DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Both of the ceilings in my lounge and adjoining dining room appear to have distemper. (The house was built in 1912).
Is it possible to apply a stabilising solution and then wallpaper over the distemper ceiling or do I have to remove as much of the distemper first?

Distemper is chalk mixed with glue and water. The problem with it is that if it gets wet it tends to come away from the surface it is on. This means, if you paint or wallpaper over it, all your hard work could peel straight back off again.

To remove distemper, brush away any loose material on the surface and wash the area well with sugar soap or a detergent solution. Water with a small amount of wallpaper stripper can also work well.

You ae correct paint the surface with a stabilising primer soluion to bind any remaining distemper to the surface.

Cheers