Lime render

[rss]

Greetings to all. I only found the forum this evening, but am already completely fascinated by the topics covered, and the knowledge of those offering their advice.

I'm about to take the plunge and exchange on an 1860s property. I've been somewhat misled by my experience of my current property, which was built in the 1850s, but which is, it turns out, a completely different proposition and no real introduction to owning a properly period house. All of the internal plasterwork in the current property is cement, which means that I've slapped on modern paint which has worked perfectly well. The internal surfaces in the prospective property are, by and large, lime. But they have been painted with oil based paint. The survey mentions that, when being redecorated, water based paints should be used.

I had assumed that, prior to moving in, I would simply touch up the existing paint, which would be a very short job. I'm now terrified that the job in hand will be a very considerable one indeed.

So, my first question is simply this: how easy is to to remove the oil based paint, so that I can use a more appropriate lime wash?

And secondly (which is the subject of a separate post), I had my heart set on recreating my favourite room in my existing property, which would involve papering one internal wall. Is wallpapering lime render necessarily a disaster?

Thank you for any advice you can offer!

 

[worms]

Rss, it takes a while for a first post on this site to clear the moderators and be posted, so your two posts are further down. the page than most regulars would venture. I just wanted to say 'hi' and bump this back to the top in the hope that someone with appropriate knowledge will see it and respond.

 

[Nigel Watts]

To remove oil based paint from lime plaster you should use a chemical paint stripper such as Klingstrip. It will be a messy job so you will need to cover the floor first.

You will need a large quantity, so it will be more economical to buy it in large tubs direct from a wholesaler, such as Strippers of Sudbury. They are very helpful and if you call them they can give free advice. They can also supply samples to test which chemical works best.

I had the paint stripped from the outside of my four storey semi detatched house, so stripping large areas is perfectly feasible. With interior spaces however you need to be careful not to create too much in the way of noxious fumes which some stripping chemicasl give off. Klingstrip is odourless.

 

[plasticpigeon]

If the paint is not peeling off or bubbling, it would suggest to me that there isn't a damp issue, which impermeable finishes can exacerbate. I'd have thought if there are no obvious problems then it can be left. Damp can get trapped behind cement keeping walls wet but not showing on the surface, but I don't think oil based paint would stick if there was wet behind. Is the paint old? If very old then perhaps it is lead based so be careful if you do strip it. I think if it is an old glossy finish it might be enamel.