Skim bathroom ceiling

andrewf75

Hi all,
I've removed the manky woodchip paper from my bathroom ceiling. It's a bit of a mess under there. Hopefully clear from the photo. Am I right that giving it a skim coat of multifinish plaster is the thing to do? Do I need to scrape any more of the old adhesive first? Do I need a coat of PVA first? And is it a feasible job for someone who has never plastered before? Doesn't need to be perfect. Any tips to make it as easy as possible much appreciated! 

-taff

Peronsally, although I am passable at DIY, I have never skimmed or attempted to skim a ceiling or a wall because I know I would do a rubbish job. Especially on a curved ceiling. If you think you can live with the results, have a go. If you think you're going to be annoyed by a less than perfect finish, don't do it. Plastering is a skilled job, not something an averge DIYer will make a good job of. There are loads of videos on YouTube to explain how...I haven't got anything else to say really apart from yes, scrape as much loose stuff off as you can.

FreeBear

If that paint is flaky, or there is any water based adhesive left, any skim coat of plaster will eventually fail. PVA is OK to stabilize a friable surface and to control "suction". Use a wire brush to get rid of as much loose stuff as possible. Don't worry about scratching the surface as it will provide a better key for the skim coat.

I've done bits of plastering, but won't "do" ceilings with gypsum.

TELLIT01

I would do as much prep work as possible and then get somebody in to do the work.  It will probably be a cheaper option in the long term.

pgott

use Feb grit not pva This is like pva but has sand in for adhesion

pgott

You also need to put scrim tape over any cracks

floppydisk1

Scrape as much of any loose or flaky stuff  as you can ( and possible more... ) also any loose cracks - rake out anything that is not firm, it does not matter if you scratch  or rip it- it will be plastered anyway. Then one coat of PVA , let it  fully dry, another coat of PVA and when that is dry or tacky scrim over and ready to plaster. You or a plasterer - I won't get into that debate as it's entirely up to you what costs or finish you want to achieve.

andrewf75

Thanks all. I think on reflection I'm not going to attempt to plaster it properly. However, after trawling around the internet I have come across some favourable reviews of this stuff
https://www.screwfix.com/p/make-good-mgprpln027-jointing-filling-ready-mixed-compound-white-5kg/144gp
I know Polyfilla ready mixed stuff has a terrible reputation, but it sounds like this stuff could give a passable finish. Anything to lose by giving it a go? 

Grenage

I always buy powdered filler, normally Toupret from Screwfix or the like.

That said, when you're filling very large areas then you are effectively skimming the surface anyway - and it's easier to just skim than it is to patch a hundred little areas.

floppydisk1

 Andrew , using that stuff on whole ceiling ( or hundreds of little cracks, nicks ) gives you worse finish compare to  plastering it with proper stuff and making a mess of it. Plus it covers ( according to what is say on the cover ) 3.5 m2 with 1mm thickness - to make wall / ceiling look good and even, you'd need more than 1mm across , bag of multi finish is about £ 6 - 7 and will be more than enough, even 10 kg bag of easy fill ( pretty much the same stuff as you about to buy but dry and needs mixing with water  ) cost about £ 10 and should be enough as it gives you more than twice the amount of the ready mixed filler. Looking at your ceiling - PVA and plaster, put  3 coats and that gives you time to get a decent finish.   Mix multifinish with 1 bucket of  cold clean water, spread 1 coat and go over with a trowel, ( as you won't be fast - by the time you lay it on and go over with trowel it will be ready for second coat )   don't worry if it does not look good, then lay on second coat and repeat trowelling, then 3d coat and after that keep going over with trowel every 15 minutes - whole are - every bit only once at a time , in 1.5 - 2 hrs you will have new ceiling, any small nicks and messed up bits can be sanded down and filled if needed. Your finish will be much better than trying to put filler over whole  ceiling....

andrewf75

Thanks floppydisk! That's making me think I might give it a go with proper plaster.