White marks from walls (Don't seem to be waterproof). General decorating topics, questions and answers. find help, tips and advice on completing your decorating projects

[richard102]

I thought I'd help out my girlfriend by converting a large cupboard inside the front door into a coat-cupboard - so I put up a rail. But damp coats keep getting white marks off the walls. I tried washing the walls - lots of white came off - but it didn't help. The walls are white, matt, and I think plasterboard.

I asked in Wicks and they pointed me to (I think) plasterboard sealant, but I didn't want to spend £35 for a big bucket of the stuff. So I bought a small tub of PVA instead. Was this right? If yes how do I use it? Or should I just be pragmatic and buy paint?

thanks

richard

[rosebery]

Is it paint or is it efflorescence?

If the former repaint with one that is a) washable and b) not chalky. Use a vinyl matte paint.

If the latter no plaster sealer won't do and neither will PVA. Brush (don't wash 'cos that will only make it worse) it all off and then paint with an anti-akaline primer. Allow to cure and overdecorate.

Cheers

[richard102]

Don't really know about 'efflorescence'. After googling I think its a salty deposit left when cement dries. If so, then I don't think I have that (did I mention that I didn't need a drill and rawlplugs to put up the rail - just selftapping screws and my electric screwdriver).

[rosebery]

Also get it with plaster salts when plaster damp / wet.

Can you take a pic, host it on imageshack or photobucket and copy the link back here?

Cheers

[richard102]

Difficult to photo, just a uniformly white matt wall. BTW there's original fitted carpet in the bottom - so I'm sure there's never been a dampness issue (also is smells dry).

I think I should repaint.