[rods2lug]

I went to paint a ceiling in a 100 year old house with latex ceiling paint. As I rolled the ceiling the existing paint bubbled and came off onto the roller. I ended up peeling the paint off in sheets down to the plaster.

I have painted 2 other ceilings in the same house without this problem.

Suggestions of cure or product to use.

 

[jsheridan]

Welcome Rod, It's not uncommon. What's happened is that the initial coat, 100 years old, is releasing its bond with the ceiling. It probably looked fine prior as the tension of all the coats have held it to the ceiling, but the pressure of the roller pulls it away. The cure is to remove all the failed layers, which may be up to the whole ceiling. The easiest way is to get a thin flexible six inch spackle blade and come in almost parallel to the ceiling, getting underneath the layers. Most of it should come off with no problem. Put some sheet plastic down to catch the debris and just ball it up for the trash when done. Whatever is left can be feathered out with spackle. Prime the whole ceiling with and oil/latex bonding primer and finish. Have fun.

 

[rods2lug]

Thanks for your reply.

Talking to the paint dept.at the local hardware store who then called a local painter says the problem is with the calcimine (mik paint) paint. The suggestion is to scrap all the old paint off similar to your suggestion . However they also suggest scrubbing the entire area with TSP and a stiff bristle brush then rinse with clean water. Then prime with BIN 1-2-3 primer and then paint.

I'm cheating. Going to overlay 3/8 dry wall, tape and finish then prime and paint. I don't have the time to do the other since this is a vacation home 7 hrs. from my primary residence.

 

[Gymschu]

I like the drywall overlay idea. Who knows if there's lead in the paint that was on there or asbestos in the old plaster. Your method would be less messy although Joe is right about the process needed if you were to go that route.

 

[jsheridan]

I like that idea better as well. Much cleaner and certain to solve the problem. Have fun.

 

[rods2lug]

Every once in awhile lazy pays-off.

It was either drywall of ceiling tiles. Drywall is way more affordable.