How to repaint peeling ceiling?

[Sands61]

Hi, I’ve just been told that my laundry and toilet ceilings are asbestos (built in 1973). I got a quote to remove and replace but ceilings in my lounge and bedrooms are peeling/flaking badly. It was suggested that they should be replaced, apparently they were not sealed when they were replaced in 2023. Based on the quote for the toilet ceiling replacement it seems that it will be extremely expensive to replace the four flaking ceilings. Would it be possible to somehow remove all the existing paint and repaint it with a sealer or primer to prevent it happening again? I have no eaves, would this contribute to the mould on one ceiling?

[EricL]

Hello @Sands61 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about asbestos.

I don't recommend removing asbestos paint yourself; I highly recommend hiring a licensed asbestos removal specialist because disturbing it can release dangerous fibres that pose a serious health risk. The removal of asbestos paint should only be handled by a professional who has the proper training, equipment, and procedures for safe removal, containment, and disposal. 

I'm sorry that I can't provide you with more information, but in the interest of health and safety its best to leave this process to the professionals. In regards to the mould in your ceiling it's possible that there is a leak that has accumulated on the surface of your ceiling board causing mould to develop.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Sands61]

I’m sorry, that was very badly worded, I’ll try again! The toilet ceiling is asbestos but the other ceilings are not. I’m having the asbestos removed by a contractor and it will be replaced with gyprock. The ceilings in the photos are gyprock but apparently they were not sealed after installation and are starting to peel/flake badly. They are the ones that need work. I hope that makes better sense. 
Rather than spend money I don’t really have, how difficult is it to remove all the paint from the ceiling rather than replacing all the ceilings? 
Apologies for the confusion, I hope my question now makes more sense.

[EricL]

Hello @Sands61 

Thank you for the clarification. On the condition that the other parts of your ceiling are asbestos free then scrapping the peeling paint should not be an issue. However, there is more of an underlying cause for the paint to peel off other than the possibility that the surface was not covered with a primer. You mentioned that you have a mould infestation, the possible causes are trapped moisture in the house or room. Water has settled on the other side of the gyprock and caused the paint to peel off.

I propose having your roof cavity investigated for leaks and water pooling. If there are leaks, then this will need to be addressed first and repaired. However, if the roof proves to be sound and leak free then the next conclusion will be to determine if a primer was used on the ceiling. If not, then you'll need to remove all of the current paint and start again. 

I propose looking at Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat 4L as primer for your roof. For the top coat, I suggest looking at the Dulux 4L White Ceiling Paint.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: (2) How To Paint a Ceiling 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric