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Paint Remodeling DIY

So How Did Your Popcorn Ceiling Removal Go?

3 years ago

Are your shoulders still sore?

First...THERE IS NO ASBESTOS. Repeat, NO Asbestos. House was built in 1996. Please don't bring it up. Thank you.

Ok, back to the discussion. We're having a pro do most of our popcorn ceilings and paint them, but we need our small kitchen done now, long story, and painter can't get started till fall.

We plan to spray the ceiling with warm water, then use a wide flat scraper, held at a flattish angle. Lots of plastic sheeting and dry vac standing by.

The problem.

Hubby had his shoulder replaced and I'm a wimp with little upper arm strength. But I'm willing.

How bad is it? We have a very small space to do. Did you do it in one felled swoop? Take breaks? Clean up as you go? Any regrets? Advice?

I'm ALL EARS!

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Comments (2)

Seabornman
3 years ago
I didn't wet it, and I didn't try to make it perfectly smooth. I ran a light topping of drywall compound over the entire ceiling and lightly sanded, mostly because I gouged some spots.
Dana thanked Seabornman
E
3 years ago
I did my entire upstairs and downstairs by myself, 2 bedroom townhouse.
I bought an oversized metal spatula thing i think used for wall paper, big water sprayer and 3 step ladder, lots of plastic tarps.
Easy, just lots of work.
I am not a wimp tho.
Dana thanked E
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You should have your popcorn ceiling tested for asbestos. Ours had it and it is from the late 70s. They were using this into the 1980s; see link. Our state requires full decontamination (a shower station was put up in our backyard) for all workers and multiple safety regs for it. If your ceiling doesn't have asbestos, it's no big deal. Do it yourself or hire it. It is far easier to remove if someone has not come along and painted over it. If it does contain asbestos, you really need to think twice about doing it yourself. A papermask is not going to cut it! We had contractors offer to remove it for us "under the table" but we didn't want any floating around to breathe later. We also wanted paperwork showing we'd removed it properly if we ever sell the home. One thing we did that we regretted was have the same company do the retexturing and painting as did the decontam. Their painting subs were nothing amazing and I think charged a lot more because they were with the removal people. They have to put two layers of plastic up and they take the first one down after the asbestos is out. Have them leave the 2nd layer up for your own contractors and you'd be happier. Here is a link that might be useful: asbestos Q&A
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Even professionals do not do a perfect job. If you wore the correct respirator, and have cleaned everything up correctly, you now have a house without friable asbestos in the ceiling. Get a test if you want. "Background" air tests are known to have come back positive even when sampled from outside.
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He cant make a guarantee that you wont need a skim coat, until everything is all removed. Popcorn was sprayed on, because it was quick and easy and left a finished ceiling, so that not much time had to be spent, getting ceilings perfect. If they had done a perfect drywall job, they wouldnt have used the popcorn, so when you have it done, plan for a skim coat, and consider yourself very lucky, if you dont have to have it done.
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