Wallpaper + shelves

continualdiamond

I have 2 questions.

Number 1 - What should i do to remove mould from my plaster before painting it? i've just removed wallpaper from around my bedroom window. When i moved in it had come away from the wall and was damp. I've decided to remove the wallpaper only from around my window sil and then paint it.

So do i sand it all back or scrub the mould off and then sand it back. Im going to be boring and just paint it white.

Number 2 - Can you paint shelves? As in chipboard, you know the cheap shelves you buy from argos, that look like wood but aren't. Bought some yesterday and put them up in my bedroom, but think i would like to paint them black, also looking to paint my picture frame black.

Any tips?

misgrace

Mould tends to come back after a while, so they advise you to clean the area with bleach or by these mould products.
But, if you apply either a 'dulux alkaline primer sealer'around these areas, even the bits you have washed, leave to dry, then paint as normal.
This will stop the mould from bleeding through your paint, it will last a couple of years, but eventually the mould will come back unless you sort out what is causing the mould.

The sealer is very very expensive, and stinks to high heaven for days, but you could go for a cheapo version, and use some oilbased undercoat, but really whack it on, then paint as normal.

if your shelves are like the melamine ones, you can buy a product called 'ESP' from any DIY sheds, it comes in a scre top can, and is like water, the instructions are on the can, but basically you just put it on with a cloth, then wait 10 mins or so, and just slightly wipe it off.
There is no need for sanding, or getting a key, as this gives you the key, not sure how long you have to wait after you have wiped it off, I think its different times for oilbased and emulsion paint.

But I have used it quite a few times over the years and its excellent stuff, its not just for melamine either, but it will hold the paint.

Just make sure when you do paint your shelves, dont put anything on them for at least 3-5 days, as the paint has to cure.

ixwood

you need to find out what's causing the damp!