Eve, I just finished a small ceiling that were painted and wouldn't budge. I applied a tool referred to as a 5 in one, (look while in the paint Office) When your ceiling is a large just one I like to recommend a flat head shovel or spade to scrape. http://arthurfcvnf.blog5.net/35527569/little-known-facts-about-removing-popcorn-ceilings-companies-near-me