How to identify layers of paper and plaster on a wall

t45

Hello,

I have removed the white wallpaper and the brown backing paper (is this what it is called?) from my wall as i want to have it re-plastered. After removing these layers I have come across a purple/greyish thick paper like - do you know what this is? Is it a form of plaster?

It can be easily removed from the wall – there is no adhesive....it come soff in big squares/strips, unlike wallpaper which I had to steam and scrape for many hours......

Is it a good idea to re-plaster old walls and if so what should I be looking out for? Is there a particular way these walls should be treated. A few of the walls are old but there is one plasterboard wall too.

One of the original walls has a chimney breast on, which having removed the paper and backing paper (brown paper) that was covering it (I think this paper had been on the walls for well of 15-20 years!!!), i am now able to see some very fine cracks. Should these be treated before commencing work?

I am really trying to work our what this blue-grey stuff is so that i can decide whether or not to remove it – as said it can be removed so easily from the wall.

In terms of preparing for re-plaster and I guess some skimming and filling, what should i do?

If a wall is re-skimmed, does everything need to come off so you get down to the bare plaster?
I am very new to this so any advice in terms of what i should do, to prepare the walls for professional work would be most appreciated.

Incidentally, the room is not big but I have no idea of costings and how i go about sourcing a plasterer.

The property is a period conversion and there is a vaulted ceiling and sloping walls etc – would this be easy to re-plaster?

Thank you

missprice

Is it a listed building?
Pics?
Can you post a decent picture of the mystery stuff.

Someone may come along and correct me, but if the plaster is that old, I think it all has to come off. Certainly in my new house all the 100 ish year old plaster is as you describe with tiny cracks. We have been told it all has to come off. Plasterboard will be put up then skimmed.

For info on cost, a large room with a bay window including ceiling will be £600 for plasterboard and skim. We have to take all the old plaster off to the brick on the walls and beams on ceiling. This includes a curved wall.