Popcorn Ceiling Removal Question

[Robert]

I have a popcorn ceiling in my house. I am assuming it has asbestos. I have the safety issues worked out. I am just trying to remove it.

My problem is the removal process. The popcorn material has been encapsulated with one or more layers of paint. I have tried to use water and water with soap to wet the ceiling. But it isn't working. It is not getting through the paint layer. I am looking at scraping the lower layers that are dry.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get through the paint? I have thought about a paint stripper but reading the labels, it looks like the fumes are pretty toxic and require ventilation. My rooms are taped pretty well to prevent ventilation.

I am stuck and could use some advice. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Thanks,

Robert

[G. Morgan]

On 14 Nov 2004 00:56:31 -0800 "Robert" used 20 lines of text to write in newsgroup: alt.home.repair

Results 1 - 10 of about 1,230 for popcorn ceiling group:alt.home.repair

[m Ransley]

It is not asbestos, but drywall may be just as cheap

[G. Morgan]

On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 04:22:39 -0600 "m Ransley" used 2 lines of text to write in newsgroup: alt.home.repair

Why are you telling me that?

[Christian]

... replace the ceiling drywall.

C.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Why? It takes far less time and costs about nothing to scrape off the popcorn.

[m Ransley]

If it is painted you need remover, then you still have to skimcoat, sand. Also your taping could be damaged. People texture to hide damage

[Edwin Pawlowski]

My wife and I have removed about 1800 square feet of popcorn. No taping, no skim coat, no removers. Just water with a couple of drops of detergent, scrapers and sponges.

[m Ransley]

You are lucky Ed, if it has been painted it is a different story, a real big job having paint stripper over your head and eyes. the OP ceilings are painted, it will not just scrape off if painted.