Question from Beverly Shutes
Hi Debra,
The popcorn on my living room ceiling is cracked and falling down. I have found someone to repair the ceiling for me and they have stated that once the popcorn is scraped and removed, they coat the ceiling (which is poured concrete) with a product called Plaster-Weld. http://www.larsenproducts.com/plaster-weld-2.
They stated that it smells terrible for a couple of hours and request you leave, but then the smell goes away. It is necessary to bond the plaster to the concrete. After application, they skim coat, prime and paint (Benjamin Moore Natura no VOC paint).
The MDS for Plaster-Weld is here: http://www.larsenproducts.com/download/plasterweld_msds.pdf
I’m not sure of any alternatives, but I try to keep things as chemical free as possible for my baby and I. Do you have any thoughts on this product?
Debra’s Answer
The MSDS states that the health effects are minor irritation, but the product should be used in a well ventilated area.
My experience has been that many products have odors and offgas during application, and then when dry can be completely inert.
I agree you should leave while it’s being applied, but once it is dry, I don’t see a problem.
Readers, any experience with this product or alternatives to suggest?
I emailed the company to ask if there was any biocide and there response was “There is a small amount of food grade sodium benzoate .”
Although our building was building prior to 1979, I have been told by both our resident manager and the managing agent that testing has been done and asbestos is not contained in our popcorn ceilings, so no worries there.
FYI, sodium benzoate has very low toxicity and does not outgas, so while some people choose not to eat it, it isn’t a problem to breathe.
It would be wise to have the substance put on something that you could keep outside and check every few days to see if it has gassed out enough for you to tolerate.
If any of the “trade secrets” ingredients contain any type of biocide it will continue to outgas for years, whether or not it can be smelled. Although the company won’t divulge the name of a trade secret ingredient they may be willing to tell you whether or any type of biocide is an ingredient.
Depending on the age of the house, you may want to have it tested for asbestos first. Definitely test if house was built around 1979 or earlier. If asbestos is in the popcorn ceiling it would be prudent to have the ceiling replaced by a company specializing in that procedure rather than repaired.