Rough Walls - How to smooth?

talkingduck

I have a mixture of lath and plaster and plaster board walls which have been skimmed. They've all been touched up which has left a not so even surface. I'm really struggling as to what is the best way forward from here to try and make them smooth before painting and then wallpapering.

I have been looking at products like Polycell Smoothover (http://www.polycell.co.uk/products/polycell_smoothover_your_textured_walls.jsp) but it has mixed reviews. This could be down to how people prepare their walls first.

I've done some plastering in the house, I've used some bonding stuff to repair major damage. I don't think I would be able to skim everything myself and the cost of getting someone in is probably beyond my budget.

I do understand my walls will never be flat because of the lath and plaster work. Really I am just after any tips or advice to produce the best result possible.

Thanks

UncleZen

I've had very good results with polycell smooth over, the only downside was the dust created when rubbing down. Some people say get a better applicator, but I managed with the supplied one just fine.

Leif

I tried Polycell Smoothover and thought it vile and expensive. PolyXXXX products are a bit naff in my opinion. Buy some Easifill, it is used by builders and plasterers and with good reason. It is excellent for filling holes, and pores in plaster. I'm not sure it could be used to smooth very uneven walls, simply because it would be very hard work. Ridges are easily sanded away, and steps can be smoothed.

fluffymuffy

Have you considered Anaglypta Wallrock KV600 ?
http://www.coveryourwall.co.uk/wallrock-kv600-thermal-liner-insulation.html
It's a good insulant but will also cover the lumps.

talkingduck

I hadn't considered anything like Wallrock before, it's an interesting idea although on the expensive side. Do you know if the cheaper thinner stuff is any good, the noise stuff is added bonus, which might be enough to make me fork out for it, at least on the shared walls.

keystone

Pics please.

Cheers

talkingduck

Not the greatest quality, I've been using my phone to take pictures.

Leif

Oh dear, it's a photo of the thing from the John Carpenter horror film. Any chance of a better picture?

talkingduck

Lol.

Hopefully a little better.