so, i pulled down the paneling, peeled off the old tin tiles,

[mopinko]

now the question is-
do i have to get rid of this old mastic in order to put a on a drywall veneer?

a lot of it is loose and or crispy. it is not a whole lot of square feet, about 100 out of about 150 sq ft overall. but i would really like it to be a couple days work.

do i have a prayer?

[Warpy]

1. Most people just say screw it and rip it all down to the studs and then install new drywall

You can certainly try, though. It's going to be dirty work, but a rubber mallet and wide scraper might make it a bit easier. Don't forget the mask and ear plugs.

[mopinko]

4. i despise ripping out my plaster.

really, really rather add a layer. have done so several times here.
but it is harder to get/find a contractor to repair rather than rip out.
why give up the soundproofing, insulation, and stir up all that dust. that is the part i totally object to.
and sure would not get done in 2 days.

[Warpy]

8. Understood

which is why I suggested the tools.

Once you get done with chipping it off with the scraper and mallet, see how regular/irregular it is and that whatever is still on there will be there in perpetuity.

If it's not too bumpy, you can get away with installing something over it.

[mopinko]

9. i would prolly heat gun it.

rather be sticky than dusty.
torch, even.

[Chaco Dundee]

2. go all the way to the studs.

Anything less will open a can of worms.

[Sherman A1]

3. Agreed

it will serve you better in the long run and most likely you will end up doing it anyway.

[mopinko]

6. at my age

the long run is not so much a concern. tho i am tackling this because i am trying to get it all done before i get too old.

[mopinko]

5. thing is

this stuff has been here forever. it really hasnt caused any trouble so far.

[marble falls]

7. If it doesn't need replacing, don't replace. You can get the drywall replaced for less than $500....

We're freshing up our bathrooms, too. And we're fixing a lot of worms falling from the can as we go. I've hired an electrician and a plasterer to texture the walls.

Some things I used to do I now find I have no problem paying someone else to do right.

[mopinko]

10. it isnt drywall. its plaster and lath.

a little chinky, but mostly sound.
and a whole lot more of a pain in the ass to remove than drywall. hence.....

[marble falls]

11. Get a guy to fix the chinks and skim coat it. Thats pretty reasonably cheap. Still a pain....

but affordable. My guys patching and skimming both of my bathrooms for $400. I'll paint and take down the popcorn on the ceiling.

[amerikat]

12. Just drywall right over the old stuff.

I've done it plenty of times. Avoids all the mess and disposal of the old stuff.