Distemper under flaking ceiling paint?

[Adaptor]

In my new flat I had noticed flaking paint on the ceiling.

The general finish of the outer paint surface was slightly rippled

The ceiling paint comes away really easily in large pieces with a scraper (very theraputic)

The rippling seems to be the powdery layer underneath the outer paint layer. I wonder if it became rippled when the paint was applied and the powdery surface redistributed itself while it was wet?

The underneath layer is grey-white. It scrapes relatively easily into powder, revealing the plaster surface underneath seems to be lovely and smooth

Likely to be distemper?

What would PVA look like?

Thanks for any help

 

[Nige F]

Very likely to be distemper PVA is best left on the shelves @ DIY sheds Look @ it there if you must .

 

[JohnD]

how old is the house?

 

[Adaptor]

Early victorian

Flats converted at time not known

 

[JohnD]

Early victorian

Distemper it is then

Unless the ceilings have been replastered.

Scrape off a bit and test it. It will dissolve in hot water but not in cold. If you wet it you will get an unpleasant smell of boiled up dead horse's hooves.