Damaged plasterboard

kinsden

Hi all,

Just moved into this house wherein the stupid ex-owner had glued (yes..glued..not hanged!!) the mirror to the plasterboard wall. I, with the help of my wife, managed to break the mirror and got it off. Fortunately, it didn't leave any holes. However, in the process, it has taken the paper of the plasterboard off and now it shows off the brownish part.

And becaus its not too deep, I can't even fill it with filler and sand it!!!

I want to paint the wall, but I am sure it won't look good. What are my options for preparing the plaster for painting? If not, what are the options to put wallpaper on? I am frustrated and cursing myself for removing the mirror. I would appreciate any quick and detaild help (mind you, I am novice DIYer)

Thanks in advance.

sodamnfunky

Without seeing it, its difficult to give an idea, but you could try lining paper, and then either paint it, or wallpaper over the top

kinsden

Thanks sodamnfunky,

Wonder if you can explain this in detail? In the meantime, I will get a picture of the wall for you to see. Cheers

kinsden

Also, would I need any sealing or skimcoating etc. Hearing lot of these terminologies, but can't figure out what is what?!?

sodamnfunky

Well if I go to a job and the walls are in a really bad way, and they wont have it skimmed, I usually suggest that we put lining paper up. BUT it really depends on the state of the walls..Failing that you could give the whole wall a skim coat of plaster.

sodamnfunky

Skimcoating is a thin coat of finishing plaster. TBH if it was my place thats what I would have done.

kinsden

Right. So two options and two questions

1) if I go for lining paper option, do I have to put it on the whole wall, or just the part that's uneven? The mirror was almost running from ceiling to floor. And, will I have to apply anything to plasterboard wall before applying lining paper?

2) If I go for skimcoat, what does that entail? is it a 'ready to use' product available? what preparations are required on the wall for that?

Thanks, again, for your help!!!

sodamnfunky

If you go for lining paper, you will need to do the whole wall, as if you paint it, you will see the edge of the paper a mile away.

If you go for a skimcoat, you would be best to get a plasterer in to do it. If you did it yourself, you would need to pva the wall first (watered down) then mix the finishing plaster and apply. Trust me, plastering is an art. Which I cannot master. So IMO its best to get it done by a professional, or you can very easily mess it up.

madjay

your best bet is use jointing plaster where the paper has come off, is more finer than filler, lightly sand it down and then line it. ther is no need to full skim the wall with paster.

If you use fine sand paper on the lining paper joints they will not show when you paint them.

The whole idea of plaster board is so that you do not have to plaster, this is just a minor repair not a major which you are making out to be.

Wig

A photograph will get you the best advice.

kinsden

Alright guys.

Will wait till I get the pic uploaded. And then shoot questions!! I want to get as much info as possible for the job at hand before the weekend so that I can do that hands-on.

Sodamnfunky, I agree that a professional is a professional. But I cannot afford one right now. Just moved two months before and still haven't got my living room furniture .. LOL

Thanks a ton, guys !!