Removing "cottage cheese" ceilings has become one of the most popular components of home improvement projects ranging from minor alterations up through major makeovers. It's almost unanimous; acoustic ceilings are out and virtually any other finish is in (smooth, textured, or wood).

The finish that is commonly referred to as "cottage cheese" is not a dairy product, but rather an acoustical ceiling treatment that was used widely in the 60's, 70's, and early 80's. While many builders continue to use it, its use is not nearly as popular as it once was.

We believe that the fact that the majority of the acoustic ceilings installed in this country prior to 1978 contained some level of asbestos has contributed to the popularity of these ceiling makeover projects. Notwithstanding the fact that most experts agree that even if the acoustical material does contain asbestos, it is best left alone (so long as the ceiling is in good condition and the material is not "friable" or flaky), many homeowners, because of what we call the "fear factor", insist upon its removal.

Before you proceed with the "de-cottage cheesing" of your ceiling, it is a must to have a small sampling of the suspect material tested for asbestos content. A quick call to your local or regional public health agency, Consumer Products Safety Commission, or Environmental Protection Agency is the place to start. These agencies have helpful consumer publications, which outline how to proceed in situations of this nature. They are also likely to suggest a list of licensed testing labs that you can contact to have the material tested for asbestos. There is no way that one can determine if the product contains asbestos with a naked eye examination.

If the material does contain asbestos and you opt for its removal, most states require that the material be removed by a licensed or certified abatement contractor who employs very sophisticated methods to protect the home and environment. Furthermore, the material must be disposed of in accordance with very strict government regulations. Professional abatement can be very expensive because of the liability involved with this kind of work. If the material does not contain asbestos, then scraping the ceiling may be something that you might consider trying. Start by dampening the ceiling with water. You can apply the water with a garden sprayer. Be careful not to apply too much water or you could cause the drywall tape to delaminate.

Once the ceiling is sufficiently damp, you'll find that the acoustic material will scrape right off with very little effort. Use a drywall taping knife that has a blade between eight and twelve inches to scrape with. After all of the acoustic material has been removed and the ceiling has had time to dry (a day or so), repairs can be made and the new finish can be applied. Typically, any imperfections in the drywall are repaired with drywall joint compound and the surface is skimmed for a smooth finish, or a texture is applied which will help to disguise any irregularities that may remain.

Now, if this sounds like the kind of home improvement project that might tickle your fancy then we suggest that you give it a try. If on the other hand the only type of cottage cheese that you are willing to deal with is the edible type then we suggest that you consider employing a professional drywall contractor who will know just what to do.