Bad paint job- how can I repair it?

rainbow12

I have got BADLY painted walls (despite this being done by a so-called professional, but that's a whole other post!)
They had emulsioned the walls and it looks appalling - there are roller marks (where they clearly overloaded the roller and didnt clean it properly), splashes, bits of grit stuck in the paintwork, really thick brush marks where they cut in (again I think they didnt bother to use clean brushes, the marks look like a really crusty old paintbrush was used) and they have obviously dinged the walls, filled the dings and painted over it leaving smooth patches in amongst the stippled finish of the roller.

So I now need to redecorate properly! I think I probably have to sand it all and repaint but Im wondering if there is any specialist paint that could help smooth the walls out with. I dont want to use polycell smoothover and I dont want the walls plastered (they were freshly plastered immediately prior to painting).

Any suggestions on how to fix the mess? (I am looking at other actions to take against the contractor but would like to focus on suggestions / advice on making the walls look better right now).

Thanks

homecleaner

Sorry i have no answer to help but im in the same boat as you so will be watching this thread with interest.

SailorSam

Could you put a lining paper up, and paint that.

rainbow12

Hi Sam
I could put paper up but having spent a small fortune having the walls plastered so that I didnt have to have lining paper Im quite reluctant to do that.
Any other suggestions out there?

Leif

You could lightly sand the walls to smooth them out then repaint. I first used a Harris roller, and it shed hairs all over the wall. It was not fit for purpose. A light sanding removed the hairs. I found that microfibre roller sleeves give a very good finish. Store the roller in a plastic bag overnight to avoid washing.

keystone

rainbow12 wrote: »

I have got BADLY painted walls (despite this being done by a so-called professional, but that's a whole other post!)

Is this the same contractor with whom you were apparently very happy in June just after you'd moved in? ( CLICKY ) If so I'm guessing you must have paid them?

So I now need to redecorate properly!

Have you given them the opportunity to carry out any remedial work? You should - particularly if you intend to pursue them for financial recompense. If you don't you will weaken your case.

I think I probably have to sand it all and repaint but Im wondering if there is any specialist paint that could help smooth the walls out with. I dont want to use polycell smoothover and I dont want the walls plastered (they were freshly plastered immediately prior to painting).

If its just poor painting over fresh plaster then you can sand it back (lightly and gently until you get the surface you want - don't gauge with a power jobby) then overpaint. It will probably scrape off too because it clearly isn't that old.

Any suggestions on how to fix the mess?

Apart from the above a couple of pics would be useful.

Cheers

cyclonebri1

It needs sanding back, lining paper would be a very poor option imho

rainbow12

Thanks for the responses Leif and Cyclone (always very helpful). I think I'll just have to knuckle down and get on with it (I also went into a paint trade shop today who said the same thing about the sanding and the microfibe roller).

Keystone - Wow, you're clearly taking a very keen interest in my life / posts - I dont know if I should be flattered or scared! But thank you for the advice related to the question I asked.

jcb208

Use either a pole or hand sander and rub down until smooth and when you re paint make sure you thin the paint about 15% ,this will help it flow batter and prevent heavy roller stipple

rainbow12

Thanks jcb

keystone

rainbow12 wrote: »

Keystone - Wow, you're clearly taking a very keen interest in my life / posts - I dont know if I should be flattered or scared!

No not really I just remembered your previous posting. It wasn't difficult to find it. It pinged in my brain because in the space of a few weeks you've seemingly gone from being delighted with what this guy did to being very critical. But you really should give him the chance to get it right within a timescale decided by you - say two weeks from your letter. Otherwise - well I've already said it.

But thank you for the advice related to the question I asked.

Au plaisir - even if I couldn't spell gouge at the time.

Cheers