Best Ceiling Finish After Popcorn Removal: Your Options in Utah Valley
After removing popcorn ceilings, you have choices. Here's a guide to the best ceiling finishes for Utah Valley homes.
Once the popcorn comes off, you have a decision to make: what kind of finish goes back on? Here are the most popular options for Utah Valley homeowners — and our honest take on each.
Option 1: Smooth Finish (Most Popular)
A smooth ceiling is the most popular choice and for good reason. After skim coating, sanding, priming, and painting, the ceiling is completely flat and clean. It looks modern, photographs beautifully, and is easy to repaint down the road.
Best for: Most homes. Especially good if you're selling, remodeling, or just want the cleanest look possible.
Cost: Included in our full-service process.
Option 2: Light Orange Peel
Orange peel is a subtle texture applied by spraying thin drywall compound from a hopper. It creates a light, dimpled surface similar to — you guessed it — orange peel. It's much less pronounced than popcorn, hides minor imperfections, and still looks current.
Best for: Homeowners who want some texture but don't want the stark look of a perfectly smooth ceiling. Common in new construction.
Cost: Slightly less than smooth because it requires less skim coat work.
Option 3: Skip Trowel
Skip trowel is applied by hand with a curved trowel, creating a soft, organic pattern. It's more decorative than orange peel and gives a handcrafted look. Not everyone loves it, but some homeowners prefer it in older or more traditional homes.
Best for: Older, more rustic or traditional homes where some texture feels appropriate.
Cost: Similar to smooth — it's a skilled hand application.
Option 4: Knockdown
Knockdown is heavier than orange peel — it's splattered on and then partially smoothed before it dries. Common in many 90s and 2000s homes. Honestly, many of our customers are removing knockdown texture too, so it's not always a step up from popcorn.
Best for: Probably not our top recommendation, but we can apply it if that's what you want.
Our Recommendation
For most Utah Valley homes — especially those being prepped for sale or major renovation — we recommend smooth finish. It's the most universally appealing, the easiest to maintain, and it adds the most value.
Want to see samples or talk through what would work best in your home? [Contact us](/contact) for a free estimate and consultation.