Our home used to be a rental house. THe bathrooms are generally ok, but the dry wall has a number of nail holes, abandonded molly bolts, and a funky orange peal texture.
I would like to coat the walls with a thin application of finishing mud, leaving the walls with a clean, smooth (plaster like) finish. Is it possible to do this? Will the mud all goop off? Will it last?
I don’t feel up to tearing all the drywall out and replacing it…it is in pretty good condition, the paper is good too…just the surface is tired.
Gracias-
Bill
Replies
A most common situation!
Not a drywall guy here, only a Remodeler.
Here goes;
Pole sand wall surfaces w/ 80 grit
Fill all holes, dents and imperfections
"Freeze" the walls. At least thats the term in my area. Hawk & trowell time, I use a 12" plaster trowell and "hard trowell" vertical strips ( leave 8" area between trowelled stips). By the time you complete the room, depending on conditions, you should be able to trowell the remaining 8" strips. Depending on your technique, skill, there should be minimal sanding. Pole sand w/ 100 grit and point up as required. Prime and paint.
NEW WALLS!
good luck!
"Never an expert, often a fool"
Dear gentlefoot-
Many thanks for your suggestions! My wife will be very happy with a new surface in the bathroom.
How deep would you make the "guide" layers of plaster?
Thanks Again!
Bill
Use a very "hard" towel, meaning a lot of pressure at a rather high angle.
You mentioned an "orange peel" texture, so your intent is to apply a minimum of mud, just skim the surface. Mix the mud slightly wetter than normal. The intent is to smooth over the orange peel and make the repairs ( filled holes) disappear.
Not all that difficult to do! Once you get started you will get the feel of it. Not much mud required, minimal please.
I'll add a good primer after sanding with #80, everything else the same as what Gentlefoot said.
Tom
I have often been called on to prepare a textured wall for paper . The same principle is standard in your case. My techniuge is different but providing the same results . Also sometimes wall paper has been ripped off taking the drywall paper with it .
12 inch knife and pan . You could use a 10 in a smaller room and it would be easier to handle. Get a feel for how much you should be leaving as no one can tell you that. Just get a feel for it as you make passes 8 inches apart. If it takes another coat to cover its no big deal , just will take a little longer . When the 10 or 12 inch strips are filled , simply fill in the 8 inch gaps with a 10 inch knife. I have heard of attching shims to the wall , but I have never felt it was necesary. If you do a rough job #60 grit sand paper will even it up . Usually #80 is what the doctor would prescribe . You can also dress the wall with mud after your done if its easier . If an enamel was used on the wall it will need a primer .
Tim Mooney