Framework and nails showing through plasterboard & paint

GRC · 24 Dec 2004

Moved in to our place 3 years back, and the whole house, though 5 years old, was still decorated in builder's original magnolia.

We re-painted some rooms; in one of them, we've noticed recently that the wood framework behind the plasterboard, and the nails securing the plasterboard to the frame are showing as a dark 'shadow' through both layers of paint. We can spot where virtually all of the framework is from within the room - no need for an ultrasonic stud detector, we can spot them with the naked eye.

House is brick-built. The wall showing this syndrome is an external wall, but the only room showing it is on the first floor; the matching room on the second floor doesn't show anything.

Any ideas what could be causing this?

Regards, Graham

masona · 25 Dec 2004

GRC said:
We re-painted some rooms; in one of them, we've noticed recently that the wood framework behind the plasterboard, and the nails securing the plasterboard to the frame are showing as a dark 'shadow' through both layers of paint.

Is it like a rusty colour ?

JerryD · 26 Dec 2004

If this is an outside wall then this is most likely caused by cold bridging. I've noticed on drawings we get nowadays, that there is more and more requirement for 25mm Cellotex over the timberwork of external framing (in addition to between the timbers) and also to the ceilings of flat roof timbers, all to be fixed on the inside and to go over the timber.

This means the plasterboard is at the same temperature all over, rather than having cold spots where the timbers are. When I queried the need for this the architect said it was to stop staining of the interior decoration. Apparantly the cold bridging affects the decorations and discolours it slightly, enough to show the pattern of the timbers.

This sounds like your problem GRC although this doesn't explain why it is showing only in one particular room (assuming the construction is the same throughout).

Antwerpman · 27 Dec 2004

could also be that they just used plasterboard and skimmed the joints and any screw/nail heads rather than plastering the whole lot.

I have this on one of my walls and in certain sunlight it stands out a mile as you can see the ridges where the joints were skimmed

GRC · 27 Dec 2004

Thank You chaps; suppose it could only affect one room if the builders ran out of cellotex that day, and didn't bother with it .....

but it sounds as though problem can be effectively cured by redecoration....

Regards, Graham

masona · 27 Dec 2004

I was thinking a possibility they run out of galvanized nails or plasterboards screws so they use normal nails or screws which is prone to rust. The only way is to dig it out and treat the head with rust protection paint maybe.

GRC · 27 Dec 2004

If I dig the nails out I'll be replacing them with drywall screws, I reckon - the house is littered with places where the nails they've used seem to have expanded and are standing proud of the surrounding plasterboard

Regards, Graham

masona · 28 Dec 2004

If you do use a claw hammer or pincher, remember to use a thin plywood or wood to lever onto to protect the plasterboards from claw dent.

jbonding · 4 Feb 2005

sounds like the nails have popped due to the nail head pearsing the paper on the board just screw some drywall screws next to the nails into the stud above or below then hammer home the nail and fill.

chappers · 4 Feb 2005

As Jerry says could be cold bridging and if it is its probably just stopping the plaster drying out quite as quickly as the rest of the board.
It will probably go away by itsself and as you said another couple of coats of paint will probably see you ok.

GRC · 11 Mar 2005

Took a while, but I got around to digging out the plasterboard around one of the dark nails; I'm glad to see there's no sign of corrosion, and it's still a nice shiny metallic finish.

I may dig out enough plasterboard to see if there is any cellotex installed - what does it look like?

Thought I'd share an image or two with you all; hope these show up OK in your browsers -

General view

Closer...

and Closer still ...

Regards, Graham

Murray Spence · 16 Jan 2022

Did you ever solve the problem

bluebaron · 23 Jan 2022

As it was 16 years ago the OP has probably moved house by now!

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Framework and nails showing through plasterboard & paint

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