Replies

1. 
   Scott | Jul 20, 2012 02:00pm | #1

   Other than a good we/dry vac, I don't know of any sort of tool.

   But there are some pretty nifty temporary dust barrier systems out there, made of plastic sheets with adhesive edges. Some have zippered entry points. Think about how you might be able to contain the work area.

2. 
   calvin | Jul 20, 2012 05:26pm | #2

   Bill

   First, study and perhaps take the course offered by representatives (trained) of the EPA.  The name of the program-RRP.

   If any lead paint in this area is a possibility, the proper technique is important.

   A HEPA vac that meets the standards set by the EPA (and not just a "hepa" filter stuck on a shop vac) should be used and there are several to choose from.   I have a Festool vac that I often use in tool dust containment as well as clean up.  In addition, their tools are set up quite well to trap the dust and deliver it to the hose.  

   Tool turned on, vac comes on-runs a few seconds after the tool is turned off.

   Fein is another, there are also good quality lesser known companies that's expertise has come from the Asbestos containment/cleanup.

   Rockwell makes a good sander/vac combo (not sure it's HEPA rating) that makes finishing drywall a much cleaner operation. 

   Festool, recently introduced a drywall sander-might check it but I'm betting the price might be in your "break the bank" limits.

   They have an articulated head, extension tubes, remote switching etc.   Large discs in varying coarseness.

   How would this work-

   Skim the "stucco" you got, lightly sand that (still using max containment) by hand with the vac close.  Time spent would be minimal depending on your level of finish.

   Add on instead of take off.  Might be your answer to more work, less cost.   Also, might not get into the paint behind the project.

   Best of luck.

3. 
   florida | Jul 20, 2012 08:15pm | #3

   If you have to sand it I'd look on ebay for a Porter Cable Drywall Sander with dust Collector

   http://www.portercable.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11616

   They work amazingly well. Or, thin some drywall compound to roller consistancy, roll it on annd strike it off with a Texmaster Magic Trowel. Very simple to use and does a nice leveling job. make sure you wipe the blade after every use with a wet rag.

   http://www.amazon.com/TEXMASTER-8819-MAGIC-TROWEL-KIT/dp/B0011T45WS

1. 
   [email protected] | Jul 20, 2012 09:28pm | #4

   Seconded.

   The PC drywall sander is great.  Hook it up to a good shop vac with a drywall bag, and a cleanstream goretex filter, and no dust escapes. 

   I have one that I ended up with as collateral for a $200 dollar payday loan I made a drywaller on one of my jobs.  I used to loan money to the guys who got drunk on Saturday night and blew their pay check, (really easy to do in Vegas).  I always gave them what the pawn shop would to buy their tool.  If they showed up the next Saturday, after they cashed their check, I'd sell it back for what I paid for it.  If they didn't it was mine. 

   I have used mine for doing walls, and it works great.  I have also used it to sand floors, with a gimballed head, and grits ranging from 40 to 220, it does a better job than many of the floor sanders. 

   Before you buy one check the rental places.  The HomeDesperate rental places used to have them, I haven't checked in years to see if they still do. 

4. 
   k1c | Jul 21, 2012 06:00pm | #5

   That post on lead paint is important.  Get a quality lead test kit.  Research in amazon.

   It is one wall, just 2 stories.  I would scrape it.   Sanders are heavy, hard to control and not dustless as claimed.  Large part of dustless work with this sander is experience.  Paint will also clog the sand paper.  You may go through a lot of sand paper.  No matter the tool, getting fairly level wall to finish by the diy is difficult.

   Use cheapest tarp, tape and rosin paper to seal the area and furniture, not just the stairs, and keep kids and pets out.  Use square fan in the window to exhaust and create negative air pressure in the area.

   If you have sheetrock under the stucco, and you damage most of the paper facing on the sheetrock, repair may be difficult.  You may be looking at somehow removing all of little lumps of paper, reinforcing the face with mesh screen, leveling the face, sanding, then finishing with paint.  Maybe easier removing that wall and putting in new sheetrock.

   You can also learn to like the rustic look, hang some picture or screen over the wall.  Change the lighting so shadows are not pronounced.  In my previous house, we used to hang all family photos over the staircase wall.

    

5. 
   HobokenHam | Jul 24, 2012 08:26am | #6

   Many thanks

   Thanks to all of you who took the time to make many, thoughtful suggestions. I will check out the course from the EPA and look into the PC sander. 

   Thanks again

   Bill