Yes — a textured or popcorn ceiling can be skimmed smooth, but skimming over existing texture without removing it first costs more, not less, because the surface must be stabilized and built up evenly to hide the pattern underneath. Skim coat applied over existing texture runs $8.50/sqft. Full removal with two skim coats, primer, and two coats of paint runs $4.50/sqft for unpainted popcorn, $6.50/sqft if it's already latex-painted, and $7.50/sqft for oil-base painted ceilings — and gives a cleaner, more durable finish. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, the texture may contain chrysotile asbestos, which was commonly mixed into ceiling texture through that period. Ontario Regulation 278/05 requires testing before disturbing suspect material, though removal itself isn't mandated by law. We coordinate testing at cost, typically $300–$500, through a licensed lab. Call (519) 729-7394 and we'll assess your ceiling and give you an exact quote. KW Popcorn Ceiling Removal · Google Reviews