The floor plan calls it a bedroom. We call it “the office.” A few years ago, a storm tore some shingles off the roof. Some of the rain that followed leaked in and stained the ceiling. We’ve been going to “fix” that for some time. It was one of those jobs that one does when there is a bit of time to do it. (All the ceilings upstairs have that “cottage cheese” finish, which we dislike a lot and planned to remove.)
The room hosts two computer desks, two small filing units, two bookcases, a small stand, shredder and waste basket. That’s not counting all the office supplies, papers, books, CDs, DVDs, etc. that accumulate in and around a work area.
After last year’s mild winter, spring came early and was unusually hot. The outlook was for a hot summer, and that’s exactly what we had. With help from Sylvia, I moved our computer stuff to the basement. We’ve enjoyed the cool of that location through the late spring and summer.
Now that the weather is starting to cool, it is time to migrate back upstairs. First, we needed to prep and paint the ceiling. While Sylvia was visiting her father on Tuesday, I began hiding some things in the closet and stowing other in the living room. Then I put desks on one side and brought in the step ladder.
Wednesday mid-morning, Sylvia put down tarps and feedbags to protect the floor and ceiling. I helped her gather tools and get ready. After she shooed me off to the basement, she went to work. First she applied water to the ceiling. Then using a broad wall knife, she scraped off the “cottage cheese.” The results were great and should only require a light touch of sandpaper before painting.
The office ceiling after Sylvia attacked it.
Unfortunately, there was a casualty in the process of moving furniture. 🙁
My computer desk “fell apart” as we were moving it.
I’m going to have to fix that desk before I can move back into the room. Oh well . . . At least there wasn’t anything fragile on it at that time.
I’m going to quit now and go pour another cup of that rich Honduran coffee from Mid-West Coffee Company. Oh, and then I’m going to drink it. Wouldn’t you? 😉
You really did it! You are obviously much better at getting around to projects than I am. Glad it was that easy. Actually, I’m surprised.
That’s Sylvia, or as a lot of folks who know her well call her, the Energizer Bunny. 😀 We’ve had previous experience doing spot work on ceilings in this house. Sylvia had done her homework and had her plan well thought out. :up: And, to tell the truth, I was a bit surprised at how well it went.
Go Sylvia!! I remember talking to her about that project when we were there. Been there, done that. It’s not as hard as you think it would be…although it is a bit messy. It looks GREAT!
After doing our ceilings, we now say “Smooth ceilings are underrated.” They truly are.
Sorry about the desk. 🙁
Sylvia says, “Thanks Lin.” 😀 That and, “Yes, it certainly was messy.” We both think it will look much better when it has been painted.
I liked the configuration, but never did like the construction of that desk. :no: The problem is going to be finding a suitable replacement.
Textured ceiling, gone; computer safe and unbroken; cuppa Joe. What a life. Having a cup at the moment myself!
The coffee was just what I needed. :up: And speaking about that, you know more about where it came from than I do. Thanks! 🙂
Oh my!
The publicist says she hates that textured stuff too. That is why she made the poor male person sheetrock the inside of the yurt even though he had never done it before. He did an amazing job – the walls are very smooth. But he says he is never doing it again.
The sole purpose of a textured finish is to hide flaws. It also catches and holds dust, but that is only an ancillary benefit not part of the basic purpose. :2c:
Great post! Sorry about your desk. I’m old enough to remember when desks were once made of solid wood…. I own one — a schoolteacher’s desk — that was used in the 1940s. That thing is still in incredible shape.
I’d be very interested to know how you fix your computer desk, as we own a few of those, too. :S
Have a good day.
Thanks. I went to fix the desk today and it finished falling apart. :down: I have a steel desk, but doubt that I can move it. 🙁 I’ll look for another alternative. :frustrated: