We have a popocrn ceiling and in one room, it has some damage so we have to fix it. We will get an asbestos test since the house was built in 1963, but have heard that to have certified pros come in and remove it would cost over $3000 for just one room, Since we can't afford this, I was wondering if it would be ok to have a contractor spray (non-asbestos) popcorn ceiling over it. This would encapsulate the fibers, wouldn't it? Please only answer if you're an expert-thanks!!!
I'm not an expert. Just so you know. However, I worked in the painting industry for years. Popcorn ceilings are messy to remove, but not that difficult. Go to your local paint store and buy a roll (not the little packets called drop cloths) of plastic film and a good quality masking tape (3M is the best). Mask with tape and plastic the entire room - turn it into a giant plastic bag. Spray the ceiling with water (it really doesn't take much - you can use a spritz bottle) and give it a chance to soak in. Spray it again and start peeling the popcorn off with a wide spatula. If you have asbestos, the water will keep the dust from getting into the air and into your lungs. The popcorn ceiling should just scrap right off. A little water, a little scraping - bare ceiling. Collect the mess into the plastic and put the whole thing in the trash. You can even do one room per weekend, if you want. Now you can do what you want with the ceiling - texture, spray with popcorn (why?, please tell me, why?), smooth plaster finish, whatever you like. It is a bit of work - but it is going to work better than trying to re-spray over your existing popcorn.
you home is 47 years old there is a very good chance that the stucco ceiling has been painted by now. if it hasn't then yes do what the fist answer says but if it has there is no way that you will be scraping it off and you wouldn't have too because it is all sealed up. if you are going to get it tested you may not have a choice on whether you are going to get professionals in or not your local government may tell you that you have too. good luck.
We have a home built in 1968 - asbestos positive cottage cheese/popcorn ceiling (as told by a neighbor) and guess what? I scraped the crap off myself (in every room in my house!) and I'm still alive. The biggest thing you have to worry about is airborn dust, so buy yourself a GOOD respirator, a pump sprayer and a couple of wallboard knives. Spray the ceiling with water in sections as you go, keep the popcorn wet as you scrape it off (onto a plastic dropcloth) to minimize the dust and get rid of it. It comes off so easy you'll hardly have any effort involved so for the love of God don't spray more of it back on - it's nothing but a nasty spider-web catcher invented by a lazy texturer. Once it's all scraped off you'll have to float the ceiling with joint compound and finish it - or call in a taper/texturer to do it for you. The cost will be minimal for one room. In my opinion the asbestos scare is mostly hype - asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in the dirt. If you're working around it and breathing it in everyday like the miners do, that's one thing - for the average homeowner it's no more a risk than lead-based paint is (I don't eat that either, btw) and miniscule compared to 2nd hand smoke and all the other dangers we are exposed to on a daily basis.
