Uneven layers of paint after wallpaper removal

santiagobravo

Hi All,

Ive just spent a few days removing wallpaper using a steamer machine. The paper came off very easily, however in some large areas it took off the original paint that was behind the paper. So i have large patches where i can see the wall board and other areas where the paint has stayed on. If i just paint over this then i will get a two layered affect which i dont really want.

I have drilled down my options to:

1. Skimming - never done this before. Can this be easily done? Im pro-DIY so wouldnt have a problem trying it.

2. Taking off the existing paint - sounds like a mammoth job and don't think the steamer would take the paint off at all. Is there an easy way to remove paint? There is only one layer that would need to be removed in this case.

3. Using polycell - I dont think its suitable for large surfaces. I have heard their wall covering solution is not good.

Basically, id like a smooth wall for painting. Any tips or advice is much appreciated

Cheers

S.

mazza111

I think skimming is your only option. Attempted this myself and made an 4rse of it tho, so ended up paying someone to do it for me

wallbash

What about option 5

Put up lining paper and paint.

Skimming . I would never put off someone DIY but I could not get a good result.

littlerose12345

I have the same problem in our box room.. we were planning on using lining paper but i wonder if sanding the edges of the uneven bits a bit would work? Not sure what kind of finish it would give though.

santiagobravo

im leaning towards skimming the "patches" and sanding it to make it even. the difference is about 2-3 mm so a thin layer might do it.

i dont want to put up any paper at all, even lining paper

fto

The steamer will take off the rest of the paint, but it be hard work & take a few days.Some decoraters use joint filler to patch up walls like this, because its easy to apply & sands really easy.I would not attempt to skim the wall yourself,Its not a easy job.

wallbash

littlerose12345

but i wonder if sanding the edges of the uneven bits a bit

Sand and a quick coat , not going to take a lot of time or money .see result ?

I wish you both luck , but in my case my paperhanging skill far outways attempting
skimming or getting a good result just by sanding.

jamesdrew

Just get a thick good grade lining paper and past the walls horizontally, this will smooth out any uneven textures in the wall and give a professional look prior to painting. I'm no expert but it worked for me and is very easy. Good luck . . .

santiagobravo

its a large area - would joint filler be suitable? I was considering skimming as its about 1/3 of the wall that need to be done

Plasterer

santiagobravo wrote: »

Hi All,

Ive just spent a few days removing wallpaper using a steamer machine. The paper came off very easily, however in some large areas it took off the original paint that was behind the paper. So i have large patches where i can see the wall board and other areas where the paint has stayed on. If i just paint over this then i will get a two layered affect which i dont really want.

I have drilled down my options to:

1. Skimming - never done this before. Can this be easily done? Im pro-DIY so wouldnt have a problem trying it.

2. Taking off the existing paint - sounds like a mammoth job and don't think the steamer would take the paint off at all. Is there an easy way to remove paint? There is only one layer that would need to be removed in this case.

3. Using polycell - I dont think its suitable for large surfaces. I have heard their wall covering solution is not good.

Basically, id like a smooth wall for painting. Any tips or advice is much appreciated

Cheers

S.

Pay a plasterer, plastering looks easy (that is because plasterers make it look easy) Takes a long time to perfect. I posted on your other thread should cost no more than £200 all in.

David_Norris

Three options
Heavy Lining Paper - Easy and OK Finish
Sand it all down - Laborious and Good Finish
Plaster Skim - Perfect Finish

Filler is not suitable, skimming a small area can be done by a DIYer, but the larger the area the harder it becomes.