NIK'S IDIOT QUESTION OF THE DAY

ok, we're getting ready to paint the bedroom in the new house.

we've peeled off the ocky textured wallpaper and found a layer of lining paper underneath. this was in poor condition, so now we're peeling that off too.

here's where my query comes in:

the wall underneath the lining paper is quite unlike walls i've known in the states -- it appears to be unplastered. it's the colour of wet sand and indeed feels like sandstone.

now, surely i can't just paint over this. i need some sort of primer or dreaded lining paper, right?

me = clueless

Some plaster is a dark red colour!!  If it feels rough like sandstone then you may well have to use lining paper - plaster in good condition should feel smooth and glassy.

Are you able to get the lining paper all off?  That would be very good news.  Are the walls smooth enough; few gouges?  More good news if so.

If the walls are in decent condition, you could just prime and paint.  You'll probably need a few coats of primer.  It may not be glass-smooth, but that can be a good look.

If you have bits where the paper won't come off, lots of gouges, or if the walls are crumbly-dry... you'll want to re-finish the whole thing.  You'll have a few options.  The most traditional will be to re-plaster.  If you want perfection, call a pro. 

If available here... I re-finished crumbly, damaged  walls by sealing with a kind of PVA.  The type that remains sticky forever.  On top of that, I mixed up a product made of dead plankton.  It mixed into a thick, papier mache-like porridge.  I put it on the walls thickly with a flexible trowel... and all the gouges were filled.  It dries quickly, and comes in a few colours.  It can be painted.  Not a solution if you're going for a very smooth look... and not sure what it's called in English.  Easier than re-plastering, imo.

Maybe a plaster-master will chime in and tell us how easy it is, though!  Small bits I can do, whole walls... not so good.

yep, the lining paper is coming off really quite easily. we're just wetting it with a sponge & it's peeling right away.

plastering is not really an option. we need to get this done within the next 10 days or so before the new carpeting arrives. guess we're stuck with a new layer of lining paper, huh?

Some may disagree, but I wouldn't replace the lining paper.  I'd seal the walls with PVA, prime and paint. 

Some may disagree, but I wouldn't replace the lining paper.  I'd seal the walls with PVA, prime and paint. 

me too!

the lining paper is brittle & is coming off in big chunks with the wallpaper.

That's good!  Your walls were most likely sealed before they put it up.

(Now our house, grr... we can't get the lining paper off at all.)

That's good!  Your walls were most likely sealed before they put it up.

(Now our house, grr... we can't get the lining paper off at all.)

really? well, that's good to know!