Replies

1. 
   friendlyguy | Jun 18, 2002 06:38pm | #1

   Skim coating works well, but major stains will probably bleed through, and need to be sealed with primer. I've also used interior stucco with success - but future refinishing commits you to oil based paint.  A good paint helps stabilize plaster, especially in older houses, where it can otherwise be a crumbly surface. I like a textured surface on plaster, it gives character to the wall, and gives ambience that you just don't get with drywall. I've never seen unfinished plaster walls as deliberate decor, usually rough coats are grey and bleak looking. In this area, older homes were commonly papered on top of the scratch coat. There are a lot of different options for restoring older plaster walls depending on what they need, and the taste of the owner. Good luck!

1. 
   ahneedhelp | Jun 18, 2002 06:44pm | #2

   Homebody -

   Thanks so much for your reply.

   Your comments is helping me go with painting over the plaster.

   I will still need to patch the cracks, most of the long runs in the ceiling.

   And it will require a primer coat.

   Are there special requirements for priming over raw plaster before the final coat of paint ?

   Alan

1. 
   friendlyguy | Jun 18, 2002 07:08pm | #3

   Yes, raw plaster needs its own primer, something constituted for alkali resistence. The experts say wait at least 30 days, 90 days is better, but I have used primers within a few days. Have a knowledgable person at a good interior supply place sell you what you need - someone who services the pros. good luck. 

2. 
   JerraldHayes | Jun 18, 2002 07:40pm | #4

   If you do decide to skim coat you old plaster surface you should recall prepare(prime)

   the old surface with PlasterWeld.

   We use it all the time with great success.I might spot prime the real bad stains

   (like rust maybe?) with something like Kilz

   first but for the most part I can't ever recall having any stain bleed through

   PlasterWeld and the final skim coat.

   ---

   

   "Do not go where the path may lead, go

   instead where there is no path and

   leave a trail."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. 
   ahneedhelp | Jun 18, 2002 08:16pm | #5

   Thank you, Jerrald.

   Went to the plaster weld site.

   It says...."Plaster-Weld¯ can be used over paints having oil, rubber or vinyl bases, and over silicone-treated surfaces, as well as latex paints."

   This means at a later date I can smooth over the scratch coat after it has been painted. Not that I'll do it, but it would be nice to know the latex wall paint will not pose a problem.

   Presently the finish is a sand texture that has never been painted.

   The kitchen and baths have smooth finish that has been painted.

   Thanks for the reply,

   Alan

1. 
   JerraldHayes | Jun 18, 2002 09:50pm | #6

   Yup, we use PlasterWeld in situations where we are mating a new plaster wall to an older one that is generally already painted.

   "Do not go where the path may lead, go

   instead where there is no path and

   leave a trail."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. 
   ahneedhelp | Jun 18, 2002 10:36pm | #7

   Excellent - I do appreciate tipping me on PlasterWeld.

   Plastering is not a commonly practiced trade in our area in southwest Virginia.

   I have a friend who had to coax one out of semi-retirement to do a job.

   Thanks again for sharing information,

   Alan