Skimming or Lining Paper

KatieDee

wallbash wrote: »

I could but I think you are trying to run before you can walk.
Stick to walls.

Oh no, this isn't something I was going to attempt! Just wanted to know if it was possible, as the ceiling downstairs needs skimming but there's no point in wallpapering before that is done...unless you can wallpaper the ceiling, in which case it doesn't matter which way round it's done.

Thank you for your help, wallbash

wallbash

How often do you actually look at ceilings ? Mine all have a slight embossed paper. Skimmed ceilings have a tendency to crack and paper covers a multiple of sins.
Skimmed surfaces look great but you have to weigh the cost and paper is cheap!

Back to your OP , if walls are bad , check out crosshatching /lining.
Two layers of lining paper. AND always go for a heavy grade , thin paper is a mistake.

DRP

my ceilings are lined (previous owners did it).

Don't think I'd fancy doing it!

NICHOLAS_2

I used some white embossed wallpaper on a the stairs and painted it because i couldn't be bothered with plastering or re patching where cracks were appearing. Once painted cream to be honest it just looks like textured skim.

In my bedroom i am gonna have it skimmed and had to knock off a load of old plaster and repatch because it had cracked and made a big lump in the wall.

This property will e rented out so not worth getting that nice otherwise i'd get it skimmed because ultimately it looks a but nicer.

DRP

yep, pros of skim:
fantastic finish

cons:
Preparation and skim time
cost
skimming makes a hell of a mess

AlexMac

KatieDee wrote: »

Perfect, thank you so much for all your advice!

Can you line a ceiling as well, or is it better to plaster those?

Actually, if you're up for it, there is a weird satisfaction in papering a ceiling... assuming you get it right, which you probably will after the first couple of bits peel off and drape over your head!

Set up a safe, stable platform to work from ; ideally a scaffold plank on boxes or similar so you can easily reach the celing while walking the full lenghth of the room, and then, move it across easily to apply the next lenghth. And rig up something to place the pasted, soaked, concertina-folded strip of paper on; like a big plasterer's 'float'; a flat board on a short pole (though I once bodged it with a broom!).

So having slapped it up at one end, you then just walk across the room on the plank, sticking and stretching it up as you go, with the same squeegee action (best IMHO with that broad bladed tool thingy) to eliminate bubbles and slip the paper sideways to align with the adjacent joint...

Strange the way some people like to have fun?

wallbash

Strange the way some people like to have fun?

I now get help from the wife ! She stands behind me , holding the folded paper. When I was younger it was MUCH easier.

But as posted get your platform correct.
I find milk crates are a good height for me. ( plus scaffolding planks)