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Preparing Walls For Decoration

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Our Recommended Tools
[Wallpaper Stripper]
KX3300
Additional Tools
 

Why Prepare?

 

Think of home decoration and walls are a great place to start. With the right preparation and skills, anyone can decorate their walls cleverly, attractively and professionally.

Step-By-Step

What type of interior wall are you preparing? Brick or stone is the easiest surface to prepare. Wash down thoroughly to remove dirt and grease and sand lightly

Tip
If the plaster is new, efflorescence may form. Chemicals come through the plaster, creating a fluffy white substance on the surface. Wipe clean and keep wiping clean until it stops. Depending on room temperature, this could be for a few weeks.
 

Plaster: Assess any damage to the plaster To deal with a crack in solid plaster, rake out loose material

Then mix an interior-grade cellulose filler to a stiff consistency

Tip
You can get pre-mixed fillers.

Dampen the crack and press in the filler To deal with a small crack in a lath and plaster wall, simply dip a ball of wet newspaper into plaster and fill the crack

Tip
Press in enough filler to sit above the level of the wall, then sand for a smooth consistent finish If there is a large gap between plaster and skirting board, bridge it with a roll of press-in-place butyl sealant.
 


To deal with a large crack in a lath and plaster wall, rake out any loose plaster, cut some fine, expanded-metal mesh to a size slightly larger than the hole Flatten the mesh against the laths and staple down Trowel on fresh plaster

 


To deal with a large crack or hole in a plasterboard wall, cut out the damaged board to the nearest joists or supports

Tip
Press in enough plaster to sit above the level of the wall, then sand for a smooth finish.
 

Cut and fit a new board, using galvanised plasterboard nails Spread finish plaster over the board Before putting anything on a plaster surface, use a stiff-bristle brush to remove flaky material Treat with a general purpose primer if the wall looks patchy Apply a stabilising solution if required

 


Wallpaper:

To strip wallpaper, use a sponge to soak the paper with warm water and washing-up liquid (or with stripping powder or liquid)

Tip
A Black & Decker® steam wallpaper stripper will do the job more quickly. Once the paper is stripped, wash with water and a little detergent.

 

Make sure you dry strip around light switches and other electrical sockets Leave to dry, repeat, then leave for a further 15-20 minutes before stripping the paper Starting at the seams, use a wide metal scraper to lift paper

 

Check plaster for any flaws and treat accordingly

Tip!
Use a standard houseplant sprayer for awkward spots.