiling Texture Removal Is Growing in Winnipeg
In Winnipeg, stucco ceiling removal has become more popular not just for aesthetic reasons, but for health and safety. More families are renovating older homes, prioritizing clean air, resale value, and modern design. With renovations often subsidized through local rebates or financing options, homeowners are now seeing ceiling upgrades as essential—not optional.
Thinking about resale? A smooth ceiling makes your listing photos shine and your home more attractive to buyers.
Choosing Between Removal and Cover-Up
Still not sure whether to remove or cover your stucco ceiling? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Removal: More labour-intensive but yields the cleanest result. Ideal for long-term homeowners who want a flawless finish.
- Cover-up (Drywall or Stretch): Less mess, faster timeline. Perfect for temporary upgrades or situations where the existing ceiling is damaged.
Integrity Painting can help you decide. Get in touch today.
Q&A: Your Top Stucco Ceiling Questions Answered
Q: How do I know if my ceiling has asbestos?
A: If your home was built before 1985, get a professional asbestos test before removal. Never attempt to scrape a ceiling without testing first.
Q: Can you remove a stucco ceiling in winter?
A: Yes, indoor ceiling work can happen year-round in Winnipeg—no need to wait for warm weather.
Q: How long does it take to remove stucco ceilings?
A: For a single room, about 1–2 days. Whole homes can take up to a week depending on size and condition.
Q: Is ceiling replacement better than removal?
A: In some cases, yes. Covering with drywall or installing a stretch ceiling can save time and reduce mess.
Q: Do you paint ceilings after removal?
A: Absolutely. We smooth, prime, and paint ceilings so they look brand new.
Ready to Ditch the Popcorn Look?
Whether you’re updating a single room or your whole house, Integrity Painting is here to help you reclaim clean, modern ceilings without the mess. Stucco ceiling removal is messy, but with the right team, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Request your free quote today and experience the Integrity difference — with expert stucco repairs and stucco painting available as part of our full-service offering.
Why Homeowners Across Winnipeg Trust Integrity Painting
At Integrity Painting, removing your stucco ceiling is more than a cosmetic update — it’s a chance to breathe new life into your home with craftsmanship you can feel in every corner.
Since 1992, we’ve served Winnipeg with one clear promise: we don’t cut corners — we paint them. From popcorn ceiling removal to full interior and exterior transformations, our Red Seal-certified team handles every detail with professionalism, transparency, and care.
Whether you’re preparing your home for sale, improving indoor air quality, or just tired of looking at outdated texture, we’ll deliver the most thorough painting job you’ve ever seen — or we’ll repaint for free. Guaranteed.
You’ll know it’s Integrity from the moment we call you back the same day, show up in uniform, and leave your home cleaner than we found it.
✨ 30+ Years in Winnipeg
📋 A+ BBB Rating
🎨 Custom Quotes, No Surprises
🧹 Daily Cleanup — Inside & Out
Don’t trust your ceiling to just any contractor. Paint with Integrity.
📞 Call (431) 446-6148 or book your free estimate today.
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