I'm part way through rescuing a bedroom from the damage inflicted on it in the 1970s, when they had covered all the old lime plaster walls with gypsum and slapped a textured paint finish on top. I have done this in other rooms and the gypsum usually comes away reasonably well and the lime plaster can then be repaired, where it exists. This room is a bit different in that the plaster wall above the fireplace has initials and a date inscribed it that were partly obscured ("IS:1702" - see picture) under the 70's coating. I have been removing the coating with steam and the inscription is becoming clearer. However, it does raise a number of questions:
1) How much should I attempt to clean it up? It is quite painstaking work with a steamer and a wooden scraper, but I don't want to damage the plaster work.
2) You can see that there is a bit of damage above the "7", which had been repaired with gypsum plaster. There may be other areas like this. What is the best method of repair? Should I try and not remove the existing gypsum from these areas?
3) What is the red pigment? I am assuming it may have lead in it and am using rubber gloves.
4) Once cleaned up, what is the best way of finishing it - I would like it to show up, but want to limit any damage (including by those who may come after). The rest of the walls will probably be finished in clay paint.
Any ideas or comments gratefully received.
Here is the picture
1) How much should I attempt to clean it up? It is quite painstaking work with a steamer and a wooden scraper, but I don't want to damage the plaster work.
2) You can see that there is a bit of damage above the "7", which had been repaired with gypsum plaster. There may be other areas like this. What is the best method of repair? Should I try and not remove the existing gypsum from these areas?
3) What is the red pigment? I am assuming it may have lead in it and am using rubber gloves.
4) Once cleaned up, what is the best way of finishing it - I would like it to show up, but want to limit any damage (including by those who may come after). The rest of the walls will probably be finished in clay paint.
Any ideas or comments gratefully received.
Here is the picture
