my ceiling has lining paper on it and there are damaged areas. I want to have it re plastered. Does all the paper need to come off and is it possible to have a nice finished look without bumps/

mari mcghee, June 2010

If you have a professional plasterer tell you that you can plaster on ANY type of wallpaper, ask them the leave.

This is not good practice and i assure you, it will not stay on for very long. The plaster will remain wet for aleast 8 hours, now imagine a steamer left on for eight hours with all the doors and windows closed, what effect will this have to the paper after all this time? It will de-bond taking anything with it.

So this is the best advice when dealing with any project.
The fastest way, is the longest way. If you cut corners don't expect much for your money.
Joe D.
www.simplybuildbetter.co.uk

Joe S Dybowski, November 2010

Hi Mari

Yes, the paper does need to be removed, then the whole ceiling sealed with diluted PVA solution before plastering.

Yes it will be as smooth as the baby's proverbial after plastering.

All of the infor can be found at www.buildingsheriff.com

Kind regards

Paul, The Building Sheriff

Paul, The Building Sheriff (www.buildingsheriff.com), September 2010

Dear Pecavvi, Your plasterer if he is any good will put PVA on top of the old paper, letting it go tacky until he uses plaster. If not, he'll take off paper to re-apply plaster as it would give a good smooth surface. It depends if paper is embossed ;or if ceiling is artexed. but your plasterer should know what do if artex is present. Most plasterers would rather use PVA (Glue) and go over the old paper to save cost to the client and save time too but if this is the case, he'll have to make sure it applies to applicable depth of plaster to cover existing paper and plaster.

Anthony Tovey, September 2010

Plastering is a bit of an art - a novice might get away with replastering a small piece inside a cupboard or behind a sideboard - but a whole ceiling needs the attention of an expert.

Get a couple of quotes - the tradesmen will examine what you have and give you their advice - if the existing finish is loose then it may be a big job - if sound and firm then somewhat quicker with a simple skim coat. You may save money by offering to do some of the preparatory work yourself.

Whatever happens it will be messy - all furniture removed and the carpet either covered or lifted - the walls will get splashed with flying plaster. The plasterer will build a false floor to work on about 30" high with planks and milk crates - he will not work with a ladder.

You may do well to ask around to find a semi-retired plasterer - his rates may be cheaper.

The plasterer will advise you on when and how to decorate the new finish.

Good luck...

Peccavi, July 2010