Polystyrene tiles

[Lucas01789]

Hi

I've been removing those horrible polystyrene ceiling tiles that used to be popular in the 60's and 70's from a couple of rooms at my parents house. It's not been too bad, but the glue which was used to put up the tiles still largely remains. Any advice on the best way to remove it?

 

[Tigercubrider]

Hot air gun- maybe hairdrier . Put down a sheet as it catches fire quickly if heated too long. Soften then scrape with a broad palette knife. Use ventilation

 

[KenGMac]

Lucas01789, good evening.

As Tigercubrider above, heat is best method BUT !!! is not safest idea, get well prepared before you start.

See below the link. PLEASE observe the cautionary notices on this clip !!!

Polystyrene tiles removal, easy quick tile glue removal - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECnrFMvrcio

Ken

 

[pilsbury]

I too have these wonderful things on the entire upstairs of my house. Only done one room upstairs so far, but I simply boarded over and skimmed.

I thought that whilst fashionable 50 years ago, they were most likely put up to cover the cracking lath and plaster ceiling. I suspected that if I tried to remove, apart from being an utter ball ache, the ceiling if it actually remained in place would be so poor it needed skimming again. That’s why I boarded over.

If you manage to remove the tiles and glue and end up with a paintable ceiling I’ll eat my hat.