Preliminary work has to be done before removing a painted tin ceiling. If the tin ceiling was painted before 1978 chances are it has lead in it. This requires special precautions be taken before the removal begins. Special disposal procedures must be followed afterward. Have a paint chip tested to determine lead is present. After instituting proper precautions, the mechanics of removing a tin ceiling are not complicated.
Instructions
1. Take a paint sample to a lead testing lab and have it tested. If lead is present, seal the work area with 6-mil plastic. Purchase and wear a high-efficiency particulate air respirator (HEPA). Wear protective clothing and safety goggles.
2. Turn off the electrical power to any ceiling light fixtures. Remove light fixtures.
3. Set up a ladder along one wall where the ceiling meets the side wall. Climb up the ladder with a small cat's paw crow bar and pry the cornice and molding away. Try not to drop the debris as lead paint chips can splinter off and scatter upon hitting the floor.
4. Look for 1-by-2 inch wood strips that the rolled tin ceiling is nailed to. This is the traditional way antique tin ceilings were installed.
5. Push the straight end of a long crowbar in between the tin and the ceiling. Pry or pop the rolled tin away from the 1-by-2 inch boards.
6. Repeat Step 2 and Step 5 until the all the rolled tin ceiling is removed.
7. Continue wearing the HEPA mask. Carefully roll up the tin and place it in disposal containers.
8. Vacuum up all paint chips using a HEPA vacuum.
9. Take down and dispose with everything else along with protective clothing and the HEPA filter from the vacuum and whatever was sucked into the vacuum during cleanup of the site.
10. Locate your community's collection site for disposing of "household hazardous waste" debris and drop off all .
Tags: 1-by-2 inch, 6-mil plastic, hazardous waste, lead present, light fixtures, , protective clothing