In the attached pictures, is this "popcorn" treatment of the ceiling?

http://i34.tinypic.com/18ok1z.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/30w8ccp.jpg

Whatever it is, it is kind of "crumbly" and if one touches it or
brushes against it hard, it seems to fall off in little crumbs.

We're thinking of repainting the room, and I wonder if I can simply
scrape this off the ceiling and repaint? SHould I put on a primer?

It is in an upstairs room and I'm also not sure if this treatment is
perhaps partially an insulation, although I doubt it.

"MikeB" wrote in message
...
In the attached pictures, is this "popcorn" treatment of the ceiling?

http://i34.tinypic.com/18ok1z.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/30w8ccp.jpg

Whatever it is, it is kind of "crumbly" and if one touches it or
brushes against it hard, it seems to fall off in little crumbs.

We're thinking of repainting the room, and I wonder if I can simply
scrape this off the ceiling and repaint? SHould I put on a primer?

It is in an upstairs room and I'm also not sure if this treatment is
perhaps partially an insulation, although I doubt it.


I can't help with ideas about removal, but here's a little known fact: If
you can positively identify the people responsible for applying that
texture, it's legal to beat them up. Not a lot. Just enough to make them
think about their crime against humanity.

*First, round over the corners of a 3"-4" scraper/putty knife .. that
way, when you scrape the ceiling, you won't dig in any place where the
knife might grab. Then .. use any kind of sprayer .. a garden type
sprayer is excellent .. and wet the surface. Give it a few minutes to
soften the popcorn stuff, and scrape away. It IS a mess, but it's not
hard. With the debris dampened, it will fall straight down so you can
place a few tarps on the floor to catch it.*

On 8/3/2010 12:14 PM, MikeB wrote:
In the attached pictures, is this "popcorn" treatment of the ceiling?

http://i34.tinypic.com/18ok1z.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/30w8ccp.jpg

Whatever it is, it is kind of "crumbly" and if one touches it or
brushes against it hard, it seems to fall off in little crumbs.

We're thinking of repainting the room, and I wonder if I can simply
scrape this off the ceiling and repaint? SHould I put on a primer?

It is in an upstairs room and I'm also not sure if this treatment is
perhaps partially an insulation, although I doubt it.

""__ Bøb __"" wrote in message
...
*First, round over the corners of a 3"-4" scraper/putty knife .. that way,
when you scrape the ceiling, you won't dig in any place where the knife
might grab. Then .. use any kind of sprayer .. a garden type sprayer is
excellent .. and wet the surface. Give it a few minutes to soften the
popcorn stuff, and scrape away. It IS a mess, but it's not hard. With
the debris dampened, it will fall straight down so you can place a few
tarps on the floor to catch it.*

What he said. It turns soft with plain water. Move out ALL furniture if
you can, and spread visqueen so that it goes up the wall a bit. It is a
messy job, but very simple. A sprayer and some scrapers are all you need.
Once you have it scraped off, you might want to go over it with damp cloths
to get the rest. Scrape tenderly so you don't create any patch up work.

HTH

Steve

visit my blog at http://cabgbypasssurgery.com

On Aug 3, 12:03*pm, "Steve B" wrote:
""__ Bøb __"" wrote in ...

*First, round over the corners of a 3"-4" scraper/putty knife .. that way,
when you scrape the ceiling, you won't dig in any place where the knife
might grab. * Then .. use any kind of sprayer .. a garden type sprayer is
excellent .. and wet the surface. * Give it a few minutes to soften the
popcorn stuff, and scrape away. * It IS a mess, but it's not hard. * With
the debris dampened, it will fall straight down so you can place a few
tarps on the floor to catch it.*

What he said. *It turns soft with plain water. *Move out ALL furniture if
you can, and spread visqueen so that it goes up the wall a bit. *It is a
messy job, but very simple. *A sprayer and some scrapers are all you need.
Once you have it scraped off, you might want to go over it with damp cloths
to get the rest. *Scrape tenderly so you don't create any patch up work..

HTH

Steve

visit my blog athttp://cabgbypasssurgery.com

Oh boy, I started reading up on this and it turns out those popcorn
treatments can contain asbestos!

My house was built in 1983. What are the odds that I need to test this
for asbestos and go through the whole hassle of dealing with asbestos
stuff? Is it mostly a scare or is this serious? The room is only about
14x16, so it isn't huge.

On Aug 3, 10:24*am, MikeB wrote:
On Aug 3, 12:03*pm, "Steve B" wrote:



""__ Bøb __"" wrote in ...

*First, round over the corners of a 3"-4" scraper/putty knife .. that way,
when you scrape the ceiling, you won't dig in any place where the knife
might grab. * Then .. use any kind of sprayer .. a garden type sprayer is
excellent .. and wet the surface. * Give it a few minutes to soften the
popcorn stuff, and scrape away. * It IS a mess, but it's not hard. * With
the debris dampened, it will fall straight down so you can place a few
tarps on the floor to catch it.*

What he said. *It turns soft with plain water. *Move out ALL furniture if
you can, and spread visqueen so that it goes up the wall a bit. *It is a
messy job, but very simple. *A sprayer and some scrapers are all you need.
Once you have it scraped off, you might want to go over it with damp cloths
to get the rest. *Scrape tenderly so you don't create any patch up work.

HTH

Steve

visit my blog athttp://cabgbypasssurgery.com

Oh boy, I started reading up on this and it turns out those popcorn
treatments can contain asbestos!

My house was built in 1983. What are the odds that I need to test this
for asbestos and go through the whole hassle of dealing with asbestos
stuff? Is it mostly a scare or is this serious? The room is only about
14x16, so it isn't huge.

If you call the asbestos testing facility, they can tell you about the
probability of asbestos in the texture for the timeframe.

The look didn't bother me, so I just painted over my asbestos-filled
ceiling texture to seal it in.

Wetting not only allows you to scrape it off easily, but there is no
dust, as with dry scraping. What you have is acoustic beading
(styrofoam), mixed with sheetrock mud (wet gypsum), and it has been
sprayed onto your ceiling. This was initially a common commercial
application, back in the 50s, 60s & 70s, that eventually moved into
our homes, 70s & 80s. Yes, use drop cloths or visquene. You don't
want to be mopping or vacuuming your floor, to remove that stuff from
the floor.

I've found, using a 8" sheetrock paddle is easiest for scraping and
gets the most off with one swipe.

Once off, you will likely need to float your ceiling sheetrock, again,
but most likely just one floating.

Sonny

MikeB wrote:
On Aug 3, 12:03 pm, "Steve B" wrote:
""__ Bøb __"" wrote in
...

*First, round over the corners of a 3"-4" scraper/putty knife ..
that way, when you scrape the ceiling, you won't dig in any place
where the knife might grab. Then .. use any kind of sprayer .. a
garden type sprayer is excellent .. and wet the surface. Give it a
few minutes to soften the popcorn stuff, and scrape away. It IS a
mess, but it's not hard. With
the debris dampened, it will fall straight down so you can place a
few tarps on the floor to catch it.*

What he said. It turns soft with plain water. Move out ALL furniture
if
you can, and spread visqueen so that it goes up the wall a bit. It
is a
messy job, but very simple. A sprayer and some scrapers are all you
need.
Once you have it scraped off, you might want to go over it with damp
cloths
to get the rest. Scrape tenderly so you don't create any patch up
work.

HTH

Steve

visit my blog athttp://cabgbypasssurgery.com

Oh boy, I started reading up on this and it turns out those popcorn
treatments can contain asbestos!

My house was built in 1983. What are the odds that I need to test this
for asbestos and go through the whole hassle of dealing with asbestos
stuff? Is it mostly a scare or is this serious? The room is only about
14x16, so it isn't huge.

1. Commercial asbestos in tile, insulation, etc. is NOT harmful. Removal via
wetting and scraping is the approved method of disposal anyway.

2. If you test for asbestos, and the test is positive, you're screwed.
You'll be required to employ EPA-approved asbestos abatement teams at a cost
(I'm not kidding) of several thousand dollars. You may, moreover, have to
disclose that you knew about your home being contaminated with toxins to any
future buyers (if you can find a buyer). Here is a case where ignorance is
bliss.

"MikeB" wrote in message
...
On Aug 3, 12:03 pm, "Steve B" wrote:
""__ Bøb __"" wrote in
...

*First, round over the corners of a 3"-4" scraper/putty knife .. that
way,
when you scrape the ceiling, you won't dig in any place where the knife
might grab. Then .. use any kind of sprayer .. a garden type sprayer is
excellent .. and wet the surface. Give it a few minutes to soften the
popcorn stuff, and scrape away. It IS a mess, but it's not hard. With
the debris dampened, it will fall straight down so you can place a few
tarps on the floor to catch it.*

What he said. It turns soft with plain water. Move out ALL furniture if
you can, and spread visqueen so that it goes up the wall a bit. It is a
messy job, but very simple. A sprayer and some scrapers are all you need.
Once you have it scraped off, you might want to go over it with damp
cloths
to get the rest. Scrape tenderly so you don't create any patch up work.

HTH

Steve

visit my blog athttp://cabgbypasssurgery.com

Oh boy, I started reading up on this and it turns out those popcorn
treatments can contain asbestos!

My house was built in 1983. What are the odds that I need to test this
for asbestos and go through the whole hassle of dealing with asbestos
stuff? Is it mostly a scare or is this serious? The room is only about
14x16, so it isn't huge.

reply:


Asbestos is a problem when it is dry and floats in the air. It will be wet,
therefore won't fly. Wear little masks if it makes you feel better. I'd
say the chances you got any asbestos is zero, or only slightly greater.
Meaning you could have some, but wet it is no problem. Take off some of the
popcorn and soak it. Let all the mud come off. Is what you have left
styrofoam, or can you pull threads out of it when it is dry?

Steve

visit my blog at http://cabgbypasssurgery.com

On Aug 3, 12:45*pm, Sonny wrote:
Wetting not only allows you to scrape it off easily, but there is no
dust, as with dry scraping. *What you have is acoustic beading
(styrofoam), mixed with sheetrock mud (wet gypsum), and it has been
sprayed onto your ceiling. *This was initially a common commercial
application, back in the 50s, 60s & 70s, that eventually moved into
our homes, 70s & 80s. *Yes, use drop cloths or visquene. *You don't
want to be mopping or vacuuming your floor, to remove that stuff from
the floor.

I've found, using a 8" sheetrock paddle is easiest for scraping and
gets the most off with one swipe.

Once off, you will likely need to float your ceiling sheetrock, again,
but most likely just one floating.

Sonny

I'm just back from a trip to Lowes and I was going to ask if it wasn't
acoustic beadin as opposed to popcorn. Thanks for confirming that
it is a huge relief.

What does it mean to "float" the ceiling sheetrock?

On Aug 3, 4:13*pm, MikeB wrote:
On Aug 3, 12:45*pm, Sonny wrote:





Wetting not only allows you to scrape it off easily, but there is no
dust, as with dry scraping. *What you have is acoustic beading
(styrofoam), mixed with sheetrock mud (wet gypsum), and it has been
sprayed onto your ceiling. *This was initially a common commercial
application, back in the 50s, 60s & 70s, that eventually moved into
our homes, 70s & 80s. *Yes, use drop cloths or visquene. *You don't
want to be mopping or vacuuming your floor, to remove that stuff from
the floor.

I've found, using a 8" sheetrock paddle is easiest for scraping and
gets the most off with one swipe.

Once off, you will likely need to float your ceiling sheetrock, again,
but most likely just one floating.

Sonny

I'm just back from a trip to Lowes and I was going to ask if it wasn't
acoustic beadin as opposed to popcorn. *Thanks for confirming that
it is a huge relief.

What does it mean to "float" the ceiling sheetrock?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The question is: Why is there a popcorn ceiling?

In some cases, popcorn/stipple is used to cover/hide cracked/stained
plaster or some other defect.

Being as your house was built in '83, I doubt you have plaster - but
you might.

My point is that the popcorn might be *hiding* something that you'll
need to deal with once you expose it.

By "float the sheetrock" I assume he means to apply a skimcoat of
drywall mud to achive a smooth, clean surface for primer/paint to
adhere to.

DerbyDad03 wrote the following:
On Aug 3, 4:13 pm, MikeB wrote:

On Aug 3, 12:45 pm, Sonny wrote:






Wetting not only allows you to scrape it off easily, but there is no
dust, as with dry scraping. What you have is acoustic beading
(styrofoam), mixed with sheetrock mud (wet gypsum), and it has been
sprayed onto your ceiling. This was initially a common commercial
application, back in the 50s, 60s & 70s, that eventually moved into
our homes, 70s & 80s. Yes, use drop cloths or visquene. You don't
want to be mopping or vacuuming your floor, to remove that stuff from
the floor.

I've found, using a 8" sheetrock paddle is easiest for scraping and
gets the most off with one swipe.

Once off, you will likely need to float your ceiling sheetrock, again,
but most likely just one floating.

Sonny

I'm just back from a trip to Lowes and I was going to ask if it wasn't
acoustic beadin as opposed to popcorn. Thanks for confirming that
it is a huge relief.

What does it mean to "float" the ceiling sheetrock?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


The question is: Why is there a popcorn ceiling?

In some cases, popcorn/stipple is used to cover/hide cracked/stained
plaster or some other defect.


The main reason is that it eliminates the reason for the third coat of
joint compound.
The spacklers don't have to come back the third day.


Being as your house was built in '83, I doubt you have plaster - but
you might.

My point is that the popcorn might be *hiding* something that you'll
need to deal with once you expose it.

By "float the sheetrock" I assume he means to apply a skimcoat of
drywall mud to achive a smooth, clean surface for primer/paint to
adhere to.




--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

"MikeB" wrote in message
...
In the attached pictures, is this "popcorn" treatment of the ceiling?

http://i34.tinypic.com/18ok1z.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/30w8ccp.jpg

Whatever it is, it is kind of "crumbly" and if one touches it or
brushes against it hard, it seems to fall off in little crumbs.

We're thinking of repainting the room, and I wonder if I can simply
scrape this off the ceiling and repaint? SHould I put on a primer?

It is in an upstairs room and I'm also not sure if this treatment is
perhaps partially an insulation, although I doubt it.

Been there, done that. I took a piece of Oak board about 4 inches by 16
inches and 3/4 inch thick. Drilled a hole in it to accept an old broom
handle. Would rest the square edge against the ceiling and scrap the popcorn
off. This left a nice textured ceiling. Primed it and painted. Looked great.
WW

On Aug 3, 11:14*am, MikeB wrote:
In the attached pictures, is this "popcorn" treatment of the ceiling?

http://i34.tinypic.com/18ok1z.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/30w8ccp.jpg

Whatever it is, it is kind of "crumbly" and if one touches it or
brushes against it hard, it seems to fall off in little crumbs.

We're thinking of repainting the room, and I wonder if I can simply
scrape this off the ceiling and repaint? SHould I put on a primer?

It is in an upstairs room and I'm also not sure if this treatment is
perhaps partially an insulation, although I doubt it.

I use a 12" drywall knife with my shop vac hose plus floor brush
adapter taped to it. With output to my Magna Sand water filled filter
and suitable respirator the job takes half an hour or less for a 300
square foot room. With double bagged residue there is better disposal
than the professionals employ. IMHO, most of the hype about asbestos
dangers is way overblown. But do whatever you think best if you need
to feel safe,

Joe

"Joe" wrote in message
...
On Aug 3, 11:14 am, MikeB wrote:
In the attached pictures, is this "popcorn" treatment of the ceiling?

http://i34.tinypic.com/18ok1z.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/30w8ccp.jpg

Whatever it is, it is kind of "crumbly" and if one touches it or
brushes against it hard, it seems to fall off in little crumbs.

We're thinking of repainting the room, and I wonder if I can simply
scrape this off the ceiling and repaint? SHould I put on a primer?

It is in an upstairs room and I'm also not sure if this treatment is
perhaps partially an insulation, although I doubt it.

I use a 12" drywall knife with my shop vac hose plus floor brush
adapter taped to it. With output to my Magna Sand water filled filter
and suitable respirator the job takes half an hour or less for a 300
square foot room. With double bagged residue there is better disposal
than the professionals employ. IMHO, most of the hype about asbestos
dangers is way overblown. But do whatever you think best if you need
to feel safe,

Joe

==========

Which aspect of asbestos exposure do you feel is overblown? There are two
primary aspects:

1) The likelihood of actually having it in one's home.

2) The effects of actually inhaling it.

On Aug 3, 6:45*pm, willshak wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote the following:





On Aug 3, 4:13 pm, MikeB wrote:

On Aug 3, 12:45 pm, Sonny wrote:

Wetting not only allows you to scrape it off easily, but there is no
dust, as with dry scraping. *What you have is acoustic beading
(styrofoam), mixed with sheetrock mud (wet gypsum), and it has been
sprayed onto your ceiling. *This was initially a common commercial
application, back in the 50s, 60s & 70s, that eventually moved into
our homes, 70s & 80s. *Yes, use drop cloths or visquene. *You don't
want to be mopping or vacuuming your floor, to remove that stuff from
the floor.

I've found, using a 8" sheetrock paddle is easiest for scraping and
gets the most off with one swipe.

Once off, you will likely need to float your ceiling sheetrock, again,
but most likely just one floating.

Sonny

I'm just back from a trip to Lowes and I was going to ask if it wasn't
acoustic beadin as opposed to popcorn. *Thanks for confirming that
it is a huge relief.

What does it mean to "float" the ceiling sheetrock?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The question is: Why is there a popcorn ceiling?

In some cases, popcorn/stipple is used to cover/hide cracked/stained
plaster or some other defect.

The main reason is that it eliminates the reason for the third coat of
joint compound.
The spacklers don't have to come back the third day.

Being as your house was built in '83, I doubt you have plaster - but
you might.

My point is that the popcorn might be *hiding* something that you'll
need to deal with once you expose it.

By "float the sheetrock" I assume he means to apply a skimcoat of
drywall mud to achive a smooth, clean surface for primer/paint to
adhere to.

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yes, that's *one* reason.

Lousy drywall application/repair, water stains, blood splatter, etc.
are also reasons why the original ceiling might be hidden.

I don't think luminol will find blood that's covered by the popcorn.

I found a pretty poorly repaired plaster ceiling under (on top of?) my
stipple. There was a large hole from a leak that was patched with a
piece of brown drywall-type material as well as numorous cracks in the
plaster.

The stipple actually did a really good job of hiding everything.

On Tue, 3 Aug 2010 12:20:08 -0400, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"MikeB" wrote in message
...
In the attached pictures, is this "popcorn" treatment of the ceiling?

http://i34.tinypic.com/18ok1z.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/30w8ccp.jpg

Whatever it is, it is kind of "crumbly" and if one touches it or
brushes against it hard, it seems to fall off in little crumbs.

We're thinking of repainting the room, and I wonder if I can simply
scrape this off the ceiling and repaint? SHould I put on a primer?

It is in an upstairs room and I'm also not sure if this treatment is
perhaps partially an insulation, although I doubt it.


I can't help with ideas about removal, but here's a little known fact: If
you can positively identify the people responsible for applying that
texture, it's legal to beat them up. Not a lot. Just enough to make them
think about their crime against humanity.



I like the popcorn texture.