Can I spray it with paint thinner and scrape it off? I need to get it off and gotta do it myself because of $$. I know you can do popcorn that has not been painted with water mixed with a little soap. I have done that kind. BUT THIS ONE HAS BEEN PAINTED!!!
2007-04-29 16:22:16 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Hello again, Some of us answered a similar Q from you yesterday, and the answers this morning are valid as well. In large measure the job will be a matter of what money and effort you wish to expend.
I see Loco Mex offers something similar to what I did yesterday with Bead Board.
In any event, the method you choose will likely create the fact that the ceil;ing under/above the popcorn will need minor repairs at the very least.
I'd try the water solution, or even a steamer, not ever paint thinner. The scraping can be accomplished with a wide blade scraper, carefully. Or even a MUD Knife.
Wear goggles and a paper mask at least, and after the fact, sand the ceiling, mud any OOP's and sand until smooth, then paint.
When you go to paint use a nap longer than 3/8 for better coverage and some minor but useful texture.
Even to re drywall or panel, you'd still have to scrape the Popcorn.
As I said yesterday, Popcorn was a bad idea then, and still is. I also suggested checking into a "Knock Down" effect if you have to have texture to cover sins.
Steven Wolf
2007-04-30 00:58:58 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Are you absolutely sure that the popcorn does not contain asbestos??? If your home was built in the 1970s, or possibly was remodeled in the 70's, there is a good chance that it does. If so, you REALLY should get it professionally removed and disposed properly because of health risks.
If not, go ahead and wet it down with water and scrape it off yourself, unless the paint that was used is oil based paint or something which would block the water from soaking through. I have not heard of mixing in any soap though...plain water should do the trick.
I had the same concern in my condo a few years ago. What I did was I carefully scraped off a little bit from a corner of the closet where it wouldn't be noticeable into a ziplock bag (by using plain old water in a spray bottle and a small putty knife) and mailed it to this company that does the test for a small fee. (I can't remember the name of the company, but try www.asbestostesting.com or do a google search on "asbestos test mail" or something) In my case, it came back positive for Chrysotile, which is apparently one of the least lethal forms of asbestos, since the particles don't stay in your lungs forever if ingested, like most other types. But I still didn't want to take a chance with my health or my pet's health, so I did have it professionally removed.
Good luck!
2007-04-30 06:41:28 · answer #2 · answered by Kirsten 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are just wanting a smooth drywall ceiling instead of a "popcorn" ceiling, I would suggest putting another 1/2 inch layer of sheetrock over the popcorn ceiling. Are you doing an entire house or just one room? Re-sheeting it and having it finished would be much easier. I had a popcorn ceiling in my family room and I covered it with 6" wide tongue-n-grove wooden planks. It was easy to do because you just put in one piece at a time. After I finished, I trimmed the edges where it intersected the walls and put a clear coat on it with a rag. It darkened to look similar to a light oak, and gave the room a rustic feel. If your popcorn had not been painted it would be easier to remove. No matter which approach you use you will have to re-finish the ceiling. I think starting from scratch with new sheetrock covering the popcorn will give you a brand new look instead of a "modified" look. Hope I helped!
2007-04-29 17:36:47 · answer #3 · answered by Loco Mexicano 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Paint thinner will probably set you and your room on fire. Actually the popcorn is attached to the drywall, and the paint is attached to the popcorn. Use your water and scrape like you did before.
2007-04-29 16:29:07 · answer #4 · answered by T C 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hire a contractor, the mess and time it will take will be unbearable.
If you still refuse- get out the scraping tools or re-drywall.
Good luck
http://www.coloradofauxpainting.com
2007-04-29 19:52:10 · answer #5 · answered by D-Man 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i concurr with the first answer. its the cheapest way. and if you get a contractor to do it, they will do it the same way
2007-04-29 21:25:44 · answer #6 · answered by joe citizen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋