Posted by steve on March 08, 2000 at 16:35:36:
…but if does contain asbestos, and you scrape it and dump it, you may find yourself explaining to a judge about your discharge of hazardous waste.
Removing it isn’t really the tricky part - disposing of it (legally) is. Most HW contractors won’t do the disposal if they didn’t do the removal, because they won’t be able to vouch for what it is.
How do you repair a “fuzzy ceiling?” - Posted by ND(ID)
Posted by ND(ID) on March 07, 2000 at 20:30:47:
I’ve looked at a 3 unit building that has that fuzzy stuff blown on the ceilings. The ceilings are dirty plus in one kitchen there’s an obvious crack between a couple of pieces of whatever that fuzzy stuff was blown onto. I’m concerned that the only thing to be done now is replace the ceilings. Have you had any experience with this “fuzzy stuff?”
Thanx–Angels on your body:)
Re: How do you repair a “fuzzy ceiling?” - Posted by DavidV
Posted by DavidV on March 09, 2000 at 23:46:52:
If you only have to repair small parts of the ceiling you may want to try mixing the popcorn material (there are different sizes) and sponging it on. The hoppers to spray it on can make a heck of a mess. Make sure to prime any patches before applying this it helps it stick better. I’ve also found mixing in a little ceiling paint ( maybe about 1/20th or so of the amount you mix) makes the application stronger because of the latex.
Re: How do you repair a “fuzzy ceiling?” - Posted by steve
Posted by steve on March 08, 2000 at 16:41:03:
Instead of scraping it, consider painting it. You can either spray it, or try using a long-napped roller. It’ll take a LOT of paint, but I’ve had success with the roller method. Then again, if the coating wasn’t applied properly, it just might fall off.
Re: How do you repair a “fuzzy ceiling?” - Posted by Sally
Posted by Sally on March 08, 2000 at 11:09:34:
Be careful that the ‘popcorn’ is not an asbestos containing substance. My current residence was built in 1972 and has ‘popcorn’ over 3100 sqare feet AND covering the garage ceiling! I wanted the smooth look and had several contractors come and give me quotes. 2 of them took samples and said it contained asbestos and that the removal would start at $6000 (if the ceiling needed patching etc. it would cost more). The removal of asbestos ceilings is tricky and should only be done by certified specialists. If you try to do it yourself and disturb the ceiling without taking proper precautions, you could be endangering your family or tenants through the asbestos fibers that are invisible and when in the lungs can cause asbestosis (a lung disease).
You can scrape it off easily… - Posted by Bob-MD
Posted by Bob-MD on March 08, 2000 at 08:10:05:
If it is a popcorn ceiling and has not been painted since the popcorn was blown on, it can be easily scraped off with a wide drywall knife and the area that is damaged can be repaired. The popcorn can then be blown up again or the ceiling can be left flat. Since the ceiling was popcorned, it may be hiding some imperfections that will show after the popcorn is scraped off so you may want to repopcorn it. It is an easy job and requires a special hopper (available at Home Depot) and an air compressor.
Bob
Re: How do you repair a “fuzzy ceiling?” - Posted by Laure
Posted by Laure on March 07, 2000 at 22:37:56:
YOu need to spot check your ceiling before painting. I have popcorn ceilings in two of my rentals which are STYROFOAM balls sprayed on. When painting, the popcorn started falling from the ceiling. The houses were built in the 70’s. These ceilings must be spray painted. I had to hire a pro to come in and respray most of the house. It was a sight ! The ceiling was falling off as fast as we painted it ! LOL
Laure 
Re: How do you repair a “fuzzy ceiling?” - Posted by Joe_AZ
Posted by Joe_AZ on March 07, 2000 at 20:48:02:
I think your talking about a “popcorn” ceiling. You can repair the cracks in the drywall,primer and paint the ceiling. Any Home Depot or home improvment center will also sell all of the tools and materials needed to do the job, but if you are unsure about you skills or the conditions which caused the stains, such as: leaky exterior roofing or improper drywall installation then call up three contractors and ask if they do free estimates. Pick their brains for as much information as you can. Also get some estimates on what it will cost to repair the ceiling, etc.
Best of Luck