Plaster, plaster

[Dux]

I’m pretty sure this is an easy question for you guys and gals, but my attempts to find an answer elsewhere have led me around in circles!

I have stripped the wallpaper from the bedroom of our 19th century terrace (1883, to be precise). I’m now down to a level of distemper, on top of crumbling plaster.

I guess my first question is: what type of plaster do I currently have? It contains hair – is that enough to go on?!

The plaster is in pretty bad condition, a lot of it feels hollow, and plenty has come off altogether (I’m down to the lintel of the window, for example). The room comprises of three internal walls and one external. In some patches (in the filled-in fireplace, for example), there’s a much newer plaster (gypsum?)

So my second question is: what plaster should be used for re-plastering? Lime perhaps? Or can I get away with the ‘modern’ equivalent?

I’m pretty sure there’s an obvious solution, but I’m inclined to do things the ‘right’ way if possible.

Thanks!

 

[Nemesis]

The stuff with hair is lime.You may be able to stick it back on the wall, consolidate, and patch repair what is there.
If having to renew - more of the same!

(I'd unfill the fireplace too and get rid of the modern gypsum...)

 

[Dux]

Cheers for your advice.

I'd unfill the fireplace too and get rid of the modern gypsum

Out of interest, why is this? If the room was to be replastered using modern plaster, what are likely to the be the negative effects?

I guess I'm just trying to understand why lime plaster is the way to go.

Confusing stuff, plaster..,

 

[Penners]

why is this?

Lime plaster has the ability to allow damp within the wall to be dispersed without detriment to itself. In a period property that may have an element of dampness, this is very advantageous and beneficial for the building.

Lime plaster also has much more flexibility than gypsum, allowing it to tolerate any slight movements in the building without cracking - even if it does sustain some minor cracks, these are able to heal themselves.

The only thing to remember is that you mustn't paint over lime plaster with a modern vinyl-type paint, as this will be detrimental to the breathability of the plaster. You need to use a breathable paint, such as limewash.

Incidentally, since Jimmy Saville stopped presenting Top of the Pops, the nomenclature "Guys and Gals" has been banned by Act of Parliament. :wink:

 

[Gervase]

What Penners just said, really, As it 'appens.

 

[Flyfisher]

Now then, now then . . . . click on this if you dare

 

[Penners]

I dared - how could I resist?

I'm now recovering with a large G&T.

 

[Flyfisher]

A very large G&T I would imagine . . . . frightening, isn't it :shock:

 

[chuckey]

Isn't it wonderful, I look at an article on old plaster and end up listening to the great Jimmy Saville. It does make me think that wparkes should really get out more.
Frank

 

[Lime]

Sometimes the benefit of not having broadband is difficult to describe.

However this is one such occurrence that proves dial-up has advantages after all.
Having clicked Flyfisher's link and was waiting for it to download I continued reading the increasingly worrying posts until I read chuckey's.
I cannot express my gratitude well enough for chuckey's timely warning of what I was about to be exposed to.
I immediately took emergency action by closing down the webpage downloading this item from some past nightmare best forgotten.

I am now recovering with a nice cup of tea and a piece of shortbread happy in the knowledge that my normally inadequate internet connection saved me from a fate worse than death.
Hows about that then.

 

[Dux]

Ok... if I can perhaps drag your attention back from Jimmy (instead of guys and gals, perhaps I should address you all as Ladies and Gentlemen?)...

Lime plaster has the ability to allow damp within the wall to be dispersed ... Lime plaster also has much more flexibility than gypsum

Fair enough, that sounds good. If I can find plasterer that works with lime, can I expect to pay a lot more in contrast to a gypsum plasterer?

you mustn't paint over lime plaster with a modern vinyl-type paint

I suspected this. If I go for limewash, how much trickier to apply than normal emulsion is it? Also, I thought I'd read somewhere that it remains 'chalky' even when dry, and that this can come off on clothes, etc., but perhaps that's only some kinds of limewash?

Hope you guys (and gals - sorry!) don't mind me picking your brains so much on this!

 

[Penners]

Hope you guys (and gals - sorry!) don't mind

Look - I'm not going to tell you again about that...

There are several forms of breathable paint that you could use. Have a look at this website, and click on the link for paints, etc.

 

[sidd]

Does anyone know of a clever way of getting non-breathing paint off whole walls?

 

[Penners]

Strippers of Sudbury have a product that they say will remove emulsion paint. Have a look here and click on emulsion paint in the right-hand column.

 

[sidd]

Many thanks. Unfortunately I can't possibly use them. I wouldn't have a house to remove paint from if my wife found "strippers" on my credit card statement... ;-)

 

[Penners]

I think they're very discrete. What's more, you can order a sample!! :shock:

 

[Nemesis]

I think they're very discrete. What's more, you can order a sample!! :shock:

Tut - what would Mr P Edant have to say Penners?

Or perhaps in this instance discretion may be the better part etc! ;-)

 

[stickybeak]

.

 

[Nemesis]

Why not DIY?

It's not actually too difficult and can be addictive.

The joy of plastering with lime is that it stays workable, unlike modern stuff, so mistakes can be rectified and skill levels are rapidly increased. In the case of reapair, many tradespeople would prefer to rip off and redo, whereas doing it yourself you can conserve and repair what already exists.