Brass Ceiling Help? (Full Version)

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msprudence -> Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 6:57:39 PM)

I made an amazing discovery today.  I thought my tiny Victorian Era adobe cottage had tin ceilings. Turns out that under many layers of paint (various types- the only truly unifying theme is that they are mostly hideous), they are BRASS ceiling tiles.  I'm a coward who doesn't want to take them down, because I just don't want to face what's underneath there or 90 years of dust and...  But I would love to get the paint off, and get to the brass underneath.

I'm fairly certain that at least one or more of the paint layers involves lead.  I'd also bet money that all of these layers were done by former tenants- which means that the grooves have more paint than the outer edges.  They are decorative panels with designs.

Any suggestions on how to get to the brass? Preferrably in away that doesn't break my back, my budget, or take forever? 



Owner59 -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 7:11:40 PM)

 
Wow that`s a lot to deal with.

I`ll give you the "if it were mine"advice.

Make a decision on restoring the brass or not.

If not,you can sheet rock right over it and forget about it.

If it`s unique and one of a kind and not un-reparable,you can remove the paints safely with Zip-strip paste or a similar product.

One small section at a time,lots of protective covering to contain the mess and don`t plan a quick job.

But if you`re patient,the pay off will be worth it.

Once the muck is off,reclean it with solvent and rags from one side to the other.

Then clear coat it with clear lacquer.



msprudence -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 7:30:48 PM)

When you say "not quick" are you talking hours or days?  They are small rooms and it's a small house- but still.  And can I spray it on the ceiling?  (I love that it's in an aerosol can!)

If I don't get down to the brass, I'll do what everyone else has done- buff away the odd edges and paint over it- which looks like a painted tin tile ceiling. (Even painted it's really pretty.)

Thanks!



TheHeretic -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 7:37:45 PM)

          I'm going with O59 (without even asking for a link) when he says don't plan on a quick job.  

      You'll need to cover the rest of the room in plastic sheeting, build a scaffold with a work area big enough to lie flat.  The chemicals you'll be working with are only "safe" in that they dissolve paint slightly faster than skin.  It will be hot work, made more uncomfortable by the safety gear.  Scraping the goo out of those grooves with toothpicks would really suck.

      I say, recruit some subs and go for it!  A brass ceiling?  How cool is that?



Owner59 -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 8:33:58 PM)

 

I`ve dealt w/ tin ceilings old and new.

I love them even though they suck to install.

Never heard of brass before.That`s really cool,if it`s real.

Test a tiny spot with some fine sand paper to determine if it`s real solid brass or a brassy finish added on top of tin.

If it`s real and not fucked up by previous work or damage,I would restore it.

As to time,lol,I won`t say.You may have a knack for stripping or fall into an efficient grove and move quickly.

Or you may suffer and shlog though it at a snail`s pace.

I`ve seen paint literally fall off using Zipstrip.If there is a coat of shellac under the paint coats,it will peal off with little effort,after the paste has done it`s work.

It might take a weekend or two.Maybe more.

But that`s what makes it worth it.Easy things aren`t as satisfying,IMO.I`d rather build a stone wall than build a wooden fence,but that`s me.

tips:

Use a rolling scaffold,you can rent one with locking wheels that will height adjust.You don`t need to lay flat.Sitting(on a 5 gal.Spackle bucket or short stool) is best,with the work ahead of you,not directly over you.

Use the paste with a brush,1 square foot at a time.Try wooden or plastic tools to scrape with. Lots of rags.You can buy a bag of rags at the Home Depot/Lowse.

A box near by to toss them in along with the paint/paste gunk, helps.

Again,don`t rush or fret.Use eye protection,the paste is a mix of acid and wax.

Let the product work,don`t rush it.The acid needs a little time to work.You may need to do more than one application,depending.

Good luck.



msprudence -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 9:03:19 PM)

Brilliant!  Thank you! 



Vendaval -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 9:44:19 PM)

You have good suggestions already posted here, ms prudence.  I will add that you will need plenty of ventilation; opening the windows and doors, fans running, etc.  Check on getting a breathing mask for this project too and safety goggles for your eyes.   Do some research on protecting yourself from lead based paint while remodeling.

(grammar edit) 



Owner59 -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 9:49:55 PM)

Yes,yes and yes. Safety is no accident.[;)]





LookieNoNookie -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/19/2008 10:11:16 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: msprudence

I made an amazing discovery today.  I thought my tiny Victorian Era adobe cottage had tin ceilings. Turns out that under many layers of paint (various types- the only truly unifying theme is that they are mostly hideous), they are BRASS ceiling tiles.  I'm a coward who doesn't want to take them down, because I just don't want to face what's underneath there or 90 years of dust and...  But I would love to get the paint off, and get to the brass underneath.

I'm fairly certain that at least one or more of the paint layers involves lead.  I'd also bet money that all of these layers were done by former tenants- which means that the grooves have more paint than the outer edges.  They are decorative panels with designs.


Don't mix the lead with paint chips.



DesFIP -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/20/2008 5:51:41 AM)

I've never heard of brass used for ceilings. I think they actually are tin with a brass colored finish.



Thadius -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/20/2008 6:03:13 AM)

Tin, brass, and copper, were used for ceiling tiles. 

The advice above is excellent.  I would add one more quick note, if it is brass do not use anything with ammonia to clean the tiles.  Ammonia can cause cracks in the brass.

Sounds like a great find, and something that will reward you with a bit of elbow grease.



sirsholly -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/20/2008 6:07:22 AM)

We have brass ceiling tiles in one room. In our case we were lucky that there was only one layer of paint (perhaps two). The paint removal was done with a LIGHT application of heat. The tiles were taken down and, as expected the ceiling underneath was a mess. If you take the tiles down cover all the forced air vents with wet towels to prevent a houseful if dust.



msprudence -> RE: Brass Ceiling Help? (8/20/2008 7:51:01 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LookieNoNookie

Don't mix the lead with paint chips.



Lead Paint was probably one or more of the layers of paint that is on tiles on the ceiling.  How do I keep the lead of of the chips when it's already there?



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