Steam Stripper Causes Plaster to Bubble

[JamesElstone]

HELP!
We moved into a 1970's house about six months ago and are in the process of redecorating the hall (downstairs at the moment).

While using a steam wallpaper stripper I found that the plaster was bubbling up; I was only hovering it over an area for about 5 - 10 seconds just enough for the paper to dampen.

The plaster skim coat is now "peeling" off in chunks, the base coat of plaster is intact but very dry and sandy. When brushed (lightly) with forefinger the sand dusts off.

The area effected is about 1.0m by 0.75m but other parts of the area also sound hollow when knocked, especially above lintels / door ways.

What is the best way to tackle this problem so this does not happen again e.g. long term solution? Is it best to strip back to thermal brick or just get a plaster to "patch" areas?

Is it safe (or wise) to continue stripping the painted lining paper with a steamer?

Have I bough a lemon....(?)

Thanks for your advice in advance.

James.

[Deluks]

JamesElstone wrote:

HELP! Have I bough a lemon....(?) Thanks for your advice in advance. James.

No you've bought a house where the wall wasn't properly prepared/plastered. The only thing to do is to remove anything that's lose and get the wall replastered by someone who knows what they're doing. A steamer can remove plaster if held on for too long, but 10 seconds is taking the p**s!