Decorating advice needed

Jimmy_Boy

Jeepers_Creepers said:

You are being too much of a perfectionist, wanting these walls completely flat and level. These tiny variations will not be seen, and really aren't an issue, I don't believe.

Can I ask - who did the painting? If a pro, then they should be called back to sort it. It wasn't done properly. They made a mistake.

For skimming, the first thing the plasterer would do is to get rid of the rest of that paint, because the new wet skim will almost certainly lift it - along with the new skim. They might try and seal and prime it first - ending up with, say, BlueGrit - but I personally would not be happy knowing that the new skim was being held on by a weak layer of paint.

Imagine a leak from a rad in an upstairs room, with the water coming down that wall. Normally not a problem - let it dry and redecorate. In this case, tho', there'd be an added risk.

No harm if calling in a couple of plasterers and asking their advice, and for quotes. But listen carefully to what they plan - and make sure they know that the missing paint was virtually peeling off.

You posted while I was typing
I think I am a little OCD (Software engineer mindset, so things must be correct in order to function correctly ), but when looking at this with my own eyes and not the eyes of someone who is familiar with the processes, its hard to know where to draw the line between, bad, adequate, good, pefection etc

The painting was done by a 'professional'. I know I know, get them back etc... but to be honest im done with these 'professionals'. Recommended by friends, shown me pictures of his work etc... but this is the result. He was more interested in chatting up my neighbour than doing my work! lol This the second one ive had in too, burned by both... like to take money, cant manage time, work slow etc...

I did phone a friend about a plasterer to do the wall, but like I just stated in my previous quote im quite keen on this EasiFiller idea because ive lost faith in 'professionals' and getting let down, either by them not turning up, or turning up and doing a crap job.

benson1980

Agreed ready mixed filler is the way to go- so much easier. For small projects like this the extra cost is minimal. I use a small plasterers trowel (the rectangular type), and then a decent hand held sanding pad.
Don't rush between stages. I'd spend an hour of so with my trowel and ready mixed filler, going over the imperfections and transition areas. Next day do the sanding when it has all properly cured- you may have to go back over some areas. My main decorating mistakes have been down to trying to rush it all to get it done. Now I do a stage a day, spending a couple of hours each time- the finish I get now compared to some of my first diy decorating jobs, from just doing this and not rushing, making sure all is as smooth-a-finish as possible, is like night and day.
There is nothing in any of those photos that cannot be sorted with this method and takes the hassle out of dealing with tradespeople who as you say, may or may not do a good job.

stuart45

Looks like there was a fair bit of work done on the walls before judging by the left over bags.
The first one left to right is Knauf fill and finish. The difference is that you have to mix the powdered one yourself, and the working time is a lot less than with the ready mixed type.
Second one is rapid setting cement which is handy if you have a big hole in the wall like a missing brick. Often used when repairing a drain.
Others are one coat and Thistle plaster, which are a bit risky to use if they are old as you find they don't go off properly once on the wall. Can be tried on a small patch, but better using a filler as they are easier to sand. Most tradesmen dump old plaster.
Some odd job men mix a bit of plaster into a sand/cement mix to make it go off really quickly instead of using a proper fast setting cement, but the practice is frowned on as it can induce a sulphate attack.

Jimmy_Boy

Thanks very much for clarifying. Can I use the ready made EasiFiller for the other issues I show in the photo's ? I notice the is an EasiFiller finish (https://www.toolstation.com/gyproc-easifiller-finish-filler/p10793 ) and a multi-purpose (https://www.toolstation.com/gyproc-easifiller-ready-mixed-filler/p34950 ). The video linked showed EasiFiller finish, I assume this would be the one to go for ?
Thanks again.

stuart45

You might have to give the deeper parts a few coats. There are quite a few fillers on the market, but most are basically the same.
When taping and filling joints, the pro's often use a slightly different type as the filler as it has more body to it, and another finer type for the finish. However for someone like me the fill and finish in one mix is good enough.
The links you posted didn't come up for me BTW, but don't worry I know what you mean.

Jimmy_Boy

Thanks. Fixed the links.

neilmcl

Jimmy_Boy said:

Thanks very much for clarifying. Can I use the ready made EasiFiller for the other issues I show in the photo's ? I notice the is an EasiFiller finish (https://www.toolstation.com/gyproc-easifiller-finish-filler/p10793 ) and a multi-purpose (https://www.toolstation.com/gyproc-easifiller-ready-mixed-filler/p34950 ). The video linked showed EasiFiller finish, I assume this would be the one to go for ?
Thanks again.

They're both ready mixed finishing fillers, the standard Easyfiller is more of a general purpose filler whereas the Easyfiler Finish is more for skim finishing. You asked earlier regarding sanding down afterwards, I'd get a pack of sanding sponges either 120 or 220 grit, the trick is not to be heavy handed, just let the pad do the job.

Jimmy_Boy

So... ive managed to get on quite well (thanks again) and im now looking at the painting stage. But, as per usual im a little overwhelmed by the choice. Does anyone have any suggestions on brand / type of paint to look for. Im looking for white to be applied to the ceiling and 3 walls (the other wall is a 'feature' wall in grey). Ideally looking for something that will a) give a nice looking finish b) hide any imperfections that may be highlighted by the sun shining into the room.

Thanks so much in advance.

stuart45

I'd go for a trade matt emulsion, maybe Dulux.

benson1980

We went for trade Matt vinyl (Leyland). Happy with the finish.