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Getting rid of ceiling popcorn that was primed with oil

Getting rid of ceiling popcorn that was primed with oil


  #1  
Old 08-31-17, 11:41 AM
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Getting rid of ceiling popcorn that was primed with oil

I have popcorn ceilings that I primed with oil paint based on the advise of the day (1985). Fast forward to 2017 and the ceilings must go. The oil primer did its job and has turned the ceilings into rock. I was wondering about the different methods available to go after this job. I had one quote say they use a sanding system. Another said he would skim coat over the popcorn to make it smooth, He also said the sanding system leaves a lot of dust even though it claims to trap a lot of the dust. He said skimming would save time and money. I guess another option would be to take down the ceilings and put up new board but I'm going to avoid that one until it is a last option.

My question is, are there any other methods that people are using to get rid of popcorn ceilings that have been painted with oil paint? Also, are there advantages and disadvantages to those methods?

Thanks
 
  #2  
Old 08-31-17, 11:57 AM
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Those are the basic options. Sanding would be a total mess. He's right about that. A good skim coat guy can make it look great. A 4th option would be to sheet rock over it. How big is the room?
 
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Old 08-31-17, 12:08 PM
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I'd still try to scrape off what I could. Often scraping off the protruding portion of the popcorn will allow moisture misted on it to soften the rest so it can be removed. Either way a skim coat is generally advised before priming/painting.
 
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Old 08-31-17, 12:27 PM
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I'm with Mark on the hybrid approach - scrape the big stuff and then skim coat.
 
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Old 09-01-17, 10:00 AM
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"I'm with Mark on the hybrid approach - scrape the big stuff and then skim coat. "
I think marksr means scrape then moisten and scrape again.. Getting some of it cut off so water can penetrate will loosen the rest.

BUT if you go the route of leaving it and skimming over it I sure would like to know how it works and what material you used to do it.
Since you will probably skim it either way, saving the step and mess of removal sounds appealing to me. I have heard of it I've just been afraid to try it.
 
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Old 09-01-17, 10:34 AM
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Yep, you're right - I missed the part about moistening when I read it the first time....
 
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Old 09-01-17, 10:34 AM
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Ya, I meant to dry scrape first, then spray a mist of water on it so you can loosen and scrape the rest. Not a lot of fun but it generally works decent.
 
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Old 09-01-17, 10:41 AM
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Oh, I get it - if you scrape off the top, the water might actually be able to penetrate and loosen some or all of the rest of it.
 
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Old 09-01-17, 10:46 AM
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Yes, the oil primer doesn't penetrate all the way thru the texture. Once you scrape off some of the texture, the exposed areas will take on moisture and soften up. Not as easy as it is when un painted but still doable.
 
 

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