Damp above bay window

[Aurelio]

Hi,

I have areas of damp above our bay window which I believe is caused in part due to cracks and damp on the exterior of the bay. I am currently awaiting quotes for the repair of the bay, but I am wondering how to deal with and redecorate the area included in the photos below. What is the best option, do I get a decorator to do this? I have been told it is gypsum and it won't dry out so presumably it needs to be scraped back and repainted in a breathable paint? Could someone advise on the best course of action please and with what type of paint etc. Would a decorator or builder do this?

I know I need to deal with the bay itself but i also want to tackle the interior as it seems to be getting worse. Thanks in advance.

Thanks

 

[fernicarry]

Snap!!

Have a dig at it and see how solid it is. If its coming off in lumps as mine is then you'll need a plasterer to make good first. Ideally in lime but gypsum isn't terrible. I think its the vinyl paint that did for mine rather than the gypsum and yours looks very similar. If its reasonably intact then you may get away with a decorator scraping off the paint and using a repair filler. Some of those claim to be breathable.

Best to use a breathable paint to refinish. I'll be using F&B estate emulsion when I get round to mine. Other paints are available.

Did the cornice get wet as well? Not sure how to deal with that tbh. You might be able to sand out the imperfections but they are made of pretty soft stuff so go carefully. I've used decorator's caulk to fill small cracks. Worst case there are companies that will make reproductions of sections of cornice by taking an impression.