- Q.I need to remove a metal
lath and plaster ceiling in a finished basement. The
existing partitions were installed after the ceiling,
and I want to disturb the finished walls as little as
possible. What tools and techniques should I use for
this demolition job?
A.Ron Webber, owner of
Prime Plastering in Irvine, Calif., responds:
In the center of the ceiling, where there is no
particular need to be fussy, you can beat out the
plaster fairly quickly. When you get to the edges,
use a large screwdriver or chisel to chip away the
plaster more carefully, so as not to damage the
adjacent surfaces. You want to leave a clean edge
in the corners, if possible. Where necessary, use
metal snips to cut the lath.