Painting onto old plaster General decorating topics, questions and answers. find help, tips and advice on completing your decorating projects

[jamieb]

I have just stripped wallpaper that has been in place for about 6 years and am wanting just to paint the bare walls. The walls are in fair cindition but I want to ensure a good finish. Is there anything in particular I need to consider before I start?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[chris_on_tour2002]

firstly ensure that all wallpaper adhesive is removed. give them a light 'denibbing' sand all over then apply a watered down matt emulsion to seal, 60% paint to 40% water. allow to dry then go ahead and paint as normal.

[jamieb]

Thanks for this. Instead of watered down paint I've already bought some PVA. Will that be ok?

Thanks again.

[chris_on_tour2002]

probably not. the glue will cause the paint to crack once dry.

however you can add a very small dollop of pva to the water prior to mixing with paint to dilute. i find this works very well.

[yeratit1]

My girlfriend want to paint directly onto the walls in our spare room, however it had 3 layers of wallpaper on it since the 60's once removed the plaster below is in fair condition with on major damage. Is there something I can do to prepare the wall and smooth it out so I can get a good finish or do I need to call the plasterer in?

[TheDoctor5]

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[rigga]

yeratit1, You can remove all old paste by washing down all walls using clean water and scotch bright (square pieces of scourers) to remove stubborn paste. Be careful with light switches and sockets when using any water to wash down with. Then use any brand of good quality vinyl matt emulsion as a finish, if using vinyl silk use vinyl matt as a first coat. these walls should not be hot afer all these years so no need to thin the first coat.