American tin ceilings were used before the advent of drywall to add detail to a ceiling. If the tin ceiling is in disrepair or just looks bad, you can take it down. Tin ceilings can consist of individual panels that are attached to the ceiling or rolls of various lengths. However, taking down a tin ceiling can be a messy process and proper preparation is needed before starting the project.
Instructions
1. Move the furniture in the room to another location, if possible. If you can't move everything out of the room, drape drop cloths over the items in the room. Lay tarps or sheets down to cover the floor under the ceiling.
2. Set the ladder in the place where you plan to start on the ceiling, such as a corner or next to a wall.
3. Place the pry bar in-between the ornamental cornice and the wall. Pry on the cornice to separate it from the wall and ceiling. Continue this process down the length of the wall. Repeat this step for the cornice at the top of each wall.
4. Examine the edge of the tin ceiling. You may have a rolled tin ceiling or separate tin panels that have been attached to the ceiling.
5. Find the nails or staples that were used to secure the tin to the ceiling. Pup out the nails or staples using the cat's claw and hammer. Position the cat's claw on the edge of the nail and hit it with the hammer.
6. Remove the nails or staples along the edge of the tin ceiling the entire length of the wall. Pull on the tin to separate it from the ceiling. If the tin does not come off the ceiling, you will need to remove another set of nails or staples.
7. Stack the tin ceiling tiles in a pile or roll up a length of tin as it comes off the ceiling.
Tags: nails staples, attached ceiling, edge ceiling, length wall, panels that, separate from, were used